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As the summer sun warms the air, the sweet scent of berry pie wafts through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to sun-drenched picnics and joyful gatherings. This Easy Mixed Berry Slab Pie embraces everything I adore about summer desserts: it’s a delightful combination of juicy strawberries and blackberries, nestled beneath a flaky all-butter crust that brings a smile to everyone at the table. Not only is this recipe a breeze to prepare, but it also serves a crowd effortlessly, making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. The vibrant burst of fresh fruit combined with a hint of lemon creates a light and refreshing experience that you won’t want to miss. Curious about how to make this irresistible summer treat? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Why is this Berry Slab Pie a Must-Try?
Crowd-Pleaser: This Mixed Berry Slab Pie is perfect for gatherings! Large enough to cut into generous slices, it’s sure to impress at picnics and parties.
Simple Preparation: With a straightforward crust-making process and fresh berry filling, you’ll find yourself whipping this up in no time.
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Versatile Delight: Feel free to mix berries or try peach and raspberry combinations for a twist; the possibilities are endless!
Summer Freshness: Bright flavors from juicy strawberries and tart blackberries, complemented by a hint of lemon, truly capture the essence of summer.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this pie in advance and serve it either warm with vanilla ice cream, or chilled with whipped cream for an easy yet elegant dessert option.
Berry Slab Pie Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create a delightful Berry Slab Pie!
For the Crust
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and flakiness to your pie crust; be sure to measure carefully for best results.
- Unsalted Butter – This cold butter is your key to a tender and flaky texture; cut it into cubes before mixing.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens both the crust and filling; adjust the amount based on your berry sweetness.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors in both the crust and filling, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Ice Water – Keeping your dough cold is crucial; add it gradually for the right consistency.
For the Filling
- Fresh Strawberries – Juicy and sweet, these berries are essential for a delightful filling; you can swap them with blueberries if desired.
- Fresh Blackberries – Their tartness complements the sweetness of the strawberries; feel free to use raspberries as a substitute.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the berry flavors; fresh juice is always best for maximum taste.
Get ready to create a summer dessert that everyone will enjoy with this Berry Slab Pie!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Berry Slab Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by chilling your butter in the freezer for about 15 minutes for that perfect flakiness. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into cubes and mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Shape it into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
Step 2: Roll the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Make sure it fits a rimmed baking sheet, leaving some overhang on the sides. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the baking sheet, pressing it into the corners to ensure it sits snugly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped fresh strawberries and blackberries with granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Gently mix until the berries are evenly coated. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Be careful to avoid excess liquid; use a slotted spoon to scoop out the fruit mixture to keep your pie crust from getting soggy.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spread the berry filling evenly over the rolled-out dough in the baking sheet. For the top crust, roll out another portion of the dough to the same thickness. You can either lay it flat over the fruit filling and cut slits for steam to escape or create a lattice design for a beautiful presentation. Ensure your fruit filling is well-covered.
Step 5: Bake
Brush the top of the crust with an egg wash, and sprinkle with a bit of sugar for that nice sparkle. Bake the Berry Slab Pie in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it; the crust should be a lovely golden color.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to firm up the filling. This cooling time allows for neat slicing. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature and consider pairing it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
How to Store and Freeze Berry Slab Pie
Fridge: Store the pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap; it will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy the pie later, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Serving Suggestions: This Berry Slab Pie can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Easy Mixed Berry Slab Pie ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time for busy weeknights or gatherings! You can make the pie crust up to 3 days in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Additionally, the berry filling can be prepared up to 24 hours prior. Combine your fresh strawberries and blackberries with sugar and lemon juice, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay perfectly fresh! When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the pie with your chilled crust and filling, then brush the top with an egg wash and sprinkle with sugar before baking. This ensures you’ll have a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal day-of effort!
What to Serve with Mixed Berry Slab Pie
As you indulge in the delightful sweetness of this summer treat, consider these complementary dishes that elevate your dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the tartness of the berries, creating a heavenly bite. A scoop melts into the warm pie, adding a luxurious texture.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, homemade whipped cream adds a touch of elegance to your dessert. It enhances the freshness of the berries while providing a sweet and fluffy contrast to the flaky crust.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits can bring a refreshing balance. Opt for chilled melon, pineapple, and blueberries to match the pie’s berry filling, adding a burst of juicy flavor.
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Minted Lemonade: A glass of cool, homemade minted lemonade offers a zesty and invigorating drink to cleanse your palate. Its citrus notes complement the pie’s lemon-infused filling, making it a perfect summer refresher.
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Coffee or Iced Tea: Whether you prefer a warm cup of coffee or chilled iced tea, both options cut through the sweetness of the pie, offering a delightful contrast. Consider a hint of lemon in your tea for a cohesive flavor pairing.
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Almond Biscotti: For a crunchy texture and a hint of nuts, serve almond biscotti alongside. The slight sweetness and crunch of the biscotti provide a lovely juxtaposition to the soft, juicy pie slices.
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Chocolate Ganache: A drizzle of rich chocolate ganache over your serving can take the pie to a whole new level. The deep flavor of chocolate pairs excellently with the sweetness of the mixed berries.
Explore these delicious pairings for the ultimate dessert experience with your Mixed Berry Slab Pie!
Berry Slab Pie: Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize this delightful pie recipe with these creative twists that will take your Berry Slab Pie to the next level!
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Berry Swap: Replace half of the strawberries with blueberries for a different flavor profile. This swap brings a lovely sweetness to balance the tartness of the blackberries.
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Almond Extract: Add a hint of almond extract to the berry filling for an unexpected depth of flavor. This simple addition will elevate the taste, bringing warmth and a nutty aroma to every bite.
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Peachy Twists: Incorporate fresh peaches along with berries for a sweet and rustic twist. The juicy peaches pair wonderfully with the tart berries, creating a vibrant summer experience.
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Nutty Crust: Add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch. The added texture will make each slice an unforgettable experience.
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Spicy Zest: Sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the berry filling for a warm, spiced touch. This brings a comforting note, making the pie perfect for cooler summer evenings.
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Herbal Infusion: Include fresh basil or mint in your berry mixture to introduce a refreshing herbal note. The combination of berry sweetness and herbal fragrance will surprise and delight your guests.
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Vegan Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a flaxseed mixture for the egg wash. It’s the same flaky goodness without any animal products, perfect for plant-based diets.
Want to keep the berry love going? Check out these delicious recipes: Candy Cookie Pie, or try the delightful Lemon Raspberry Cookie as a sweet treat to accompany your slab pie!
Helpful Tricks for Berry Slab Pie
Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is chilled but not overworked. If it feels too hard, let it sit at room temperature briefly before rolling.
Avoid Soggy Crust: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the berry filling, leaving excess juice behind. Too much liquid can lead to a soggy crust.
Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet: Always bake your Berry Slab Pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices that might overflow during baking.
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Chill Before Baking: Don’t skip the chilling time for your pie crust; it helps achieve that perfect flaky texture. Plan to prepare the dough in advance!
Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the top crust with an egg wash before baking for a beautiful golden color and an appealing shine.
Berry Slab Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of berries should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! You can use fresh strawberries and blackberries as recommended, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Blueberries or raspberries work wonderfully as substitutes for either berry, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking.
How should I store leftover Berry Slab Pie?
To keep your pie fresh, store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you find yourself with extra pie (not likely!), it’s perfect for sharing with friends!
Can I freeze Berry Slab Pie, and how?
Yes, you can freeze this delicious treat! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I do if my pie crust turns out tough?
Very common! If your dough has been overworked or improperly chilled, it may turn out tough. To salvage it, try letting the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften. When you roll it out, be gentle and avoid pressing too hard. This should help achieve that desired flakiness.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely, I often make this pie a day or two in advance! You can assemble and bake the pie, allow it to cool completely, and then slice and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s still delicious served cold or warmed up; the flavors just get better!
Is this pie safe for pets or those with allergies?
It’s always essential to consider allergies! This Berry Slab Pie contains common allergens like gluten and dairy from the flour and butter. Avoid sharing it with pets, as ingredients like sugar and butter aren’t good for them. Always check with your guests to ensure it fits their dietary needs before serving.
Delicious Berry Slab Pie: Easy Summer Dessert Perfection
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill butter for 15 minutes. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness and fit into a rimmed baking sheet.
- In a bowl, combine strawberries and blackberries with sugar and lemon juice. Mix gently while avoiding excess liquid.
- Spread berry filling over the rolled-out dough. Roll out another portion of dough for the top crust.
- Brush top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown.
- Let pie cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
