This blackberry pie recipe is the one I reach for every summer when the berries at the market are so ripe they're practically bursting. It's a classic double crust pie with a thick, jammy filling and a flaky, buttery crust, no fancy techniques required. If you've got a pile of fresh blackberries and an afternoon to spare, this is exactly the kind of old fashioned dessert that turns a Sunday into something special.
Small saucepan (optional) for warming caramel sauce
Cooling rack
Baking sheet For catching drips
Ceramic Deep Dish Pie Pan (optional) recommended
Adjustable pie crust shield (optional) for preventing over-browning
Stainless Steel Pastry Blender (optional) for cutting butter into flour
Ingredients
2pie crustshomemade or store bought (top and bottom)
6cupsblackberriesfresh or frozen (do not thaw if frozen)
3/4cupgranulated sugaruse up to 1 cup if berries are very tart
1/3cupcornstarch
1tablespoonlemon juice
1teaspoonlemon zest
1/4teaspoonsalt
2tablespoonsunsalted buttercut into small pieces
1large eggbeaten (for egg wash)
1tablespoonturbinado sugarfor topping
vanilla ice creamfor serving (optional)
freshly whipped creamfor serving (optional)
warm caramel saucefor serving (optional)
sharp cheddar cheesefor serving (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the crust: If using store bought, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. If making your own, roll out one disc on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, press into bottom and sides, trim excess leaving 1 inch overhang, then refrigerate.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, gently combine blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, zest, and salt. Stir carefully to coat evenly without crushing berries. Let sit for 10 minutes, then give one more gentle stir.
Assemble the pie: Pour filling into the bottom crust and spread evenly. Scatter butter pieces over the top. Roll out the second disc and place over filling (either full round with vents or lattice). Trim excess dough and crimp edges to seal.
Finish and chill: Brush top crust generously with beaten egg wash, covering edges too. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Place assembled pie in freezer for 15 minutes to help crust hold its shape.
Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F with a baking sheet on the lower rack. Place pie on baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375°F and bake another 30-35 minutes until crust is deep golden and filling bubbles through vents. Use foil or crust shield if edges brown too quickly.
Cool: Remove pie from oven and set on cooling rack. Let cool for at least 3 hours before slicing to allow filling to set properly.
Notes
For the flakiest crust, ensure all butter and dough stays cold throughout the process. Chill the dough before rolling if it becomes too soft.
If using frozen blackberries, add them straight to the filling without thawing to prevent excess liquid.
Always bake with a sheet pan underneath the pie to catch bubbling juices and avoid a messy oven.
Let the pie cool completely (at least 3 hours) before slicing for clean, neat pieces. Slicing too early will cause the filling to run.
For even browning, brush the crust edges with egg wash as well as the top.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer storage.
To freeze, wrap the baked pie tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat individual slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy.
If your blackberries are particularly tart, increase the granulated sugar to 1 cup for a sweeter filling.
For a delicious variation, try swapping half the blackberries for raspberries or blueberries, or add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the filling.