• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Plate Full of Grace
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Side Dishes
  • Holidays
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Side Dishes
  • Holidays
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Side Dishes
  • Holidays
×
Home » Recipes » Dessert

Fresh Blackberry Pie

Published: Aug 29, 2013 · Modified: Dec 21, 2022 by Rose McAvoy · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Up to this point, I have approached baking from a scientific perspective. To achieve the desired results in a pastry it is necessary to measure accurately and use the correct balance of ingredients.

Sure there is room for a bit of finesse but push the creativity too far and your cookies won't be cookies nor your cakes resemble cakes. This approach becomes problematic when it edges out the soul of the baker.

"Have you ever made a dough and felt like YOU are the one who must be wrong because even though you followed everything that the recipe said to do, it just doesn't turn out right?

You are not wrong. The recipe just did not give you enough information. This is the art of making a pie." Kate McDermott, Art of the Pie

Last summer, for the first time, I tackled making my own pie crust. Any pies (or quiches) I made before then were presented in a pale over salted store bought dough. There are enough idioms related to the perfection of pie making that the actual act left me intimidated. When I finally pulled out the ingredients and produced my first homemade crust I was over the moon at the accomplishment. Since the first successful dough I have made several more (not a lot — a pie is only an occasional treat after all). These were all fine but I have now realized a great pie crust is more than the science of its ingredients, a great pie crust is an art form.

I would like you to introduce you to Kate McDermott. She is the heart and soul behind Art of the Pie and if you really truly want to call yourself a great pie maker she is the guru to guide you. I didn't really know I needed to learn more about making a great pie until I spent a few days in her presence at the Blogher Food conference in early June. She speaks about crafting pies with a passionate enthusiasm that has inspired countless pupils, including some of the biggest names in the food world, to roll up their sleeves and rethink their approach to pie.

For those eager to immerse themselves in the her artful approach, Kate offers classes primarily from her Pie Cottage in Port Angeles, WA as well as muliti-day camps in various locations. I hope to be able to attend one of these at some point for now I will take the next best thing - her website. On the site there are a few basic sets of ingredients including a Gluten-Free Vegan dough. Of course the ingredients are important but what turns them into an art is Kate's tactile and encouraging way of guiding the baker through the process of turning the ingredients into the perfect crust (see: Flour, salt, fat, and water).

After reading through her thoughtful and carefully nuanced instructions I felt like I had a friend right at my elbow guiding me through each and every step. With the ingredients ready to go she encourages the baker to, "think good thoughts before you put your hands in the bowl" and then talks through working large chunks of butter into the flour and salt.

Fresh Blackberry Pie | Our Lady of Second Helpings

While rolling the dough she includes this comforting reminder, "It may not turn out exactly as planned, but it will be perfect none the less but perhaps in a different way than you expected. Just keep going and it will be fine."

Admittedly I made my dough from a slightly altered set of ingredients due partially to the contents of my pantry (forgive me Kate). Before beginning the crust I de-cluttered my work space, set The Little Helping up with an activity, and put on some relaxing music. I watched my son play and sang along to the radio while my chilled hands worked cold butter into flour. My heart was light and my mind was present and the result was leagues beyond the pie crusts I had made previously.

I have included my ingredients here but for the method I urge you to read through Kate's step-by-step coaching - here. If you would like a video introduction to Kate's approach to pie making check out her recent appearance on New Day Northwest, a Seattle talk show.

Fresh Blackberry Pie | Our Lady of Second Helpings
  • Caramel apple coffee cake enhances a classic recipe with a tempting layer of brown sugar and cinnamon apples. Sure to become a favorite family recipe.
    Caramel Apple Coffee Cake
  • Crustless Pumpkin Pie with Pecan crumble
    Crustless Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crumble
  • Peach Coffee Cake
    Fresh Peach Coffee Cake with Cardamom
  • Whole Wheat Black Berry Coffee Cake Muffins
    Blackberry Coffee Cake Muffins

Blackberry Pie with Whole Wheat Pie Crust

Rose McAvoy
Fresh blackberry pie is a perfect way to celebrate the bounty of summer.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 357 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt
  • ½ pound 2 sticks or 16 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 8-10 tablespoons ice water more or less as needed

Blackberry Filling

  • Blackberries – enough to fill my 9 ½ inch pie dish to ½ inch below the top
  • ¾ cup raw sugar
  • lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup tapioca starch also called tapioca flour
  • nutmeg

Instructions
 

  • Create, rest, and roll the dough as directed by Kate (see above).
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and position the rack in the center. You may want to place the second rack directly below with a sheet pan on it to catch any berry juice that bubbles out of the pie while baking.
  • Place the berries and a large bowl and squeeze the lemon over the fruit. Fold in the sugar, starch and nutmeg being careful not to crush the berries.
  • Place the lower crust in your pie dish and turn the berries into the crust. Set the pie in the refrigerator while rolling the upper crust. Roll one large piece or cut into strips to create a lattice top.
  • Arrange the upper crust over the pie and roll the edges to seal them. Be as simple or as fancy as you choose. For a really beautiful top brush the upper crust with an egg wash and sprinkle on a bit of sugar.
  • Bake the pie for 20 minutes at 425 degrees then reduce the heat to 375 and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes. The pie is done when the crust is golden and the fruit is bubbling away.
  • Allow the pie to cool for several hours before serving.

For the blackberry filling I followed Kate's basic process for Huckleberry pie

[private roll="author"]Approximate Nutrition per 1/10 serving: 358 calories, 19 g fat, 46 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 4 g protein, PP = 10[/private]

More Dessert

  • 3 Ingredient Carrot Cake Recipe
  • Berry-lime pavlova, a light dessert that features fresh fruit and takes very little time to prepare. You'll love this fast, easy & healthy dessert
    Berry-Lime Pavlova
  • It only takes 5 minutes and 3 ingredients to make this super moist lemon cake. You'll love this light and quick dessert perfect for Spring.
    3 Ingredient Lemon Cake
  • Adorable! 3 ingredient frozen yogurt bites are creative treats to share with your sweeties for an easy snack or healthy dessert.
    Easy Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Bites

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous

    August 30, 2013 at 6:13 am

    I was fortunate enough to participate in one of Kate's Art of the Pie camps recently where she managed to help me see pie making as more of a joy than a chore. It's been interesting to see this new attitude filter into other areas of life.

    Reply
    • Rose

      August 30, 2013 at 12:13 pm

      Don't you love how a great teacher is able to transcend their subject. Thank you so much for your comment!

      Reply
  2. Kate McDermott-Art of the Pie

    August 29, 2013 at 8:53 am

    I am delighted that you are making pie! Thank you so much for sharing the link to my blog about making dough. It is easy! Be Happy, Make Pie! xoxoxo Kate

    Reply
    • Rose

      August 29, 2013 at 9:09 pm

      Thank you for introducing me to a learning process both fun and delicious! Be well.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Skylar! Welcome to PlateFullOfGrace!

More about me →

Popular

  • 3 Ingredient Carrot Cake Recipe
  • How to Roast Buttercup Squash
    Simply Roasted Buttercup Squash
  • cooking with tea: Smoky Tomato Soup
    Sinus Clearing Soup
  • Chicken thighs baked with tomato sauce
    Healthy Baked Chicken Marinara
  • Seafood Chowder on Galway Bay
  • At last! A gluten free and soy free teriyaki chicken recipe! Easy recipe for teriyaki style marinade. Excellent with all proteins from tofu to steak.
    Teriyaki Chicken
  • Easy ham-corn chowder is healthy comfort food for busy days. Enjoy the final days of summer and get excited about fall, with this quick soup recipe.
    Low Fat Corn Chowder

Holidays

  • Tender cranberry glazed meatballs dotted with dried cranberries & fresh parsley, pan seared, then simmered in a sweet-tart cranberry glaze.
    Festive Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
  • Easy Apple Cinnamon Homemade Granola is a quick and easy granola recipe. Pair with yogurt for a quick deliciously satisfying weight loss friendly breakfast.
    Easy Apple Cinnamon Homemade Granola
  • Homemade Gift Candied Nuts
    Stovetop Candied Nuts with sugar and spice
  • easy holiday peppermint meringue kisses
    Peppermint Meringue Kisses

Hi, I'm Skylar! Welcome to PlateFullOfGrace!

More about me →

Popular

  • 3 Ingredient Carrot Cake Recipe
  • How to Roast Buttercup Squash
    Simply Roasted Buttercup Squash
  • cooking with tea: Smoky Tomato Soup
    Sinus Clearing Soup
  • Chicken thighs baked with tomato sauce
    Healthy Baked Chicken Marinara
  • Seafood Chowder on Galway Bay
  • At last! A gluten free and soy free teriyaki chicken recipe! Easy recipe for teriyaki style marinade. Excellent with all proteins from tofu to steak.
    Teriyaki Chicken
  • Easy ham-corn chowder is healthy comfort food for busy days. Enjoy the final days of summer and get excited about fall, with this quick soup recipe.
    Low Fat Corn Chowder

Holidays

  • Moist, sweet, hearty, and laced with spices to chase the winter chill away. This Gingerbread cake is the ultimate Holiday treat.
    Gingerbread Cake with Light Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Simple Holiday Sides: Maple-Orange Cranberry Sauce
  • Weeknight Potato Hash & Prepping for the Holidays

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2022 PlateFullOfGrace