St. Michael's Blackberry Pie

There’s something timeless about a homemade blackberry pie cooling on the counter. Sweet, juicy berries tucked between layers of golden, flaky pastry make this dessert a celebration of summer flavor that feels just as comforting in the cooler months. With a buttery crust and bright, slightly tart filling, this pie is pure simplicity and joy in every bite.

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Why I Love This Recipe

This pie reminds me of why I love traditional baking. It brings together everything wholesome and nostalgic about a handmade dessert—the chilled butter, the gentle kneading, the smell of berries bubbling in the oven. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply enjoyed as-is, this pie always feels special. It’s a beautiful way to share something homemade with those you love.

How To Step-By-Step Blackberry Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F: Set your oven to preheat while you prepare the crust. A properly heated oven helps the butter in the dough release steam, which creates that irresistible flakiness.

2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Lightly coat the stick of butter in the flour mixture, then use a cheese grater to grate it directly into the bowl. Work quickly so the butter stays cold; this is key to a tender crust. Gently toss the grated butter through the flour until the pieces are evenly coated and look like coarse crumbs.

   

   

   

3. Bring the dough together: Add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough looks shaggy and just moistened. Avoid overmixing. The dough should hold together when pinched but not feel sticky.

4. Shape and chill: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, gently knead it for 1–2 minutes; just enough to bring it together. Shape it into a ball, divide in half, and flatten each piece into a disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This rest allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up again.

   

   

   

5. Roll out the dough: Remove one disk from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 5 minutes, just until pliable. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a 12-inch round and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges so there’s about an inch of overhang. Roll out the second disk into an 11-inch round for the top crust and set aside.

6. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, stir together the blackberries, sugar, flour, and lemon juice. Lightly mash a few of the berries to help release their juices while keeping most of them whole. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thickened.

   

   

   

   

   

7. Assemble the pie: Spoon the berry filling into the prepared crust and dot the top with small cubes of butter. This adds richness and helps the filling bubble beautifully as it bakes. Carefully lay the top crust over the filling and brush lightly with egg wash. Trim the excess dough to 1 inch beyond the rim, fold it under itself, and crimp decoratively with your fingers or a fork. Cut an X in the center to allow steam to escape.

   

   

   

8. Bake: Place the pie in the center of the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

   

9. Cool completely: Let the pie rest on a wire rack for at least 4 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set so each piece holds its shape beautifully.

Notes

• Keep butter very cold for a flaky crust.

• If crust is very crumbly, add more cold water.

• If using frozen blackberries, do not thaw first; simply add 10 minutes to the bake time.

• Cooling completely helps the filling thicken naturally for clean slices.

Lesson

Ecclesiasticus 44: 16-27; 45: 3-20

Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found just; and in the time of wrath was made a reconciliation. There was not any found like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him increase among his people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in His blessings: He preserved for him His mercy: and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting covenant with him; and gave him a great priesthood; and made him blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood and to have praise in his name, and to offer to him worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.

Gospel

Mark 11: 22-24

At that time, Jesus answering, said to His disciples: Have the faith of God. Amen, I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou removed and be cast into the sea, and shall not stagger in his heart, but believe that whatsoever he hath said shall be done, it shall be done unto him. Therefore I say unto you, all things whatsoever you ask when ye pray, believe that you shall receive, and they shall come unto you.