Huckleberry Pie Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade huckleberry pie with a perfectly flaky all-butter crust and juicy wild berry filling. This easy baking recipe features the perfect balance of sweet-tart flavors and a foolproof technique for achieving a non-soggy bottom crust, even with these juicy berries.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
An overhead shot of a golden-brown lattice pie with deep purple huckleberry filling bubbling through the woven pastry strips. The pie sits on a weathered wooden board, dusted with a light sprinkling of demerara sugar that catches the soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window. A small bowl of fresh huckleberries and a vintage silver pie server rest beside it. The cross-section reveals a vibrant purple filling with whole berries suspended in a glossy, jammy matrix that holds its shape without being runny. Steam wisps rise from the just-cut slice, carrying the aroma of buttery pastry and sweet-tart berries.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">350g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g unsalted butter, very cold and cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120-150ml ice water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (to relax the gluten)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">750g fresh huckleberries (or blueberries with a touch of lemon juice)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g light brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">40g 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">¼ tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp demerara 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">Pie shield or aluminum foil</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet (to catch drips)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by preparing the pie dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. The varying butter sizes create layers in your crust - smaller pieces for tenderness and larger pieces for flakiness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Combine the ice water and apple cider vinegar in a measuring cup. Drizzle 120ml of this mixture over the flour mixture and gently stir with a fork until the dough begins to come together. If needed, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time. The dough should hold together when squeezed but shouldn't feel wet or sticky.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger (about 60% of dough for the bottom crust). Form each into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, gently toss the huckleberries with both sugars, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the berries to release some juices. This helps the cornstarch activate before baking, preventing a runny filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) with a rack in the lower third position. Place a baking sheet on the rack to preheat as well - this helps the bottom crust cook properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Remove the larger disc of dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to slightly soften. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 33cm (13-inch) circle, about 3mm thick. Keep rotating the dough as you roll to prevent sticking and maintain a circular shape.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Carefully transfer the rolled dough to your pie dish by draping it over your rolling pin. Gently press it into the bottom and sides of the dish without stretching the dough (stretching causes shrinkage during baking). Trim the overhang to about 2.5cm (1 inch) beyond the rim.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Pour the huckleberry filling into the dough-lined pie dish, mounding it slightly toward the center. Place the filled pie shell in the refrigerator while you prepare the lattice top.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Roll out the second disc of dough to a 30cm (12-inch) circle. Using a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut the dough into 2.5cm (1-inch) wide strips for the lattice. Remove the filled pie from the refrigerator and arrange half the strips over the filling in one direction, spacing them evenly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Fold back every other strip halfway and place one long strip perpendicular across the unfolded strips. Unfold the folded strips over the perpendicular strip. Now fold back the alternate strips and place another perpendicular strip. Continue this process, weaving the lattice pattern over the entire pie. Trim and crimp the edges decoratively.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Brush the lattice top with egg wash and sprinkle generously with demerara sugar. The egg wash creates a beautiful golden sheen, while the sugar adds a delightful crunch and sparkle.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes. This initial high heat helps set the crust structure. Then reduce the temperature to 175°C (350°F) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes more, or until the filling is bubbling vigorously and the crust is a deep golden brown. Cover the edges with a pie shield or foil if they're browning too quickly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely, at least 3-4 hours before slicing. This cooling period is crucial - it allows the filling to set properly. A pie cut too soon will be runny and messy. As it cools, the natural pectin in the berries and the cornstarch will thicken the filling to the perfect consistency.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 14</h4>Serve at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.</li></ol>

FAQs

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

What ingredients are used in Huckleberry Pie Recipe?

The key ingredients include 750g fresh huckleberries, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and zest, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and demerara sugar for sprinkling on the lattice top.

How to cook Huckleberry Pie Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Huckleberry Pie Recipe by first preparing a buttery all-purpose flour crust with cold butter and apple cider vinegar. Combine fresh huckleberries with sugars and cornstarch, assemble with a woven lattice top, then bake at 200°C for 20 mins before reducing to 175°C for 35-40 mins until golden and bubbling.

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh for a huckleberry pie?

Yes, frozen huckleberries work well in pie recipes. Don't thaw them before mixing with the other filling ingredients, but do increase the cornstarch by an additional tablespoon to account for the extra moisture released during baking. The baking time may need to be extended by 5-10 minutes.

Why is my berry pie filling runny even after cooling?

Runny filling is typically caused by insufficient thickener, underbaking, or cutting the pie while still warm. Ensure you're using the full amount of cornstarch, bake until the filling is actively bubbling (which activates the thickener), and allow a full 3-4 hours cooling time before slicing.

What's the secret to a flaky pie crust that doesn't get soggy on the bottom?

The key to a flaky, non-soggy bottom is using very cold butter, adding apple cider vinegar to relax gluten, resting the dough properly, preheating your baking sheet, positioning the pie in the lower third of the oven, and starting with a higher temperature to quickly set the bottom crust.

Want to try something else in ...

Fruit Pies

Try following recommended recipes

{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Recipe", "name": "Huckleberry Pie Recipe", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Gurbir Aujla", "brand": "What's Baking?", "jobTitle": "Baker" }, "datePublished": "2024-04-28", "description": "Learn how to make the best homemade huckleberry pie with a perfectly flaky all-butter crust and juicy wild berry filling. This easy baking recipe features the perfect balance of sweet-tart flavors and a foolproof technique for achieving a non-soggy bottom crust, even with these juicy berries.", "prepTime": "PT45M", "cookTime": "PT55M", "totalTime": "PT1H40M", "keywords": "huckleberry pie, wild berry dessert, lattice crust, summer pie, Montana dessert", "recipeYield": "8", "recipeCategory": "Dessert", "recipeCuisine": "American", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "375 calories", "carbohydrateContent": "49 g", "proteinContent": "4 g", "fatContent": "18 g", "saturatedFatContent": "10 g", "cholesterolContent": "85 mg", "sodiumContent": "220 mg", "sugarContent": "26 g", "servingSize": "1 slice" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "350g all-purpose flour", "1 tsp salt", "1 tbsp granulated sugar", "225g unsalted butter, very cold and cubed", "120-150ml ice water", "1 tbsp apple cider vinegar", "750g fresh huckleberries", "150g granulated sugar", "50g light brown sugar", "40g cornstarch", "2 tbsp lemon juice", "1 tsp lemon zest", "¼ tsp ground cinnamon", "Pinch of salt", "1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water", "2 tbsp demerara sugar, for sprinkling" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare Dough", "text": "In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. The varying butter sizes create layers in your crust - smaller pieces for tenderness and larger pieces for flakiness." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add Liquid", "text": "Combine the ice water and apple cider vinegar in a measuring cup. Drizzle 120ml of this mixture over the flour mixture and gently stir with a fork until the dough begins to come together. If needed, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time. The dough should hold together when squeezed but shouldn't feel wet or sticky." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Chill Dough", "text": "Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger (about 60% of dough for the bottom crust). Form each into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare Filling", "text": "In a large bowl, gently toss the huckleberries with both sugars, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the berries to release some juices. This helps the cornstarch activate before baking, preventing a runny filling." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Preheat Oven", "text": "Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) with a rack in the lower third position. Place a baking sheet on the rack to preheat as well - this helps the bottom crust cook properly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Roll Bottom Crust", "text": "Remove the larger disc of dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to slightly soften. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 33cm (13-inch) circle, about 3mm thick. Keep rotating the dough as you roll to prevent sticking and maintain a circular shape." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Line Pie Dish", "text": "Carefully transfer the rolled dough to your pie dish by draping it over your rolling pin. Gently press it into the bottom and sides of the dish without stretching the dough. Trim the overhang to about 2.5cm (1 inch) beyond the rim." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add Filling", "text": "Pour the huckleberry filling into the dough-lined pie dish, mounding it slightly toward the center. Place the filled pie shell in the refrigerator while you prepare the lattice top." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Create Lattice Top", "text": "Roll out the second disc of dough to a 30cm (12-inch) circle. Using a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut the dough into 2.5cm (1-inch) wide strips for the lattice. Remove the filled pie from the refrigerator and arrange half the strips over the filling in one direction, spacing them evenly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Weave Lattice", "text": "Fold back every other strip halfway and place one long strip perpendicular across the unfolded strips. Unfold the folded strips over the perpendicular strip. Now fold back the alternate strips and place another perpendicular strip. Continue this process, weaving the lattice pattern over the entire pie. Trim and crimp the edges decoratively." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Apply Egg Wash", "text": "Brush the lattice top with egg wash and sprinkle generously with demerara sugar. The egg wash creates a beautiful golden sheen, while the sugar adds a delightful crunch and sparkle." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake Pie", "text": "Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes. This initial high heat helps set the crust structure. Then reduce the temperature to 175°C (350°F) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes more, or until the filling is bubbling vigorously and the crust is a deep golden brown. Cover the edges with a pie shield or foil if they're browning too quickly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool Completely", "text": "Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely, at least 3-4 hours before slicing. This cooling period is crucial - it allows the filling to set properly. A pie cut too soon will be runny and messy. As it cools, the natural pectin in the berries and the cornstarch will thicken the filling to the perfect consistency." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve", "text": "Serve at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer storage." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "147" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Elena Gonzalez", "datePublished": "2024-04-15", "reviewBody": "This huckleberry pie is absolutely divine! The butter crust was perfectly flaky and the filling had just the right balance of sweet and tart. My family couldn't get enough of it.", "name": "Buttery crust with perfect berry balance!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Akira Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-04-18", "reviewBody": "I spent a day foraging wild huckleberries just to make this pie and it was absolutely worth every minute! The filling held together beautifully and the flavor was exceptional.", "name": "Worth hunting for wild huckleberries!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Patel", "datePublished": "2024-04-20", "reviewBody": "The cornstarch ratio in this recipe is perfect - my pie wasn't runny at all! The filling set beautifully while still maintaining juicy berries. I've made dozens of berry pies and this is by far my favorite recipe.", "name": "Not runny like other berry pies!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-04-22", "reviewBody": "I've been baking for years but was always intimidated by lattice tops. The instructions here were so clear that I finally conquered my pie anxiety! It turned out gorgeous and everyone was impressed.", "name": "Finally conquered my pie anxiety!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Isabella Rossi", "datePublished": "2024-04-25", "reviewBody": "This recipe brought me right back to summers in Montana with my grandparents. The flavor is authentic and that hint of cinnamon really enhances the huckleberries without overpowering them. Absolute perfection!", "name": "Taste of Montana in every bite!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What ingredients are used in Huckleberry Pie Recipe?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The key ingredients include 750g fresh huckleberries, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and zest, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and demerara sugar for sprinkling on the lattice top." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How to cook Huckleberry Pie Recipe at home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Learn how to cook Huckleberry Pie Recipe by first preparing a buttery all-purpose flour crust with cold butter and apple cider vinegar. Combine fresh huckleberries with sugars and cornstarch, assemble with a woven lattice top, then bake at 200°C for 20 mins before reducing to 175°C for 35-40 mins until golden and bubbling." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh for a huckleberry pie?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, frozen huckleberries work well in pie recipes. Don't thaw them before mixing with the other filling ingredients, but do increase the cornstarch by an additional tablespoon to account for the extra moisture released during baking. The baking time may need to be extended by 5-10 minutes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is my berry pie filling runny even after cooling?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Runny filling is typically caused by insufficient thickener, underbaking, or cutting the pie while still warm. Ensure you're using the full amount of cornstarch, bake until the filling is actively bubbling (which activates the thickener), and allow a full 3-4 hours cooling time before slicing." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the secret to a flaky pie crust that doesn't get soggy on the bottom?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The key to a flaky, non-soggy bottom is using very cold butter, adding apple cider vinegar to relax gluten, resting the dough properly, preheating your baking sheet, positioning the pie in the lower third of the oven, and starting with a higher temperature to quickly set the bottom crust." } } ] }