Cherry Berry Pie with Whole Wheat Crust: Recipe & Tips

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Cherry Berry Pie with Whole Wheat CrustIndulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of summer with our Cherry Berry Pie with Whole Wheat Pie Crust. This recipe combines juicy cherries and berries with a wholesome, nutty pie crust, offering a delicious twist on a classic dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and rich flavors. In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the right ingredients to perfecting the crust, and offer tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

For the Whole Wheat Pie Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening
  • 4-6 tablespoons ice water

For the Cherry Berry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (thickener)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Whole Wheat Pie Crust

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in the Butter and Shortening: Add the cold butter and vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should be moist but not sticky.
  4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Preparing the Cherry Berry Filling

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherries, blueberries, raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Toss until the fruit is well coated.
  2. Rest the Filling: Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the fruit release its juices and the cornstarch to begin absorbing liquid, which will thicken the filling.

Assembling the Pie

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Roll Out the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it gently to fit snugly.
  3. Add the Filling: Pour the cherry berry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
  4. Top the Pie: Roll out the second disc of dough. You can place it over the filling as a solid crust, or cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
  5. Vent the Crust: If using a solid crust, cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
  6. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  7. Cool the Pie: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.

Tips and Variations

Should I Pre-bake the Pie Crust for Berry Pie?

Pre-baking, or blind baking, the pie crust is not necessary for this recipe since the filling and crust bake simultaneously. However, if you prefer an extra-crisp crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.

What Thickener Will Be Used in the Berry Pie?

This recipe uses cornstarch as the thickener for the berry filling. Cornstarch is excellent for creating a smooth, glossy filling. Alternatively, you can use tapioca starch or arrowroot powder for similar results.

How Do You Keep a Berry Pie Crust from Getting Soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, ensure your fruit filling is thickened before baking. You can also brush the bottom crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling, creating a barrier that helps keep the crust dry.

What Should One Avoid When Making a Pie Crust?

Avoid overworking the dough to ensure a tender crust. Handle it as little as possible, and keep the ingredients cold. Also, avoid adding too much water, as this can result in a tough crust.

Variations

  • Mixed Berry: Use a combination of your favorite berries, such as strawberries and blackberries, for a mixed berry pie.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute the flours with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
  • Vegan: Replace butter and shortening with vegan alternatives like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1/8 of pie):

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 28g
  • Protein: 4g

Our Cherry Berry Pie with Whole Wheat Pie Crust is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cherries and berries with a hearty, nutty crust. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weekend treat, this pie is sure to be a hit with everyone. Try making it yourself, and don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments section below. We would love to see your creations! Share this recipe with your friends on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.

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