These blackberry pie bars feature a shortbread crust, a creamy, custard-like blackberry pie filling, and a crumb topping. A delicious alternative to blackberry pie!

Three blackberry pie bars cut into squares.

It’s crazy that with over ten years of recipes logged here, this is one of only three recipes that features blackberries as a main ingredient (there’s also baked brie with blackberry compote and a blackberry gin fizz float). Kind of astonishing, but as far as berries go, they fall in line behind blueberries and strawberries for me, and are on level playing field with raspberries.

Instead of throwing them into a traditional pie crust, I baked them up into these pie bars, which start with a shortbread crust, and feature a very creamy, almost custard-like filling in the center, underneath a crumb topping.

They are fan-freaking-tastic.

A big bowl of fresh blackberries!

I love those gorgeous, plump blackberries!

These blackberry pie bars are relatively easy to throw together, but you’ll need some patience before you slice into them… allowing them to sit for at least an hour gives them time to finish baking and for the creamy center time to set up appropriately (just like you would cheesecake!). You don’t need to refrigerate these if you’re going to serve them right away, but they’re also fabulous served chilled if you want to make them in advance.

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A pan of blackberry pie bars cut into squares.

 

If you’re not a big blackberry fan, you could definitely substitute another favorite berry in this recipe without an issue.

But! If you’re like me and always gravitate towards strawberries and blueberries, give blackberries a little love and make these blackberry pie bars. If you’re going to be celebrating Memorial Day (or planning ahead for 4th of July), maybe even a combination of blackberries and raspberries for a super festive presentation :)

Enjoy!

A straight-on look at blackberry pie bars!

Five years ago: Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Six years ago: Rhubarb-Pie Tartlets
Eight years ago: Greek Celebration Bread

Three blackberry pie bars cut into squares.

Blackberry Pie Bars

Yield: 24 bars
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Blackberry Pie Bars - A shortbread crust, a creamy, custard-like blackberry pie filling, and a crumb topping.
4.54 (32 ratings)
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping

  • 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 lemons, zested
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) salt
  • 1½ cups (340.5 g) unsalted butter, cubed and chilled

For the Blackberry Filling

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (230 ml) sour cream
  • ¾ cup (93.75 g) all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 6 cups (864 g) fresh blackberries, (30 ounces)

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter; set aside. (You can cut these bars right in the pan, but if you prefer to remove them from the pan before slicing, line the pan with parchment paper after greasing so you can use it to lift the bars out once cool.)
  • Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the lemon zest. Using your fingers, rub the zest into the sugar until all of the sugar has been moistened. Whisk in the flour and salt to combine. Add the butter and use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the dry mixture until the pieces of butter are no larger than the size of peas.
  • Measure out 1½ cups of the crumb mixture to use for the topping and put it in the refrigerator until needed. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Bake the crust until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Set on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
  • Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until thoroughly combined. Add the sugar, sour cream, flour, and salt, and whisk until the mixture is completely combined and smooth. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the blackberries. Pour the mixture evenly over the crust and use the spatula to ensure the filling mixture is evenly spread over the crust and the blackberries are sitting in a mostly single layer and not bunched up anywhere.
  • Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the filling. Bake until the top is lightly browned, about 50 to 60 minutes. Place the pan on a wire rack and cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Nutritional values are based on one bar
Calories: 332kcal, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 62mg, Sodium: 46mg, Potassium: 118mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 530IU, Vitamin C: 12.4mg, Calcium: 34mg, Iron: 1.3mg

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!

Author: Michelle Lettrich
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

This recipe was originally published on May 24, 2010.