Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like summer? Look no further! This blackberry pie recipe uses frozen berries, making it perfect for any time of year. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a deliciously sweet and tart pie that's sure to impress. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or a stunning homemade dessert, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups frozen blackberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for a flaky crust.
Assembling the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the frozen blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Avoid crushing the berries too much.
- Fill the crust: Pour the blackberry filling into the pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Top crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Blackberry Pie:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling.
- If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the sugar to 1 ¼ cups.
- For a more tart pie, reduce the sugar to ¾ cup.
- Don't overmix the pie filling, as this can result in a gummy texture.
Variations:
- Apple Blackberry Pie: Combine blackberries with your favorite apples for a delicious twist.
- Streusel Topping: Add a buttery streusel topping for extra crunch.
- Cream Cheese Filling: For a richer pie, add a layer of cream cheese filling under the blackberries.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
This easy blackberry pie recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes achievable with simple ingredients. Enjoy this healthy and satisfying homemade treat! It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.