Homemade Mixed Berry Pie Recipe
**Homemade Mixed Berry Pie Recipe: A Delightful Treat for All Seasons**
Few desserts can rival the comforting allure of a homemade pie, and when it comes to flavor, a Mixed Berry Pie is a true showstopper. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh berries and encased in a buttery, flaky crust, this pie is a celebration of the best that nature has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delicious Mixed Berry Pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
### Ingredients
**For the Pie Crust:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 6-8 tablespoons ice water
**For the Berry Filling:**
– 4 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
– ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
– ¼ cup cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
**For the Egg Wash:**
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk or water
**Optional:**
– Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
### Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
1. **Mix 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. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork or your hands until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. **Form the Dough:** Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a tender, flaky crust.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Berry Filling
1. **Combine the Berries:** In a large bowl, gently toss the mixed berries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Ensure the berries are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to begin thickening the juices.
#### Step 3: Assemble the Pie
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, leaving a slight overhang. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
3. **Add the Filling:** Pour the berry mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
4. **Top the Pie:** Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. You can either cover the pie completely or create a lattice pattern by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
5. **Egg Wash:** Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
#### Step 4: Bake the Pie
1. **Bake:** Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. **Cool:** Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice.
### Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade Mixed Berry Pie warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, juicy berries with the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine.
### Tips for Success
– **Use Fresh or Frozen Berries:** Fresh berries are ideal, but if they’re out of season, frozen berries work just as well. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them before mixing with the other ingredients.
– **Adjust Sweetness:** Depending on the natural sweetness of