Saskatoon pies

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 50–55 minutes

• Cooling Time: At least 2 hours

• Total Time: ~3 hours (with cooling)

Servings: 8 slices

Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine: Canadian Prairie

Course: Dessert, Baking

Introduction:

Saskatoon Berry Pie is a treasured dessert across the Canadian prairies and parts of the northern U.S. Bursting with the unique flavor of Saskatoon berries — often described as a cross between blueberries, almonds, and cherries — this pie is as rich in taste as it is in cultural heritage.

Saskatoon berries, also known as serviceberries or juneberries, have been harvested by Indigenous peoples for generations. Traditionally eaten fresh, dried, or in pemmican, they’ve since become the hero ingredient in pies, jams, and syrups. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on these beautiful berries, this pie is one of the best ways to showcase them.

This classic double-crust pie features a flaky pastry and a simple berry filling that allows the naturally sweet and nutty flavor of the Saskatoon to shine.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 6–8 tbsp ice water

• 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice (helps tenderize)

Shortcut: You can use 2 store-bought 9-inch pie crusts, but homemade yields the best results.

For the Saskatoon Berry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen Saskatoon berries

• ¾ cup sugar (adjust based on berry sweetness)

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tbsp butter (to dot over filling before topping with crust)

For Finishing:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tbsp milk or water (for egg wash)

• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling crust)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits.

3. Drizzle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough holds together when pressed. Add vinegar or lemon juice to help bind and tenderize.

4. Divide the dough in two, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).

Step 2: Prepare the Saskatoon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, mix Saskatoon berries with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon (if using), lemon juice, zest, and salt. Toss gently to coat.

2. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you roll out the dough — this helps the cornstarch hydrate and start thickening the juices.

Tip: If using frozen berries, do not thaw before mixing — just increase baking time slightly and use an extra ½ tbsp cornstarch.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll one chilled dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim edges, leaving a slight overhang.

3. Pour the berry mixture into the crust and dot with small cubes of butter.

4. Roll out the second disc for the top crust. You can:

   • Cover with a full top crust (remember to cut slits for steam),

   • Create a lattice design, or

   • Use pie crust cutters to make shapes or vents.

5. Crimp or flute the edges to seal the crust.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tbsp milk or water to make an egg wash.

2. Brush the top crust lightly with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

3. Place pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.

4. Reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30–35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and juices are bubbling.

5. If the crust browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool on a rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set fully.

Serve at room temperature, or slightly warm, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate):

Note: Values may vary based on crust ingredients and serving size.