Description
These Blackberry Cream Cheese Bars are simply irresistible! Bursting with flavorful fresh blackberries and rich cream cheese, they make a perfect dessert for gatherings or a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Simple to prepare and delightful to taste, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (580 g) fresh blackberries, divided
- ½ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup (110 g) toasted pecans, finely chopped
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy cream
- 2 cups (220 g) confectioners' sugar
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there's overhang for easier removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of blackberries with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
- Set the blackberry mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter with chopped pecans and flour until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, whisk together heavy cream and confectioners' sugar in a separate bowl.
- Add the cream cheese to the whipped mixture and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Once the crust is baked, pour the cream cheese mixture over it evenly.
- Top with the reserved blackberry mixture.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Notes
For a sweeter taste, adjust the sugar in the blackberry mixture as desired.
Feel free to substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for a firmer texture before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg