This Saskatoon Berry Pie recipe turns those deep purple prairie berries into a warm, jammy filling tucked between two layers of flaky, buttery crust. If you grew up on the Canadian prairies, chances are your grandmother had a version of this pie in her rotation every July. Saskatoon berries look a lot like blueberries, but they have a nutty, almond-like sweetness that makes this pie taste completely different from your average berry pie.
pastry for a double crust 9 inch piehomemade or store bought, room temperature for 10 minutes if using store bought
1largeeggbeaten, for egg wash
1tablespooncoarse sugarfor topping
Instructions
If making your own pastry, prepare a double crust recipe and divide it into two discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of pastry into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, press gently, and trim excess leaving a 1-inch overhang.
In a large mixing bowl, combine berries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, almond extract, and salt. Stir gently to coat, let sit for 10 minutes.
Pour the filling into the chilled pie crust, spread evenly, and dot with small pieces of unsalted butter.
Roll out the second pastry disc, place over filling as a full top crust or lattice, trim excess, crimp edges, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Preheat oven to 425°F with rack on lowest position. Place pie on rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F and bake 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 3 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Notes
Keep everything cold: Keeping your butter and pastry cold at every step is the single most important thing you can do for a flaky crust.
Don't skip resting time: Letting the pie rest for at least 3 hours after baking gives the flour time to thicken the juices properly and prevents a runny filling.
Use a baking sheet: Place a rimmed baking sheet underneath the pie to catch any bubbling juices and prevent oven messes.
Adjust for juicy berries: If your berries are very juicy, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the filling to help thicken it.
Egg wash for shine: Brushing the crust with egg wash gives it that classic golden, glossy finish.
Make it a lattice: For a decorative finish, use a lattice top instead of a full crust. It looks beautiful and allows steam to escape.
Freezer friendly: Freeze the baked pie whole or in slices for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat before serving.
Variations: Swap the top crust for a streusel topping, add raspberries, or use orange zest instead of lemon juice for a different flavor twist.
Storage: Store leftover pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Serving ideas: Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or a thin slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a traditional prairie pairing.