Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie

Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie is a delightful, summery dessert that embodies the sweet essence of fresh fruit. This pie is perfect for sharing, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, picnics, or holiday celebrations. The vibrant red strawberries and dark, juicy blackberries create a stunning visual appeal. This slab pie provides a generous serving size, making it easy to feed a crowd and ensuring that there’s enough to go around. The flaky crust serves as a perfect canvas for the luscious fruit filling, offering a blend of textures and flavors that create a treat everyone will love.

The combination of strawberries and blackberries not only brings a burst of fruity goodness but also a natural sweetness, enhanced further by a touch of sugar and a hint of lemon juice. The pie filling is thickened with cornstarch, ensuring that each slice holds together beautifully. When baked to a golden brown, the crust provides a satisfying crunch while the filling remains warm and inviting. When you take a bite, you will enjoy a harmonious blend of flavors that parade on your palate, leaving you longing for just one more slice.

Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie will surely be a hit. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking process to create this mouthwatering dessert.

Ingredients about Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie

To create a delicious Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie, gather the following ingredients:

List of ingredients with measurements

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 and 3/4 cups unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup ice-cold water
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling
• 4 cups chopped strawberries
• 4 cups halved blackberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional ingredient substitutions

You can make a few substitutions if you have dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, if you need a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free variation. For a lower sugar option, you can reduce the amount of sugar used or substitute it with stevia or agave syrup. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the final taste and texture of the pie.

How to Make Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie

Creating a Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie involves two main parts: making the crust and the filling. Let’s walk through each step in detail.

Step 1: Make the pie crust

Start by making the pie crust, which is the foundation of your slab pie. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. These dry ingredients form the base of your crust. Next, add the cubed unsalted butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbles.

Once the butter is incorporated, it’s time to add the cold water. Drizzle in the water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough forms large, moist clumps that hold together. You want the dough to be wet enough to hold together but not overly sticky.

Step 2: Chill the dough

After the dough is ready, transfer it to a floured surface. Gently fold the dough a few times until the flour is fully incorporated. This will help create a tender crust. Divide the dough in half, forming two equal portions. Flatten each half into a disc about 1 inch thick. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps to relax the gluten, ensuring a flaky crust when baked.

Step 3: Prepare the filling

While the dough chills, prepare the fruit filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of chopped strawberries with the 4 cups of halved blackberries. Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Gently mix the ingredients together until the fruit is well-coated. Allow the filling to sit for a few minutes while you get your oven preheating.

Step 4: Preheat and roll out the pie crust

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Remove one disc of chilled dough from the fridge. On a floured surface or using parchment paper, roll it out into a rectangle about 10×16 inches in size, with a thickness of roughly 1/8 inch. Once rolled out, carefully transfer the dough onto a baking sheet. Make sure it fits snugly in the pan.

Now it’s time to fill the pie! Spoon the fruit filling into the center of the rolled-out crust, carefully leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This ensures the filling has enough room while baking.

Take the second disc of pie dough from the refrigerator and roll it out in the same way as the first disc. Drape this dough over the filling. Seal the edges of the pie by pressing them together with your fingers or using a fork. Flute the edges to create a decorative finish. Once sealed, cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Next, prepare an egg wash by beating the large egg with 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this mixture over the top crust and generously sprinkle coarse sugar for that sparkling finish.

Final Steps: Baking and Cooling

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove the slab pie from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing. This cooling time allows the filling to set and ensures cleaner slices when serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie

The beauty of Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie lies in its versatility in serving. Here are some of the best ways to present it to your family and friends.

Best ways to serve Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie

Once your pie has cooled, you can slice it into squares or rectangles, making it easy to serve. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top can elevate this dessert further. Drizzling some chocolate sauce over the top can also be a fantastic indulgent touch.

Serving suggestions or pairings

For a delightful combination, consider pairing the pie with a scoop of sweetened mascarpone cheese. For a tart twist, serve with lemon sorbet. If you feel adventurous, try it with a glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing summer treat. The fruity flavors of the pie harmonize beautifully with the lightness of these beverages, enhancing the overall experience.

How to Store Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie

Proper storage of your Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie is essential to maintain its taste and texture.

Proper storage methods

Once the pie is entirely cooled, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for a day or two. If you need to keep it longer, it’s best to refrigerate it. Place it in the fridge, where it can last up to 5 days.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you enjoy warm pie, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven set to 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. For long-term storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.

Tips to Make Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie

To ensure the best results when making your slab pie, keep the following tips in mind.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making pie crust is overworking the dough. Be gentle and handle it as little as possible to achieve a flaky texture. Additionally, ensure your butter is cold when mixing it into the dough; this helps create those delightful flaky layers. Another mistake is not allowing the pie to cool fully before slicing, which can lead to a messy presentation.

Helpful tips for better results

For an extra flaky crust, try using a pastry cutter or your hands instead of a mixer to cut the butter into the flour. This method gives you better control over how the butter is incorporated. Use chilled utensils and a cold surface while making the dough. Also, allow the pie filling to cool slightly before adding it to the crust; this reduces the risk of a soggy bottom.

Variation of Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie

Adding a twist to your Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie can be a fun way to experiment with flavors and ingredients.

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

Consider adding additional fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a mixed fruit filling. You can incorporate flavorings like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the fruit’s sweetness. Using a vanilla bean instead of extract can also add deeper flavor complexity.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those following a vegan diet, replace the butter with a plant-based option and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg wash. To make this pie gluten-free, substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the cornstarch is also gluten-free.

FAQs

It’s common to have questions when trying a new recipe. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie.

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your filling is runny, it may need a little more cornstarch to thicken up properly. Make sure to let the pie cool completely to allow the filling to set. If the crust is too tough, consider reducing the kneading or adding a little more ice water. If you have overbaked it, the crust might be too hard. Always set a timer to avoid overbaking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make the pie ahead of time! The crust can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The filling can also be prepared ahead and stored separately. Just roll out and assemble the pie when you’re ready to bake. You can even bake it a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. The unsalted butter can be exchanged for coconut oil or vegan butter. For sweeteners, consider using agave nectar or stevia to lower sugar intake. Using frozen berries can also be an option if fresh fruit isn’t available, but be sure to reduce the sugar slightly due to the sweetness of the frozen fruit.

Now, with all this information, you are ready to create a stunning, flavorful, and mouthwatering Strawberry Blackberry Slab Pie. Sweet, savory, and undeniably delightful, this recipe is sure to be a new favorite in your collection. Enjoy making and sharing it with family and friends!

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