Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a pre-made crust, place it in a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges if desired. If making your own, prepare your preferred double-crust pie dough and place the bottom crust in the pie plate.pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon (if using), and lemon zest (if using). This ensures the cornstarch is evenly distributed, preventing lumps in your filling.3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Gently add the mixed fresh berries to the dry ingredients. Pour in the fresh lemon juice.6 cups mixed fresh berries, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Carefully toss the berries with the sugar and cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing the delicate berries.6 cups mixed fresh berries, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Pour the berry mixture into the prepared pie crust, distributing the berries as evenly as possible.6 cups mixed fresh berries, pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust
- Scatter the small pieces of unsalted butter over the top of the berry filling. This will melt during baking, adding richness and a glossy finish to the filling.2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- If you are making a double-crust pie, carefully place the top crust over the filling. Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Alternatively, you can create a lattice top with strips of dough for a beautiful presentation. If you prefer an open-faced pie, skip this step.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush this mixture over the top crust (or edges if open-faced). If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the egg wash for a delightful crunch and sparkle.1 egg, 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
- Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips). Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield.
- Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. It is crucial to let the Berry Pie Recipe cool completely for at least 3-4 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, preventing a soupy mess.
Notes
Once cooled completely, the Berry Pie Recipe can be stored at room temperature, loosely covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it is well-covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled pie. Wrap the pie tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen pie can last for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat a slice of pie, you can gently warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This is best for maintaining the crispness of the crust. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, but be aware that the crust may become softer. If reheating a whole frozen pie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the oven reheating instructions.
