This Mixed Berry Pie is a delightful summer dessert that combines the freshest berries in a flaky, buttery pie crust. Filled with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries, this pie has the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Topped with a beautiful lattice crust, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, especially for summer gatherings, picnics, or family dinners. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will bring vibrant color and flavor to your table!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cubed
• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• Dash of salt
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup halved fresh strawberries
• ¾ cup fresh blackberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

1. Make the Pie Dough:
   In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly using a pastry cutter or fork. Gradually add ice water, tossing with a fork until the dough holds together when pressed. Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Shape each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a large saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, water, and cinnamon (if using). Add the blueberries and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Let the blueberry mixture cool slightly. Then, gently fold in the raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and lemon juice.

3. Assemble the Pie:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of dough into a 1/8-inch-thick circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate and trim the crust to about ½ inch beyond the rim. Pour in the berry filling and dot with butter.

4. Make the Lattice Crust:
   Roll out the remaining dough to a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut it into ½-inch-wide strips. Arrange the strips over the filling in a lattice pattern, alternating the strips that are folded back as you go. Trim the edges and seal the strips to the bottom crust. Flute the edges for a decorative finish.

5. Bake:
   Bake the pie for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 510
• Fat: 26g (16g saturated fat)
• Cholesterol: 68mg
• Sodium: 275mg
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Sugars: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g

Why Choose a Mixed Berry Pie?

The beauty of this mixed berry pie lies in its simplicity. The filling is made with a medley of fresh berries, each contributing its unique flavor and texture to the dish. Blueberries bring a subtle sweetness, raspberries add a delightful tartness, blackberries offer juiciness and depth, and strawberries round out the mix with their bright, refreshing flavor. The contrast between these vibrant fruits creates a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Moreover, the pie crust adds the perfect crunch and buttery richness to complement the berry filling. Made with cold butter and just a touch of ice water, the crust comes out golden, crisp, and flaky, providing a perfect contrast to the soft, juicy berries. The lattice crust adds a decorative touch, making this pie as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.

This dessert is not only a crowd-pleaser but also versatile enough for any occasion. It’s a fantastic choice for summer gatherings, barbecues, or holiday dinners, and it also makes for a wonderful picnic dessert. Its bright colors and sweet, refreshing flavors make it the ideal dessert to serve during the warm months when fresh berries are in abundance.

The Power of Fresh Berries in Desserts

Using fresh, in-season berries is one of the key elements in creating an exceptional mixed berry pie. During summer, berries are at their peak, offering the best flavor and texture. Each type of berry used in the filling brings something unique to the pie. Blueberries, known for their sweetness and slight tartness, form the backbone of the filling, creating a juicy base. Raspberries provide a zingy tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the other berries. Blackberries, with their rich juiciness, offer a subtle earthy flavor, while strawberries lend a refreshing lightness that makes every bite feel like summer.

What makes this pie truly delightful is the balance between sweet and tart. The sugar in the filling enhances the natural sweetness of the berries, while the lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that elevates the entire dessert. The slight tang from the lemon also helps to cut through the richness of the buttery crust, providing a refreshing finish that keeps the pie from feeling too heavy.

The Perfect Pie Crust: Flaky and Buttery

The pie crust is just as important as the berry filling, and this recipe delivers a buttery, flaky crust that contrasts beautifully with the fruit. By using cold butter and a light touch when mixing, the dough becomes tender and flaky once baked. The secret to achieving this perfect texture lies in using the right technique: the cold butter creates pockets in the dough, which expand during baking and create that signature flakiness.

The lattice crust adds both visual appeal and texture. The weaving pattern of dough strips over the berry filling not only gives the pie a rustic, homey look but also allows the filling to bubble up and caramelize slightly, adding even more depth of flavor to the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different shapes for the lattice, or even make a full top crust if you prefer.

Creating the Perfect Pie Assembly

The assembly of the pie is what truly brings this dessert together. After preparing the buttery crust, you’ll layer the berry filling with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The process of assembling the pie is simple but effective: the berries are placed inside the pie shell and topped with the lattice crust, which holds everything in place while baking. The edges of the crust are fluted, which adds a decorative and elegant finish to the pie. Once the pie is assembled, the baking process allows the fruit to cook down into a beautiful, gooey filling that bubbles up through the lattice, creating an irresistible aroma and a perfect, golden crust.

Baking the Perfect Mixed Berry Pie

Baking the pie is the final step, and it’s essential to get the temperature just right. The initial high-temperature bake at 400°F (200°C) helps the crust set and become golden brown. After 10 minutes, the temperature is reduced to 350°F (175°C), allowing the filling to cook through and the berries to release their juices. This gradual cooking process ensures that the filling is fully cooked without overbaking the crust, leaving you with a perfectly balanced dessert.

During baking, the pie crust becomes flaky and golden, while the berries inside cook down into a thick, bubbling filling that creates the perfect consistency. You’ll want to keep an eye on the pie as it bakes, making sure the crust doesn’t brown too quickly. You can cover the edges with foil if they start to over-brown before the rest of the pie is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Once the pie is out of the oven, it’s important to let it cool for at least an hour to allow the filling to set. This also makes it easier to slice and serve. The topping can be kept simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, or you can top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an added twist, you could even try a scoop of lemon sorbet or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.

While this mixed berry pie recipe calls for the classic combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, you can always experiment with different fruits depending on what’s in season. You could add black currants, gooseberries, or even cherries to the mix, giving the pie a different flavor profile each time. The key is to keep the proportions of fruit balanced, ensuring that the filling doesn’t become too watery.

For those looking for a lighter option, you could make the pie with a gluten-free crust, or even try a no-bake version using a graham cracker crust and fresh whipped cream on top.

Conclusion: A Slice of Summer in Every Bite

In conclusion, this mixed berry pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of summer flavors. The fresh berries, paired with the buttery, flaky pie crust and tangy lemon juice, create a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a picnic, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this pie is sure to be a hit. The ease of preparation and the stunning presentation make it a go-to dessert for any occasion. The vibrant colors and the sweet, tart flavors will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your guests, making this pie a true summer classic.