Fresh Blackberry Pie

This Fresh Blackberry Pie is a classic summer dessert filled with juicy, sweet-tart blackberries in a flaky, golden crust. Perfect for using fresh seasonal berries, this pie is simple to make and packed with fresh fruit flavor. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon water

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Gently toss with blackberries and lemon juice until evenly coated.

  3. Prepare Crust: Roll out half of the pastry dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the crust to the edge of the plate.

  4. Fill Pie: Spoon blackberry mixture into the crust. Dot with butter.

  5. Top Crust: Roll out the remaining pastry dough and place it over the filling. Trim and seal the edges, then flute or crimp as desired. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

  6. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk and water together. Brush the top crust with the egg wash.

  7. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cover edges with foil during baking if they brown too quickly.

  8. Cool: Let pie cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrients

(Per Serving – Based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 28g
  • Protein: 4g

The Beauty of Fresh Blackberries

Blackberries are an incredibly versatile fruit, celebrated not only for their natural sweetness but also for their slightly tart undertones. These little berries are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for dessert. The burst of flavor in every bite makes them the star ingredient in this pie, ensuring that each slice is filled with the essence of summer.

In addition to their nutritional benefits, fresh blackberries also give the pie a rich, dark color and a deep, vibrant flavor that can’t be matched by frozen or canned varieties. Using seasonal blackberries when they are at their peak allows you to get the best of what nature has to offer.

The Classic Double-Crust Pie

One of the standout features of this blackberry pie is the classic double-crust pie design. The crust is golden, flaky, and buttery, providing the perfect balance to the sweet, juicy filling. The top crust helps to keep the filling in place, while also creating a beautiful, rustic finish with its slightly crimped edges and slits that allow the steam to escape during baking.

Making the perfect pie crust from scratch is often considered an art, and while it can be challenging for some, the rewards are well worth the effort. A homemade pie crust gives you the flexibility to control the texture and flavor, ensuring a perfect result every time. The inclusion of butter in the dough guarantees a rich, flavorful crust that pairs beautifully with the tangy sweetness of the blackberry filling.

Making the Blackberry Filling

The filling for this pie is simple yet flavorful. The combination of sugar, flour, and a touch of ground cinnamon creates a balance between the tartness of the blackberries and the sweetness needed to bring out their full flavor. Lemon juice adds an extra layer of acidity, enhancing the freshness of the blackberries while helping to thicken the filling.

Once the sugar, flour, and cinnamon are mixed with the blackberries, the result is a thick, slightly syrupy filling that will set beautifully once baked. The flour not only helps to thicken the filling but also helps to keep the juice from spilling out of the pie, ensuring the crust remains intact. The filling is flavorful enough on its own, but the addition of butter just before the top crust is added helps to enrich the taste, giving the pie a silky smooth texture.

The Perfect Pie Crust

A buttery, flaky crust is essential for any great fruit pie. For this blackberry pie, you can use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe or a pre-made version. However, making your own pie crust allows you to control the ingredients and achieve a perfect balance of buttery flavor and delicate texture. The key to a successful pie crust is to keep the ingredients as cold as possible. This ensures the butter stays in chunks while mixing with the flour, creating layers that result in a flaky, tender crust after baking.

Once your crust is prepared and your filling is assembled, the two come together to create a pie that is the perfect texture. The crust crisps up in the oven, while the filling stays just firm enough to hold its shape when sliced, offering a comforting contrast of textures. The rich, buttery crust complements the slightly tart blackberry filling, creating a balance that is both satisfying and refreshing.

The Importance of an Egg Wash

Before baking, an egg wash is applied to the top of the pie crust. This step is essential for achieving a golden, glossy finish. The egg wash, made with egg yolk and water, is brushed onto the top crust just before baking. It helps the crust achieve a beautiful, shiny appearance while also providing a slight crunch, making every bite of the pie even more delicious.

The egg wash also helps to seal the edges of the crust, ensuring the filling remains inside the pie during baking. It’s a simple step that adds both visual appeal and texture to the pie, elevating the overall presentation.

Baking and Cooling

Baking the pie at 400°F ensures the crust cooks quickly and crisps up nicely. The high heat also allows the filling to bubble and thicken, resulting in the perfect pie texture. It’s important to watch the pie closely during baking, as the crust can sometimes brown too quickly. In this case, covering the edges with foil during baking can prevent over-browning, allowing the pie to cook evenly.

Once baked, it’s crucial to allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This step ensures that the filling sets properly and doesn’t spill out when you cut into the pie. Cooling also allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a richer, more complex taste.

Serving Suggestions

This fresh blackberry pie can be enjoyed on its own, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy richness of the ice cream or whipped cream perfectly complements the tart and sweet blackberry filling. If you want to add a touch of elegance, a few fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of berry syrup can be used as garnish.

For those who prefer a more rustic experience, serve the pie as is, allowing the vibrant blackberries to shine. It’s a dessert that is just as satisfying when served simply, showcasing the beauty and natural flavor of the blackberries.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

In conclusion, fresh blackberry pie is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves fruit-based sweets. With its perfect combination of flaky crust, tender filling, and the natural sweetness of ripe blackberries, it’s a dish that will never go out of style. Whether you’re celebrating the peak of blackberry season, enjoying a casual family meal, or bringing a dessert to a gathering, this pie is sure to impress. Its simplicity and elegance make it the perfect addition to any occasion.

This pie is not only delicious but also a nostalgic treat that can bring families together around the dinner table. By using fresh, seasonal fruit and a homemade crust, you elevate this dessert to something special. Every bite of this blackberry pie reminds us of the beauty of fresh fruit, and the joy of enjoying a homemade dessert made with love.

With just a few simple ingredients and some care in the preparation, you can create a timeless dessert that will become a favorite in your household.

 

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