As the summer sun begins to shine, there’s nothing quite like inviting friends and family over for a cheerful gathering. Picture this: laughter fills the air as everyone gathers around a vibrant table, and in the center stands a gleaming Summer Berry Slab Pie. The first slice reveals a flaky, golden crust cradling a luscious mix of strawberries and blueberries, bursting with sweetness and just the right hint of tartness.
I first crafted this slab pie after a weekend farmer’s market visit, where the fresh berries practically called my name. The ease of making it appealed to my busy schedule, yet it still boasts that impressive homemade charm. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or even a cozy night at home, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that serves up to 16 slices of pure joy. Ready to turn your summer gatherings into memorable feasts? Let’s dive into the delightful world of berry slab pie!
Why is Berry Slab Pie the Ultimate Summer Dessert?
Irresistible Appeal: The combination of sweet strawberries and tart blueberries creates a flavor explosion that everyone will adore.
Easy Preparation: With a straightforward recipe, you’ll be slicing into this beauty in no time, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
Generous Portions: Serving up to 16 slices, it’s perfect for gatherings and ensures everyone gets a taste.
Versatile Options: Swap in your favorite summer fruits for a customized delight that keeps things fresh and exciting.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dessert appeals to all age groups, making it an ideal choice for parties or family dinners.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep ahead of time and enjoy stress-free entertaining—learn more about easy summer treats here!
Berry Slab Pie Ingredients
• For the Crust
- Store-bought or Homemade Pie Crusts – Use 2 for the bottom and 1 for the top to create a sturdy base for your berry slab pie.
• For the Filling
- Blueberries (2 pints) – Fresh blueberries add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your pie.
- Strawberries (2 lbs) – Make sure they are hulled and diced for even distribution throughout the filling.
- Corn Starch (6 tablespoons) – This thickener will keep your filling from making the crust soggy.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – Fresh or bottled, it brightens the berry flavors and balances sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens your filling; adjust based on the sweetness of the berries.
- Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon) – Just a touch to balance and enhance all the flavors in the filling.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, cubed) – Adds richness and depth to the berry flavor.
• For the Egg Wash
- Egg (1) + Water (1 tablespoon) – This mixture gives your crust that beautiful, golden finish when baked.
How to Make Berry Slab Pie
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. A properly preheated oven is crucial for that perfect golden crust!
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Prepare Crust: Roll out 2 pie crusts to fit a large baking sheet or slab pie pan, trimming the edges as needed. If you’re using store-bought crusts, let them sit at room temperature for a bit to soften.
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Blind Bake Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, remove weights, then bake for another 5-7 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Let it cool completely!
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Make Filling: Rinse and dice the strawberries and blueberries, then mix them in a large bowl along with the lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, and salt until everything is well combined.
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Prepare Top Crust: Roll out the remaining pie crust and cut it into strips or fun shapes to create a lattice design for the top. Get creative!
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Assemble Pie: Brush the bottom crust with the egg wash to create a barrier. Pour the berry mixture on top, dot with cubed butter, and then arrange your crust design over the filling.
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Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up through the lattice. Cover the edges with foil if they are browning too quickly.
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Cool: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling set, making it easier to serve those pretty slices!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Berry Slab Pie?
There’s nothing quite like complementing your beautiful pie with sides and drinks that elevate the dessert experience.
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Whipped Cream: This classic topping adds a light and airy contrast to the sweet, fruity flavors, making each bite more delightful.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm pie creates a delicious temperature contrast that’s simply irresistible. The creaminess balances the tartness of the berries wonderfully.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Brighten up your dessert table with a refreshing fruit salad, combining seasonal fruits for a burst of color and texture. It’s a light, zesty complement to the richness of the pie.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Serve up some ice-cold lemonade or refreshing iced tea to provide a crisp and cool beverage option. The citrus notes enhance the flavors of the pie and keep the gathering breezy.
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Cheese Plate: A charcuterie board featuring mild cheeses can add a savory element, balancing the sweetness of the berry slab pie. The contrast in flavors offers your guests a sophisticated twist.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Consider adding a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over individual slices. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the berries, creating a luscious dessert fusion that guests will love.
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Coconut Cream: A dollop of coconut cream adds a tropical twist that enhances the berry flavors while introducing a delightful creaminess.
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Sparkling Wine: Celebrate your gathering with a glass of bubbly sparkling wine. Its effervescence will cleanse the palate, making each slice of pie even more enjoyable.
How to Store and Freeze Berry Slab Pie
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Room Temperature: Allow your berry slab pie to cool completely before storing. It can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours, covered gently with a clean kitchen towel.
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Fridge: Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flaky crust and delicious filling without compromising flavor.
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Freezer: If you want to keep your berry slab pie longer, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the pie in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore its crispness before serving.
Helpful Tricks for Berry Slab Pie
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Use Fresh Berries: Fresh strawberries and blueberries provide the best flavor. Opt for seasonal fruits to maximize taste and sweetness in your berry slab pie.
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Avoid Soggy Crust: Cornstarch thickens the filling, ensuring your crust stays flaky. Be generous but not excessive; too much filling can lead to a soggy base.
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Cool Before Slicing: Patience is key! Let your pie cool for at least 2 hours; this helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices when serving.
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Equal Crust Coverage: For even baking, ensure your top crust has uniform gaps in a lattice design to allow steam to escape, preventing sogginess while promoting a beautifully golden color.
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Egg Wash Application: Apply the egg wash with a gentle hand—this gives your berry slab pie a gorgeous, shiny finish. A heavy application can lead to uneven baking.
Berry Slab Pie Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this berry slab pie your own with these delicious twists!
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Raspberry Option: Substitute fresh raspberries for some of the blueberries for a tart flavor boost. Raspberries add a beautiful color and a delightful tang to the filling.
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Peachy Keen: Add diced fresh peaches for a sweet and juicy profile. The softness of peaches perfectly complements the berries, creating a symphony of summer flavors.
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Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions. Many brands make a great substitute that tastes just as flaky and delicious.
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Cinnamon Spice: Sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon into the berry filling for a warm, cozy flavor twist. This subtle spice elevates the dish, making it a comforting treat.
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Vanilla Infusion: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling to enhance its sweetness and depth. It adds a creamy undertone that complements the tartness of the fruit beautifully.
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Savory Spin: For a unique twist, fill the slab pie with a mixture of ricotta cheese, fresh herbs, and roasted vegetables. This savory option is perfect for a fancy brunch or dinner party.
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Bourbon Kick: Drizzle a touch of bourbon into the filling for a warm, caramel flavor. Just a tablespoon can elevate the profile, giving it a grown-up twist that’s sure to impress.
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Mixed Berry Medley: Combine different berries like blackberries and strawberries for a colorful and flavorful blend. The variety creates a wonderful contrast in taste and texture, making every slice exciting.
Make Ahead Options
Making your Berry Slab Pie ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time for those busy summer gatherings! You can prepare the filling (berries mixed with cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and salt) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. Additionally, the pie crust can be rolled out, assembled, and frozen for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C), adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This ensures each slice is just as delicious, so you can enjoy the cheers of your loved ones without the last-minute rush!
Berry Slab Pie Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries and blueberries for my slab pie?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red, firm, and free of dark spots. For blueberries, choose plump berries with a deep blue color and a light dusting of bloom, indicating freshness. Avoid overly soft or wrinkled fruits, as they may not hold up well during baking.
How should I store leftover berry slab pie?
Store your leftover berry slab pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help keep the crust flaky and the filling fresh. Just ensure it’s wrapped well or placed in an airtight container to maintain its quality. I often place a piece of wax paper between the pie and the covering to avoid sticking!
Can I freeze berry slab pie, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your berry slab pie for up to 2 months! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to restore its crispy crust.
What should I do if my berry filling is too runny?
If you find that your filling is too runny, there are a couple of things you can do! First, you might want to try using more cornstarch next time—about an additional tablespoon could help. If you’ve already baked it, allow the pie to cool for a longer period before slicing; this will help thicken the filling as it sets. Also, consider serving it with a scoop of ice cream, as it can help balance out the runniness while still being delicious!
Are there any dietary considerations for berry slab pie?
Very! If you’re making this pie for someone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, simply use a gluten-free pie crust. Just be sure to check the labels of all other ingredients, especially the cornstarch and sugar, which are typically gluten-free but always good to confirm! Also, keep in mind that blueberries and strawberries are generally safe for pets, but if you plan to share, it’s best to consult your vet first.
How do I get an evenly baked pie crust?
To achieve an evenly baked crust, make sure to blind bake it properly by using pie weights to hold it down. This prevents puffing and ensures a nice, flat base. Additionally, rotate your pie halfway through the baking time for even browning, and be sure to check the color—if the edges darken too quickly, cover them with foil to protect them while the rest continues to bake.
Berry Slab Pie: Easy Summer Treat for Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out 2 pie crusts to fit a large baking sheet or slab pie pan, trimming the edges as needed.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, remove weights, then bake for another 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Rinse and dice the strawberries and blueberries, then mix with lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
- Roll out the remaining pie crust and cut into strips or shapes for a lattice design.
- Brush the bottom crust with egg wash, pour in the berry mixture, dot with cubed butter, and arrange the crust design on top.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.