Boysenberry Pie Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade boysenberry pie with this easy baking recipe! A perfect balance of sweet-tart berries tucked into a buttery, flaky crust that bakes up golden and crisp. This foolproof method ensures a perfectly set filling that won't run when sliced.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
An overhead shot of a golden-brown lattice-topped boysenberry pie, with deep purple filling bubbling through the openings. Soft natural light highlights the sugar-sprinkled crust's flaky layers and the pie's glistening, jammy interior. A slice has been removed, revealing the perfectly set filling that holds its shape while remaining juicy and vibrant. The pie rests on a vintage ceramic plate against a rustic wooden table, with scattered fresh boysenberries and a small bowl of whipped cream nearby, creating a homey, inviting scene that emphasizes the pie's artisanal quality and the rich purple-red hue of the seasonal berries.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g unsalted butter, very cold and cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml ice-cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">750g fresh or frozen boysenberries (thawed if frozen)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45g cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp lemon zest</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For finishing:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp coarse sugar for sprinkling</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry cutter or food processor</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry wheel or sharp knife for lattice</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pie shield or aluminum foil</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by preparing your pie crust. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the flour until you have pea-sized pieces. The varied butter chunks create layers in your dough that translate to flakiness when baked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Mix the ice water and apple cider vinegar in a small cup. The vinegar inhibits gluten development, ensuring a more tender crust. Drizzle 6 tablespoons of the liquid over the flour mixture and gently combine with a fork. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just holds together when pinched (you may not need all the liquid).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Divide the dough into two slightly unequal portions – about 60% for the bottom crust and 40% for the lattice top. Shape each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. Cold dough is essential for a flaky texture as it keeps the butter from melting too quickly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>While the dough chills, prepare your filling. In a large bowl, gently toss the boysenberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the berries to release some juices and the cornstarch to begin dissolving. This resting period helps prevent a runny filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (425°F) and place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any potential drips. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger disc of dough to about 30cm (12 inches) in diameter. Roll the dough around your rolling pin to easily transfer it to your pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners without stretching.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Pour the boysenberry filling into the dough-lined pie dish, mounding slightly in the center. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut into 2.5cm (1-inch) strips for the lattice top. Arrange half the strips across the pie, then weave the remaining strips perpendicular to create a lattice pattern. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 2.5cm (1-inch) overhang.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges decoratively with your fingers or a fork. Brush the entire top crust with egg wash, which creates that beautiful golden sheen during baking, and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar for a delightful crunch and sparkle.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake at 200°C (425°F) for 20 minutes. This initial high heat helps set the crust structure. Then, reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes more, until the filling is bubbling vigorously and the crust is deeply golden. If the edges brown too quickly, shield them with foil or a pie shield.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 4 hours before slicing. This cooling period is crucial – it allows the filling to set properly so it won't run when cut. For the cleanest slices, refrigerate for 1-2 hours after cooling to room temperature. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Boysenberry Pie Recipe?

This pie requires all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, water, apple cider vinegar, boysenberries (fresh or frozen), cornstarch, lemon juice and zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, egg for washing, and coarse sugar for the topping.

How to cook Boysenberry Pie Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Boysenberry Pie Recipe by preparing a flaky butter crust, mixing boysenberries with sugar and spices, assembling with a lattice top, then baking at a high temperature initially (200°C) before reducing to 180°C. The key is allowing the pie to cool completely for at least 4 hours so the filling sets properly before slicing.

Why is my berry pie filling runny and how can I prevent it?

Runny filling typically occurs when there's insufficient thickener or inadequate cooling time. Use 45g cornstarch for 750g berries, allow the filling to rest before baking, and most importantly, cool the pie completely (4+ hours) to let the cornstarch fully activate and set.

Can I use other berries instead of boysenberries in a fruit pie?

Yes, blackberries, marionberries or a mix of blackberries and raspberries make excellent substitutes for boysenberries. You may need to adjust the sugar depending on the tartness of your chosen berries, but the cornstarch ratio should remain the same for proper thickening.

What's the secret to achieving a perfectly flaky pie crust?

The secrets to flaky crust are: using very cold butter, incorporating apple cider vinegar to limit gluten development, handling the dough minimally, and proper chilling before rolling. The varied butter chunks create steam pockets during baking that result in those desirable flaky layers.

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Cold dough is essential for a flaky texture as it keeps the butter from melting too quickly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare Filling", "text": "While the dough chills, prepare your filling. In a large bowl, gently toss the boysenberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the berries to release some juices and the cornstarch to begin dissolving. This resting period helps prevent a runny filling." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare Bottom Crust", "text": "Preheat your oven to 200°C (425°F) and place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any potential drips. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger disc of dough to about 30cm (12 inches) in diameter. Roll the dough around your rolling pin to easily transfer it to your pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners without stretching." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Create Lattice Top", "text": "Pour the boysenberry filling into the dough-lined pie dish, mounding slightly in the center. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut into 2.5cm (1-inch) strips for the lattice top. Arrange half the strips across the pie, then weave the remaining strips perpendicular to create a lattice pattern. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 2.5cm (1-inch) overhang." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Finish Pie Edge", "text": "Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges decoratively with your fingers or a fork. Brush the entire top crust with egg wash, which creates that beautiful golden sheen during baking, and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar for a delightful crunch and sparkle." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake Pie", "text": "Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake at 200°C (425°F) for 20 minutes. This initial high heat helps set the crust structure. Then, reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes more, until the filling is bubbling vigorously and the crust is deeply golden. If the edges brown too quickly, shield them with foil or a pie shield." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool and Serve", "text": "Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 4 hours before slicing. This cooling period is crucial – it allows the filling to set properly so it won't run when cut. For the cleanest slices, refrigerate for 1-2 hours after cooling to room temperature. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "187" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2024-04-12", "reviewBody": "Perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor! The boysenberries really shine through and the crust is absolutely divine. My family couldn't stop raving about it.", "name": "Perfectly Balanced Flavors", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Hiroshi Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-04-15", "reviewBody": "This is the flakiest crust I've ever made! The detailed instructions about keeping everything cold really made a difference. The filling set beautifully without being runny.", "name": "Flakiest Crust Ever", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aoife O'Sullivan", "datePublished": "2024-04-10", "reviewBody": "My family demolished this pie in minutes! I was lucky to get a slice before it was gone. The apple cider vinegar trick for the crust is genius - so tender and flaky.", "name": "Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Pavel Novak", "datePublished": "2024-04-18", "reviewBody": "Better than my grandma's recipe, though I'd never tell her that! The cornstarch amount is perfect - my slices held their shape beautifully when cut, but the filling was still juicy.", "name": "Perfect Consistency", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amara Okafor", "datePublished": "2024-04-20", "reviewBody": "No more soggy bottoms! The tip about baking on a preheated sheet and starting with high heat really works. Will use this technique for all my fruit pies from now on.", "name": "Technique Game-Changer", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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