14 Berry Pie Recipes That Are a Slice Above the Rest (2024)

FAQs

What is the best thickener for berry pie? ›

Very often flour or cornstarch is used, but in certain instances tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency. Tapioca starch is preferable for products that will be frozen because it will not break down when thawed. We like tapioca in blueberry, cherry or peach pies.

I do not usually par-bake my fruit pie crusts - this is because with a fresh fruit filling (or even with a cooked fruit filling such as my apple pie or my blueberry crostata), the pie has long enough in the oven that it gives the crust enough time to crisp up properly, removing the need for blind baking.

All-purpose flour is an easy solution, as you're sure to have it in your pantry. Since it's lower in starch, you'll use more of it than you would higher-starch thickeners. Quick-cooking tapioca makes filling bright and clear, but also gives it a stippled and somewhat sticky texture.

Tapioca Flour: This is the secret ingredient that will keep your blueberry pie from being a runny mess when you cut into it. Tapicoa flour works better than flour or cornstarch because you need less, and it wont alter the color or texture of the pie filling like those will.

Cornstarch makes for a shiny, glossy filling. A little goes a long way because it has twice the gelling power of flour. Flour thickens nicely but leaves more of a matte finish. You'll need to use twice as much as you would with cornstarch.

Tip: What's the best way to tell if your pie is done? For fruit pie, the top crust will be golden brown, and you'll be able to see filling bubbling around the edges and/or through the vents. For best results, let the filling bubble for at least 5 minutes before removing the pie from the oven.

How do you thicken a berry pie without cornstarch? ›

All-Purpose Flour

Flour is a popular thickener for sauces and soups, and it can be used to add body to your fruit filling. It's great because it thickens at low temperatures, but you'll need to use more of it because it's not as effective as some of the other starches.

Tapioca powder is my preference for a "clear" fruit pie thickener. Much nicer than the corn starch, as it can sometimes go "milky" when the pie is cold. The tapioca powder is also great for a stew thickener. I love using tapioca in my fruit pies.

If you're using fresh berries rather than frozen, you'll need to add a few tablespoons of water until you reach the desired consistency. The longer you cook the sauce, the thicker it will get. You can also add a bit more cornstarch for thickening, but don't add too much or it will affect the taste.

Uses: Tapioca “is flavorless and gives fruit and fruit juices a glossy shine,” Chattman says, making it a favorite alternative to cornstarch in pies. Or get the best of both worlds: “Juices thickened with both cornstarch and tapioca become satiny and smooth, an appealing combination,” she says.

How to Make Perfect Berry Pie: Cook berries: Simmer berries, sugar and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium heat until warm and juicy, about 5-10 minutes, gently stirring occasionally. Thicken filling: Spoon out about ½ cup of the juice from the pan into a bowl. Stir cornstarch into the juice until smooth.