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Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cream Bars


Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (60g) shelled pistachios, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Filling:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (60g) shelled pistachios, finely chopped

For the Cherry Topping:

  • 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For Garnish (optional):

  • Additional chopped pistachios
  • Fresh cherries
  • Whipped cream

Instructions:

Make the Crust:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, chopped pistachios, and sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Make the Cream Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Stir in the chopped pistachios. Spread the cream filling evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate while you prepare the cherry topping.

Make the Cherry Topping:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and let the topping cool completely.

Assemble the Bars:

  1. Spread the cooled cherry topping evenly over the cream filling.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the bars are fully set.

Serve:

  1. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares.
  2. Garnish with additional chopped pistachios, fresh cherries, or whipped cream if desired.


Tips:

  1. For a smoother cherry topping, you can strain the cooked mixture to remove any large cherry pieces.
  2. If fresh cherries are not available, you can use canned cherry pie filling as a shortcut.
  3. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  4. These Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cream Bars are a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Enjoy!