Triple Berry Pie Recipe

If you’re a berry lover, you won’t be able to resist this Triple Berry Pie. Combining the flavors of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, this pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The juicy berries are enveloped in a buttery, flaky pie crust and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a versatile dessert, ideal for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or whenever you crave a slice of fruit-filled goodness.

In this recipe guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Triple Berry Pie, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions and tips for success. Let’s get started!

What is Triple Berry Pie?

Triple Berry Pie is a classic fruit pie made with three types of berries, typically strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. The berries are mixed with sugar and a thickening agent, such as cornstarch, and baked in a double-crust pie. The result is a juicy, flavorful filling encased in a buttery, golden pie crust. The combination of sweet and tart berries makes this pie a refreshing and irresistible dessert.

Ingredients List for Triple Berry Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – For a flaky, tender crust.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors and enhances the taste of the berries.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed – Cold butter is essential for a flaky texture.
• ½ cup ice water – To bring the dough together without making it too sticky.

For the Berry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved – Provides sweetness and a bright flavor.
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries – Adds a sweet, juicy pop of flavor.
• 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries – Brings a tart contrast to the other berries.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar – Adds a caramel-like richness to the pie.
• ¼ cup cornstarch – Thickens the berry juices to prevent a runny pie.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Enhances the tartness of the berries and brightens the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cubed – Dotting the top of the filling for richness.

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg – For a golden, shiny crust.
• 1 tablespoon milk or water – To thin the egg wash for easy brushing.

Optional Garnish:

• Vanilla ice cream – Perfect for serving with a warm slice of pie.
• Whipped cream – Adds a light, creamy contrast to the fruity filling.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some variations and substitutions to try:

• Berry Substitutions: You can easily swap out the berries based on what’s available. Blackberries are a great alternative to raspberries, or use all blueberries and strawberries if you prefer.
• Frozen Berries: If fresh berries are out of season, you can use frozen berries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the pie.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust recipe or a store-bought gluten-free pie crust for a gluten-free version.
• Add Spices: For a spiced berry pie, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Triple Berry Pie from scratch:

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork or your hands, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days. This allows the dough to relax and makes it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Prepare the Berry Filling

1. Combine the Berries: In a large bowl, mix the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
2. Add Sugar and Cornstarch: Toss the berries with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the berries are evenly coated and the mixture thickens slightly as the sugar dissolves.
3. Let the Filling Rest: Let the berry mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to activate.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides.
3. Add the Filling: Spoon the berry filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small cubes of butter for added richness.
4. Top the Pie: Roll out the second dough disk and lay it over the filling. You can create a full top crust or cut it into strips for a lattice design. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash

1. Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water).
2. Brush the Pie: Lightly brush the egg wash over the top crust. This will give the pie a beautiful golden color when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any overflow) and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. Cool the Pie: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Slice the pie and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
2. Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Make Triple Berry Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the key steps to ensure your Triple Berry Pie turns out perfectly:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Chill the dough before rolling it out to ensure a flaky crust.
2. Make the Berry Filling: Toss the fresh berries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice to thicken the juices.
3. Assemble the Pie: Add the filling to the bottom crust, then top with the second crust, crimping the edges to seal.
4. Bake and Cool: Bake until golden and bubbling, then cool completely before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Triple Berry Pie:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Always chill the dough before rolling it out to ensure it stays flaky and doesn’t shrink during baking.
• Too Much Liquid: If your berries are especially juicy, you may need to add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
• Overfilling the Pie: Be careful not to overfill the pie with berries, as the filling can overflow during baking and make a mess in the oven.
• Not Letting the Pie Cool: Resist the temptation to slice the pie too early. Letting it cool completely helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A well-made Triple Berry Pie is a beautiful dessert, and with a few extra touches, you can make it even more stunning:

How to Serve Triple Berry Pie

1. Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: This pie can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm slice, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
2. Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing with berry pie. The cold ice cream melts into the warm filling, creating a delightful combination.

Presentation Ideas for Triple Berry Pie

• Lattice Crust: Create a lattice crust on top for a classic pie look. This allows the vibrant berries to peek through the crust.
• Decorative Edges: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the crust or use small cookie cutters to create decorative shapes with leftover dough.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant touch, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar just before serving.

Triple Berry Pie Recipe Tips

• Use a Baking Sheet: Place your pie on a baking sheet while it’s in the oven to catch any bubbling juices that may overflow.
• Mix Different Berries: Feel free to adjust the ratio of berries to suit your taste. More blueberries for extra sweetness or more raspberries for tartness.
• Taste the Berries: Depending on the sweetness of your berries, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen berries in Triple Berry Pie?
Yes, you can use frozen berries. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the pie filling to avoid excess moisture, which can make the pie runny.

2. How long does Triple Berry Pie last?
When stored in the refrigerator, Triple Berry Pie will last up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

3. Can I freeze Triple Berry Pie?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked or baked pie. To freeze an unbaked pie, assemble it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, simply add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. For a baked pie, let it cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to bake the pie on the lower rack of the oven. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom crust before adding the filling to absorb some of the juices.

Conclusion

This Triple Berry Pie is the perfect dessert for any berry lover. With its sweet and tart filling and flaky, buttery crust, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, summer party, or simply to enjoy the fresh flavors of the season, this pie is a delicious way to celebrate nature’s bounty. Follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll have a beautiful, homemade pie that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy!

Print