Blackberry Pie Bars

One of my all time favorite desserts to make.  It's simple, easy, perfect any time of year, great for a large gathering, and just plain delicious.  This is a no fail recipe.

The hardest part actually is remembering to take the frozen blackberries out of the freezer in order to thaw them.  Seriously.

In a food processor combine the 3 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.  Pulse a couple of times.

Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients in the food processor.  Process until the mixture is crumbly and the butter pieces all quite small, but not completely pulverized.

 Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the flour mixture to use later.  Press the remaining flour mixture in the bottom of a well-greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 12-15 minutes.  Cool for at least 10 minutes.

While the base is baking, whisk together the eggs, 2 cups sugar, sour cream, 3/4 cup flour, pinch of salt, lemon zest, and almond extract till thoroughly combined.

Gently fold in the blackberries.

Spread the filling over the baked crust, then evenly sprinkle on the 1 1/2 cup flour mixture previously set aside.

Bake for 45-55 minutes.

Let's eat!



Blackberry Pie Bars

3 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups sugar
¼ tsp salt
1½ cups (3 sticks) butter, chilled
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
¾ cup flour
pinch salt
zest of ½ lemon
1 tsp almond extract
2 (16-oz) packages frozen blackberries, thawed and drained

1. To make the crust and topping, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. 2. Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to mix. Cut the butter into 1/2-inch cubes, and add to the flour mixture. Process until the butter is evenly distributed but the mixture is still crumbly, 30-60 seconds. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture to use as the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the pan, and bake 12-15 minutes. Cool for at least 10 minutes.
2. To make the filling, whisk the eggs in a large bowl, then add the sugar, sour cream, flour, salt, lemon zest, and almond extract. Gently fold in the berries and spoon the mixture over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining flour mixture evenly over the filling, and bake 45 to 55 minutes.

Adapted from Key Ingredient's Blackberry Pie Bars