Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to make a mouthwatering blackberry pie. If you're a fan of the sweet and tart flavors of blackberries, then this is the perfect dessert for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making a blackberry pie from scratch. From preparing the pastry to baking the pie to perfection, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and create a delectable blackberry pie that will impress your friends and family.
Section 1: Making the Pastry
To start off, we need to prepare the pastry for our blackberry pie. The pastry is the foundation of the pie and plays a crucial role in its overall taste and texture. Follow these steps to create a buttery and flaky pastry:
Combine the flours: In a bowl, combine both flours, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will give our pastry a lovely balance of flavors.
Rub in the butter: Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles crumble topping. This process ensures that the butter is evenly distributed and creates a flaky texture.
Add the soft cheese: Next, add the soft cheese to the flour and butter mixture. Continue rubbing it in until the pastry comes together. If the mixture is still crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of iced water to help bind it.
Knead and chill: Transfer the pastry onto a surface and knead it for 30 seconds. Then, divide the pastry into two portions, with one portion being slightly larger than the other. Shape both portions into flat rounds, wrap them, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Section 2: Preparing the Blackberries
Now that our pastry is chilling, let's move on to preparing the star ingredient of our blackberry pie – the blackberries. Follow these steps to ensure the blackberries are ready for pie-making:
Wash and drain: Start by washing the blackberries under cold water. Be careful not to break them up as we want them to retain their shape in the pie.
Toss with sugar: In a bowl, combine the washed blackberries with sugar. The amount of sugar needed may vary depending on the sweetness of the blackberries. If you're using wild blackberries, you may need slightly more sugar.
Set aside: Toss the blackberries and sugar together, making sure the sugar coats every berry. Set the bowl aside while we roll out the pastry.
Section 3: Rolling Out the Pastry
With the pastry chilled and the blackberries ready, it's time to roll out the larger portion of pastry and line our pie dish. Follow these steps for a perfectly formed pie crust:
Butter the pie dish: Start by buttering a 23cm pie dish. This will prevent the pastry from sticking and make it easier to remove the pie once it's baked.
Roll out the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of pastry into a round that fits the base of the dish with some overhanging. The overhang will be used to seal the pie later on.
Line the dish: Gently press the rolled-out pastry into the dish, making sure it covers the base and sides. Trim any excess pastry and set it aside for later use.
Sprinkle with cornflour: Sprinkle cornflour over the blackberries and gently mix them together. The cornflour helps absorb excess moisture from the berries and prevents a soggy bottom crust.
Fill the pie: Transfer the blackberries and their sugary juices into the pastry-lined dish. Dot the top of the blackberries with small pieces of butter, which will melt and add richness to the pie.
Brush with glaze: In a small bowl, beat together an egg and some milk to make a glaze. Brush the edge of the pie crust with some of the glaze, which will give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
Section 4: Choosing Your Pie Crust Design
Now that the filling is in place, it's time to decide how you want to top your blackberry pie. There are two popular options: a simple pie crust or a lattice finish. Choose the style that suits your preference:
Simple pie crust: If you prefer a classic look, simply roll out the remaining pastry and drape it over the top of the pie. Trim and crimp the edges together to seal the pie. This method is quick and easy, perfect for those who want a no-fuss pie.
Lattice finish: For a more visually appealing pie, you can create a lattice pattern with the pastry. Roll out the remaining pastry into a square and cut it into thin strips. Lay five strips vertically over the pie, then weave the remaining five strips horizontally to create an even lattice over the fruit. Pinch the edges, trim any excess, and crimp them for a finished look.
Section 5: Baking the Blackberry Pie
With the pie assembled and looking beautiful, it's time to bake it to perfection. Follow these steps to achieve a golden crust and bubbling blackberry filling:
Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Place a baking tray inside the oven as it preheats. The tray will help distribute the heat evenly and catch any drips from the pie.
Glaze and bake: Brush the top of the pie with more of the egg glaze and place it on the preheated baking tray. Bake the pie for 20 minutes, then brush it with the glaze again. Sprinkle generously with extra sugar to create a sweet and crunchy topping.
Final baking: Return the pie to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry turns a deep golden color and the blackberry juices are bubbling. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice. Serve the blackberry pie as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've successfully created a delicious blackberry pie from scratch. The combination of buttery pastry and juicy blackberry filling is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you opt for a simple pie crust or a beautiful lattice finish, this pie is a showstopper. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade blackberry pie? It's the perfect dessert for any occasion. Happy baking!