Homemade Blackberry Pie: A Classic Summer Delight

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. If using store-bought pie crusts, remove them from the refrigerator to bring them to room temperature. If using homemade, roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
  4. Transfer the blackberry mixture into the prepared pie crust. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter.
  5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the blackberry filling. You can either cut slits to make a lattice top or cover the entire pie, just make sure to cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
  6. Trim any overhang, and crimp the edges of the pie crust together to seal the pie.
  7. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg, and sprinkle the sugar evenly over the top.
  8. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with a pie shield or aluminum foil.
  9. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set.
  10. Enjoy your homemade blackberry pie!

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the blackberry filling ingredients.
  • Pie Plate - A 9-inch pie plate to hold the pie crust and blackberry filling.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the pie crusts if making homemade.
  • Pie Shield or Aluminum Foil - Optional but helpful to prevent the edges of the pie crust from browning too quickly.
  • Wire Rack - Used to cool the baked pie before serving.
  • Pastry Brush - To brush the beaten egg on top of the pie crust for a golden finish.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of berry or a combination of berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
  • Experiment with different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to enhance the flavor.
  • Add a splash of liquor, such as bourbon or amaretto, to the blackberry filling for an extra kick.
  • Try using a different type of crust, such as a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust or substitute the cornstarch with tapioca flour or arrowroot powder.
  • Make it a lattice-top pie by weaving strips of pie crust dough over the filling instead of covering it completely.
  • Add a crumb topping made with oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar for a crunchy texture.
  • Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.

Recipe overview

Delight your taste buds with this delicious homemade Blackberry Pie recipe! A perfect blend of sweet and tart, this pie is filled with a luscious blackberry filling encased in a flaky, golden brown crust. With a hint of lemon and vanilla, it's the perfect dessert for any occasion. This recipe is simple and straightforward, using easy-to-find ingredients and a step-by-step guide that makes pie-making a breeze, even for beginners. The result is a stunning, mouthwatering pie that will look and taste like it came straight from a professional bakery. Enjoy a slice on its own, or top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Happy baking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using in the recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as frozen berries may release more liquid.
  2. Can I use a different type of fruit? While this recipe is specifically for blackberry pie, you can certainly try using other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries. Just adjust the sugar quantity based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
  3. Can I make the pie crust from scratch? Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe if you prefer. Just make sure to have enough crust for both the bottom and top crusts.
  4. How do I prevent the pie crust from burning? To prevent the pie crust from burning, you can cover the edges with a pie shield or aluminum foil about halfway through the baking time. This will protect the edges while allowing the rest of the pie to continue browning.
  5. How long should I let the pie cool before serving? It is recommended to let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pie plate - A 9-inch pie plate to hold and bake the blackberry pie.
  • Mixing bowl - A large mixing bowl to combine the blackberries and other ingredients.
  • Rolling pin - A rolling pin to roll out the pie crusts, whether store-bought or homemade.
  • Pastry brush - A pastry brush to brush the beaten egg wash onto the top crust of the pie.
  • Pie shield - A pie shield or aluminum foil to cover the edges of the pie crust if they start to brown too quickly during baking.
  • Wire rack - A wire rack to cool the pie after baking, allowing the filling to set.

Origin stories

Blackberry pie, a summer staple in many households, has its roots deeply planted in the United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest where blackberries grow wild and rampant. Blackberries, as a fruit, have been used since long before pies came into the picture. Native Americans were known to grind up the entire blackberry plant - berries, leaves, and roots - for medicinal purposes and as a food source. The European settlers who arrived in America also valued these bountiful berries, and began incorporating them into their traditional desserts, including pies. And so, the blackberry pie was born, proving to be a delightful way to use up the berries that were often so plentiful, they were considered a nuisance. Today, it remains a beloved dessert, particularly in Oregon where the blackberry is the official state fruit. If you find yourself there in August, you might be lucky enough to partake in the annual Blackberry Festival!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.