There is something absolutely magical about a warm, homemade blackberry pie fresh from the oven. This Blackberry Pie Recipe captures that perfect balance of juicy, sweet-tart blackberries nestled in a flaky, buttery crust that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you use fresh or frozen berries, the result is a comforting and timeless dessert that invites smiles and seconds at any gathering. Grab your rolling pin and let’s dive into making this unforgettable classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this pie so irresistible. From the fresh burst of blackberries to the delicate, golden crust, each element is simple but essential.
- 6 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (1,020g): The star of the show, providing vibrant color, juicy sweetness, and that signature tangy flavor.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g): Balances the natural tartness of the berries and helps thicken the filling.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and heightens the berry’s natural flavor.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus notes for a fresh, zesty kick.
- 6½ tablespoons cornstarch (or all-purpose flour): Works as a thickening agent to ensure your filling isn’t runny.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed: Creates pockets of richness as it melts into the filling.
- 1 double-crust pie dough: The foundation that holds everything together with its flaky, tender texture.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Used as an egg wash for a glossy, golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Blackberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
Start by stirring together the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch in a large bowl. This mixture coats the berries evenly while ensuring the filling thickens beautifully during baking. This step sets the stage for that luscious fruit filling everyone loves.
Step 2: Roll Out the Bottom Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll one pie crust into a generous 13-inch circle to comfortably fit your 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, allowing the extra to hang over the edges. This overhang will be essential for creating a neat, finished look later.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling and Butter
Pour the blackberry mixture into the prepared crust and dot the surface with cubes of unsalted butter. These little butter pockets will melt as the pie bakes, adding richness and a velvety texture to the filling.
Step 4: Create a Lattice Top Crust
Roll out the second pie crust into a 12-inch circle and slice it into 1-inch strips. Weave the strips thoughtfully over the filling to form a lattice pattern—it’s not just charming visually, it also helps steam escape so the filling cooks evenly. Trim the edges, tuck the dough under neatly, and crimp to seal.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Bake
Brush the entire crust lightly with beaten egg to give it a golden sheen when baked. Sprinkle coarser sugar on top to add a hint of crunch and sparkle. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Then reduce the oven to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and the filling bubbles vividly.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool for at least a few hours. This cooling time allows the filling to thicken so slices hold their shape, and your blackberry pie will be ready to impress with perfectly set juicy filling.
How to Serve Blackberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice takes this Blackberry Pie Recipe to new heights. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty touch and subtle flavor boost as well.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or tea, and if you want to elevate things further, consider serving it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of fresh berries to echo the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve individual mini blackberry pies using smaller ramekins, or try drizzling a bit of warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the top. Presenting this pie in a rustic wooden board with fresh flowers creates a delightful ambiance perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover blackberry pie keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the crust stays flaky while the filling remains pleasantly juicy, perfect for afternoon treats or a quick dessert fix.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pie freezes well either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm slices briefly in the microwave or oven to bring back that freshly baked feeling. A quick 10-15 minute bake at 350°F in the oven will revive the crust’s crispiness and warm the filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for this Blackberry Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work perfectly and can be used directly without thawing. Just add a little extra cornstarch if the berries seem very juicy to prevent a runny filling.
How do I prevent the pie crust edges from burning?
If the crust edges brown too quickly, simply cover them with foil or use a pie shield halfway through baking to protect them while allowing the filling to cook fully.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pie crust?
You can substitute a gluten-free pie crust of your choice for the traditional dough—just be mindful of baking times and watch closely as gluten-free crusts can sometimes brown faster.
What can I do if the pie filling is too runny after baking?
Cooling the pie for several hours is key to firming the filling. If it’s still runny, next time increase the cornstarch slightly and make sure to bake until the filling bubbles vigorously, signaling it’s fully cooked.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake, which helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just add the egg wash and sugar topping right before placing it in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about a slice of homemade pie, especially when it’s bursting with sweet, juicy blackberries. This Blackberry Pie Recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe box. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of pie that feels like a hug from the inside.
PrintBlackberry Pie Recipe
A classic American blackberry pie recipe featuring a flaky double-crust pastry filled with juicy, sweet-tart blackberries enhanced by lemon zest and juice. Perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream, this pie uses both fresh or frozen berries and showcases a lattice-style crust for a beautiful finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling
- 6 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen) (1,020g)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar plus more for sprinkling (150g)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 6½ tablespoons cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
Crust
- 1 double-crust pie dough
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, stir together the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch until the berries are fully coated and the mixture is well combined.
- Roll bottom crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll one pie crust into a 13-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, allowing the excess dough to hang over the edges.
- Add filling and butter: Pour the blackberry filling into the crust-lined pie pan. Distribute the cubed unsalted butter evenly over the top of the filling.
- Make lattice crust: Roll the second pie crust into a 12-inch circle and cut it into 1-inch wide strips. Arrange these strips over the filling in a lattice pattern, trimming edges to leave about 1-inch overhang.
- Seal and finish edges: Tuck the excess dough underneath and crimp the edges decoratively. Brush the entire crust lightly with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden finish.
- Prepare for baking: Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet or cookie sheet lined with foil to catch any drips during baking.
- Bake the pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles throughout. Use foil to shield the edges if they brown too quickly.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and place on a wire rack. Allow the pie to cool for several hours to let the filling set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use mixed berries if desired to create a mixed berry pie with varied flavors.
- Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil to catch any overflowing filling and prevent oven messes.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to check doneness; the filling should reach at least 200°F for proper thickening.
- If the crust edges brown too fast, shield them with foil or a pie shield during baking.
- Allow the pie to cool thoroughly before cutting to prevent runny filling.
