Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious slice of pie. One of my favorite summer pie recipes is blackberry pie. It’s a classic dessert that never goes out of style. The sweet and tangy flavors of the blackberries perfectly complement the warm weather and make for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
Why Blackberry Pie is Perfect for Summer
I do love to bake and eat pies! Therefore, I can certainly say that blackberry pie is the perfect summer dessert. Here are a few reasons why:
Fresh and Juicy
During the summer months, blackberries are in season and at their juiciest and sweetest. Using fresh, ripe blackberries in your pie will give it a burst of flavor that can’t be beat.
Light and Sweet
Blackberry pie is a lighter option compared to other summer desserts like cream pies, ice cream, or cake. The sweetness of the blackberries pairs perfectly with a flaky, buttery crust, making it a satisfying but not overly heavy dessert. Blackberry pie is the best ending for a light summer meal.
Perfect for Sharing
Blackberry pie is a great option for summer gatherings and potlucks. It’s easy to transport and serve, and everyone loves a slice of homemade pie.
My Favorite Blackberry Pie Recipe
Now, I really crave for a delicious and easy-to-make pie recipe that can be enjoyed in summer. That’s why I love this homemade blackberry pie recipe. It’s buttery, flaky, and loaded with juicy blackberry filling that’s fabulous for summer. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
To make this blackberry pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Toss until the blackberries are coated evenly.
- Roll out one pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and set aside.
- Pour the blackberry filling into the pie crust.
- Roll out the other pie crust and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips on top of the pie in a lattice pattern.
- Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg.
- Bake the pie for 45—50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making a Perfect Blackberry Pie
Here are a few tips to ensure your blackberry pie turns out perfectly:
- Make sure to chill the pie crust before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and prevent shrinkage.
- Use fresh, ripe blackberries for the best flavor.
- Toss the blackberries with sugar and cornstarch to help thicken the filling and prevent a soggy crust.
- Brush the top of the pie with an egg wash to give it a shiny, golden brown finish.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Preparation
When it comes to making a perfect blackberry pie, preparation is key. Here are some tips to ensure that your pie turns out just right:
- Quick Chill: Chill your mixing bowl and pastry cutter in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before starting. This will help keep the butter cold and create a flaky crust.
- Use a Rolling Pin: Roll out your bottom crust on a floured surface with a rolling pin. This will ensure that the crust is even and the right thickness.
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the lattice strips for the top of the pie. This will help prevent the strips from tearing or breaking.
- Thickener: Use cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour. Cornstarch will give your filling a nice, glossy finish and prevent it from becoming too runny.
- Test: Taste your blackberries before adding sugar to determine how much sugar to add. If your blackberries are very sweet, you may not need as much sugar.
Baking
The baking process is just as important as the preparation process when it comes to making a perfect blackberry pie. Here are some tips to ensure that your pie bakes evenly and comes out looking and tasting great:
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate your pie for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the crust hold its shape and prevent it from shrinking.
- Store-Bought: If you’re short on time, use a store-bought crust. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for baking times and temperatures.
- Pastry Blender: Use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture. This will help create a flaky crust.
- Tutorial: Watch a tutorial on how to crimp the edges of your pie crust. This will help prevent the filling from bubbling over during baking.
- Baking Sheet: Place your pie on a baking sheet lined with foil to catch any filling that may bubble over during baking.
- Weave: Weave the lattice strips over the top of the pie instead of laying them side by side. This will help the filling cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too soupy.
- Mixing: Gently mix the blackberries with the sugar and cornstarch to avoid crushing the berries and turning the filling into a mushy mess.Tips for the Perfect Blackberry Pie:
Variations on Blackberry Pie
While a classic blackberry pie is delicious on its own, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up:
- Add a crumble topping made with oats, brown sugar, and butter for a crunchy texture.
- Mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry pie.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling for a boozy twist.
- Top the pie with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Substitute the blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor.
Here are more variations on the blackberry pie:
Frozen Blackberry Pie: For a refreshing twist on the classic blackberry pie, try making a frozen version. Simply blend the blackberry filling in a food processor until smooth, then pour it into a prepared graham cracker crust. Freeze the pie for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Serve with whipped cream and fresh blackberries.
Tart Blackberry Pie: If you prefer a more tart flavor, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling to 1/4 cup. You can also add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the filling for a tangy kick.
Blackberry Lemon Pie: For a bright and citrusy blackberry pie, add the juice of one lemon to the filling along with the lemon zest. You can also add a tablespoon of cornmeal to the filling for a slightly crunchy texture.
No matter which variation you choose, a blackberry pie is always a crowd-pleaser. With a pizza cutter or pastry wheel, cut the pie into slices and enjoy!
Don’t forget to check out my other pie recipes!