Blackberry pie is a classic dessert that captures the essence of summer with its sweet and tart flavors. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious blackberry pie from scratch, including making the perfect flaky crust and filling it with juicy blackberries. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting dessert, this blackberry pie is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Blackberry Pie
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 cups fresh blackberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How to Make Blackberry Pie
Step 1: Make the Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt. Toss gently to coat the blackberries evenly.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Pour the blackberry filling into the crust and dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
Step 4: Add the Top Crust
- Roll out the second disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it over the filling.
- Trim any excess dough from the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the filling to set.
- Serve slices of the pie on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
About the Main Ingredients
Blackberries
Fresh blackberries are the star of this pie, providing a sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color. Look for plump, juicy berries for the best results.
Pie Crust
The crust is made with a simple combination of flour, butter, salt, sugar, and water. The key to a flaky crust is to keep the butter cold and handle the dough as little as possible.
Sugar and Cornstarch
These ingredients help to sweeten the pie filling and thicken the juices from the blackberries, ensuring a sliceable pie.
Lemon Juice and Zest
Lemon juice and zest add brightness and balance to the sweetness of the blackberries, enhancing their flavor.
Cinnamon
A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the pie filling, complementing the flavors of the blackberries.
