Saskatoon Berry Pie is a classic Canadian dessert that highlights the unique sweet and slightly tart flavor of Saskatoon berries. Encased in a buttery, flaky crust, this pie is a true prairie favorite, enjoyed for generations in Western Canada. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this pie is a delicious tribute to Canada’s beloved native berry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Canadian Dessert – A traditional prairie pie featuring native Saskatoon berries.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor – The berries’ natural sweetness is complemented by a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Flaky Homemade Crust – A buttery crust that pairs beautifully with the juicy berry filling.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or cozy evenings.
- Versatile – Can be made with fresh or frozen Saskatoon berries, ensuring year-round enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Saskatoon Berry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen Saskatoon berries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting on top)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Directions
1. Prepare the Crust
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Cut in chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough just comes together.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Saskatoon berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Pour in the berry filling and dot the top with butter.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk for the egg wash. Brush over the top crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
Variations
- Lattice Crust: Instead of a full top crust, create a beautiful lattice pattern with strips of dough.
- Crumble Topping: Swap the top crust for a buttery oat crumble for a different texture.
- Mixed Berry Pie: Combine Saskatoon berries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a unique flavor.
- No-Cook Filling: Skip the stovetop step and let the berries cook directly in the oven for a more natural texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust mix for a gluten-free Saskatoon berry pie.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Keep the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked or baked pie for up to 3 months. If frozen unbaked, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C), adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
1. What are Saskatoon berries?
Saskatoon berries are native Canadian berries that resemble blueberries but have a more nutty, sweet, and slightly tart flavor.
2. Can I use frozen Saskatoon berries?
Yes! If using frozen berries, do not thaw before cooking, as this helps retain their shape.
3. How do I prevent a soggy pie crust?
Brush the bottom crust with egg white or a light layer of cornstarch before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pie a day in advance and store it at room temperature or refrigerate it.
5. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! While homemade crust offers the best flavor and texture, a pre-made pie crust works well for convenience.
6. What’s the best way to thicken the filling?
Cornstarch is used to thicken the filling, but you can also use tapioca starch or flour.
7. Can I make mini Saskatoon berry pies?
Yes! Use a muffin tin to create individual-sized pies and adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
8. How do I make a sugar-free version?
Replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
9. What can I serve with Saskatoon berry pie?
This pie pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey.
10. How do I make the crust extra flaky?
Use cold butter, handle the dough minimally, and chill the dough before rolling for the flakiest crust.
Conclusion
Saskatoon Berry Pie is a true Canadian classic, celebrating the rich, nutty-sweet flavor of Saskatoon berries in a golden, flaky crust. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or served on its own, this homemade pie is a must-try for any dessert lover. With easy variations and storage tips, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion—from summer picnics to holiday feasts. Try it today and enjoy a taste of the Canadian prairies!
Print
Saskatoon Berry Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Canadian pie bursting with sweet and slightly tart Saskatoon berries, encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy treat any time of year!
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the Saskatoon Berry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen Saskatoon berries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting on top)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Cut in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough forms a ball.
- Divide into two discs, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
-
Make the Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Saskatoon berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one dough disc and fit into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Pour in the berry filling and dot with butter.
- Roll out the second disc and place over the filling, sealing the edges. Cut slits for venting.
-
Bake:
- Brush the crust with egg wash and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Let cool before slicing. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
- If using frozen berries, do not thaw before cooking—this helps prevent excess liquid.
- For an extra decorative touch, try a lattice crust instead of a full top crust.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
