Sweet blackberry pie filling meets a soft cookie base and tart lemon glaze in this easy blackberry pie squares recipe.
Why this recipe works
These blackberry pie squares can be made any time of the year because they call for pie filling, rather than fresh-picked berries. They’re easy to put together, do not require a pastry crust, and whip together like a cake batter or cookie dough with a sweet berry filling. The beauty of this is that you can use your own homemade pie filling from the blackberries you picked or purchased in the summer, or simply grab a can off your grocer’s shelf. It really comes down to preference or what you already have on hand.
The base of these bars reminds me of cakey sugar cookie. Essentially, we’re sandwiching the pie filling between two layers of this lovely crust, with the top layer being dolloped on similar to a cobbler. This recipe was such a hit back when I first made them in 2010 that I started experimenting with other flavors like cherry – out of which, my cherry pie squares recipe was born. I can only imagine all the different pie filling flavors using this recipe as a base!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
PIE FILLING – Homemade or store-bought blackberry pie filling will both work here.
GLAZE – The tartness of the glaze pairs beautifully with the sweetness of these squares and you’ll be disappointed if you substitute anything for the lemon juice. Trust me on this! Use 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice to get the glaze to a drizzleable consistency, that’s roughly the juice from one medium lemon.
How to Make Blackberry Pie Squares
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Cream sugar and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, until incorporated. Add the vanilla and beat well.
- Whisk together flour and baking powder. Turn mixer speed down to the lowest setting and slowly add the flour mixture until completely combined.
- Spread half of mixture (I weigh mine to get even halves) onto an ungreased 15×10 jelly roll pan. Spread pie filling over the top of the batter. Drop remaining batter onto the pie filling layer by spoonfuls.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Do not under bake. Remove to cool on a wire rack.
- Combine powdered sugar, melted butter, and lemon juice in a bowl. Drizzle over warm bars.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Absolutely. I’ve successfully adapted this recipe to make cherry pie squares, and I’m certain that other pie fillings would be just as good! Use your favorite.
Store any cooled leftover bars in an air-tight container kept at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your blackberry pie squares as dessert or served as a breakfast danish along with a cup of coffee or tea. These bars are equally as good whether they’re warm or at room temperature!
More Berry Dessert Recipes
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Blackberry Pie Squares
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar 400g
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups unbleached all purpose flour 395g
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 5g
- 21 ounces blackberry pie filling
Glaze
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar 140g
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 2-3 Tablespoons lemon juice fresh
Things You’ll Need
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
Before You Begin
- Homemade or store-bought blackberry pie filling will both work here.
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice to get the glaze to a drizzleable consistency, that’s roughly the juice from one medium lemon.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Cream sugar and butter in mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, until incorporated. Add the vanilla and beat well.1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter, 4 eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Whisk together flour and baking powder. Turn mixer speed down to lowest setting and slowly add flour mixture until completely combined.3 cups unbleached all purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- Spread half of the mixture (I weigh mine to get even halves) onto an ungreased 15×10 jelly roll pan. Spread pie filling over the top of the batter. Drop remaining batter onto the pie filling layer by spoonfuls.21 ounces blackberry pie filling
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Do not under bake. Remove to a wire rack.
- Combine powdered sugar, melted butter, and lemon juice. Drizzle over warm bars.1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, 2-3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store any cooled leftover bars in an air-tight container kept at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on June 22, 2010 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.
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pegasuslegend says
looks simply delicious~
Debbie says
This looks delicious Amanda. I am deinitely trying this one soon! Thanks!
Anu says
this looks wonderful! do you have a recipe for making the homemade pie filling?
Ingrid says
This has my family written ALL over it! They are serious fruit dessert lovers and it has me reeled in as it seems much easier than a pie! :)
~ingrid
btw, it just hit me….this is perfect to bring for the 4th of July block party we're going too!!
Nutmeg Nanny says
These look awesome!!! I love blackberry and anytime pie can be made into bar form I'm all over it!
Maria says
Great summer treat. I will make these soon!
Chocolate Shavings says
These look delicious, with the perfect amount of filling!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
Wow, Amanda, this looks fabulous! And easy, too. Great for a busy summer time schedule.
Von says
Wow! This sounds and looks so good! I might have to try this one day….=]
Heather Davis says
Amanda – you certainly make it hard for a girl to stick to any kind of diet! That looks so good I am drooling. I am off camping this weekend and might just be taking this along.
Barbara @ moderncomfortfood says
Simply splendid, Amanda! I've gone totally overboard on buying summer fruits this week and have a pint of blackberries with this recipe's name written all over it. Just perfect, and beautiful photos too.
Katrina says
Cherry would be our favorite. Don't forget to pit the cherries first! ;) hehe, couldn't resist.
Megan says
Looks like perfect camping food to me. But I cant believe you brought back half the pan. You have a large family and I know my little family would be polishing that off! I guess were just piggy. ;)
Kelly Polizzi says
Oh my GOODNESS. This looks SO GOOD. I need to stay away from your blog while I'm on a diet I think! lol just kidding. It's sometimes satifying enough just looking at pictures isnt it? Seriously, this looks delish.
Gera @ Sweets Foods Blog says
What a beautiful square creations :) I'm a berry man so delicious!
Cheers,
Gera
Amanda says
Tia – I took it in the pan to my camper, I had knives there and cut it into squares, but you could cut it before you leave. And yes, I ate it without a fork! :)
I was just down the street drooling at my neighbor's cherry tree. I think I'll harvest some tomorrow!
Tia says
looks great! is this portable? like for a picnic, no knife/fork?
jose manuel says
Se ve maravilloso este pastel, increible de sabor tiene que estar. Un saludo
Marie says
Oh Amanda, that looks positively scrummy!! I am going to check the shops next time I am in them to see if they have any Blackberry Pie filling. If not, I'll just have to make my own. Looks fabulous!! xxoo
Lo says
This would be AWESOME thrown together with homemade pie filling. I'm totally drooling, and I just had lunch!