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There is nothing quite like a vibrant, bursting-with-flavor slice of the Summer Triple Berry Slab Pie Recipe to brighten any gathering or family meal. This pie brings together the sweet and tangy magic of fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries nestled in a perfectly flaky, tender crust made from a blend of all-purpose and spelt flour. What makes this recipe truly shine is its generous size and simple yet thoughtful preparation, making it ideal for sharing with a crowd while celebrating summer’s bounty in the most delicious way possible. Get ready to impress your friends with a dessert that tastes like sunshine on a plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will ensure your Summer Triple Berry Slab Pie Recipe shines in both flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the flaky crust to the luscious berry filling and the sweet finishing touches.
- All-purpose flour (310 g / 2½ cups): The foundation of your flaky, tender pie crust.
- Spelt flour (230 g / 2 cups): Adds a subtle nuttiness and extra texture to the dough.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp + ¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors, inside and out.
- Unsalted butter (227 g / 1 cup, very cold, cubed): Creates those flaky layers everyone loves in pie crust.
- Vegetable shortening (170 g / 14 Tbsp, very cold, cubed): Helps achieve a tender, crumbly finish to the crust.
- Ice water (10 Tbsp): Brings the dough together without warming the fats.
- Fresh mixed berries (7 cups): Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for that ultimate summer burst of color and flavor.
- Granulated sugar (100 g / ½ cup): Sweetens the berries just enough without overpowering them.
- All-purpose flour (35 g / ¼ cup): Helps thicken the juicy berry filling.
- Lemon juice and zest (from 1 medium lemon): Adds bright, fresh zing to balance the sweetness.
- Large egg (1, lightly beaten): For brushing and giving the crust that golden, shiny finish.
- Turbinado sugar (2–3 Tbsp): Sprinkled on top for a perfect crunchy, sparkling crust.
- Ice cream or whipped cream (for serving): The perfect creamy partner to warm, fruity pie slices.
How to Make Summer Triple Berry Slab Pie Recipe
Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Pie Dough
Start by combining your all-purpose and spelt flours with kosher salt in a food processor – this mix is the base of your crust’s unique texture and taste. Next, add in your cold, cubed butter and shortening. The key here is to pulse just until pea-sized pieces remain, ensuring your crust will be flaky and tender after baking.
Step 2: Bringing the Dough Together with Ice Water
Slowly add ice water, starting with 6 tablespoons, pulsing until the dough begins to cling together. Add additional tablespoon by tablespoon only as needed, typically stopping around 8 tablespoons to keep the dough perfectly moist but not sticky.
Step 3: Chilling Your Dough Disks
Once the dough forms, divide it into two equal disks. Wrapping them tightly in plastic is crucial to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and firm up the fats, making rolling out easier later.
Step 4: Preparing the Burst of Berry Goodness
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently toss together your fresh mixed berries with sugar, flour, lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This step ensures every bite of filling is balanced with sweetness and a touch of tartness, perfect for that iconic triple berry flavor.
Step 5: Rolling Out the Bottom Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to roughly 17 x 12 inches so it comfortably drapes over your 15 x 10-inch sheet pan with a bit hanging over the edges. Transfer carefully and press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Don’t fret about little tears—the dough is forgiving and can be gently patched with your fingers. Chill again until you’re ready to assemble.
Step 6: Adding the Juicy Berry Filling
Pour your beautifully mixed berries into the crust, spreading them into an even layer. This is where your pie starts turning into the gorgeous, inviting dessert everyone will be talking about.
Step 7: Rolling Out the Top Crust and Optional Lattice
Roll out the second dough disk. For a classic fully covered pie, carefully place this sheet over your berries, sealing the edges. Or, for a stunning presentation with extra crunch and ventilation, cut the dough into long strips and weave them diagonally across the berries to create a lattice.
Step 8: Crimping and Decorating the Edges
Trim any excess dough so the top and bottom crust edges align neatly. Fold the bottom dough edge over the top crust and crimp it with fingers or a fork for that beautiful homemade look and to seal in all the delicious juices.
Step 9: Brushing and Sugaring Before Baking
Brush the entire top crust with lightly beaten egg, then sprinkle evenly with turbinado sugar. This will give your pie a golden, sparkly finish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Step 10: Baking to Perfection
Bake the slab pie for 40 to 45 minutes, until the crust is a deep golden brown and you see the berries bubbling happily within. Let it cool for at least an hour before slicing to allow the filling to set perfectly. Serve with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate summer treat.
How to Serve Summer Triple Berry Slab Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream instantly elevates this pie, bringing in a creamy contrast to the tartness of the berries. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or light cucumber sandwiches at your summer gathering, letting the pie stand out as the star of the show while keeping the menu refreshing and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the classic slice by serving your Summer Triple Berry Slab Pie Recipe in rustic wedges on wooden boards for a casual picnic vibe, or place individual slices on pretty dessert plates garnished with extra fresh berries and a drizzle of berry coulis to take the experience up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect treat to enjoy well after your summer party ends.
Freezing
You can freeze baked pie slices individually wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to enjoy the fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a warm oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and less delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute other berries in the Summer Triple Berry Slab Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are traditional, feel free to experiment with blackberries, cherries, or even frozen berries if fresh aren’t available. Just be mindful of moisture differences.
Is spelt flour necessary for the crust?
Spelt flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and a slightly different texture to the crust, but you can replace it entirely with all-purpose flour if needed. The crust will still be delicious, just a bit less rustic.
Can I make the pie dough by hand instead of a food processor?
Definitely! Use cold butter and shortening, and cut them into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or two knives until you see pea-sized pieces. Then incorporate cold water gradually until the dough comes together.
How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Using flour in the berry filling helps thicken the juices, and chilling the dough before baking sets the fats to create a barrier. Baking until the crust is golden brown also helps keep it crisp.
Can I prepare this pie in advance for a party?
You can assemble the pie a day before and refrigerate it unbaked. Just bring it to room temperature before baking. This saves time and lets you enjoy your guests more!
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Summer Triple Berry Slab Pie Recipe is like inviting a little sunshine into your kitchen. Its wholesome crust and juicy, perfectly balanced berry filling make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this pie is a joyful way to celebrate summer’s sweetest flavors. I hope it becomes one of your cherished go-to recipes like it is for me!
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PrintSummer Triple Berry Slab Pie Recipe
This Summer Triple Berry Slab Pie is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert perfect for feeding a crowd. Featuring a buttery, flaky crust made from a blend of all-purpose and spelt flours, it is filled with juicy fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries combined with a hint of lemon for brightness. The pie is topped with a beautiful lattice crust, baked until golden and bubbly, making it an irresistible treat served best with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 310 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 230 g (2 cups) spelt flour
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 227 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, very cold, cubed
- 170 g (14 Tbsp) vegetable shortening, very cold, cubed
- 10 Tbsp ice water
Triple Berry Filling
- 7 cups fresh mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, hulled and quartered)
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 35 g (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 medium lemon, juiced (about 1 Tbsp) and zested (about 2 tsp)
- ¼ tsp Kosher salt
Topping and Serving
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2–3 Tbsp turbinado sugar
- Ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Make the pie dough. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment, combine 310 g all-purpose flour, 230 g spelt flour, and 1 tsp Kosher salt. Pulse to blend. Add 227 g cold cubed unsalted butter and 170 g cold cubed vegetable shortening, then pulse until the mixture resembles pea-sized pieces.
- Add ice water. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water to the flour and fat mixture, pulsing until the dough starts to come together. Add up to 2 more tablespoons of ice water as needed, stopping once the dough forms a cohesive ball, usually around 8 tablespoons total.
- Chill the dough. Remove the dough from the processor and divide it into two equal disks. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the berry filling. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently toss together 7 cups fresh mixed berries, 100 g sugar, 35 g flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, and ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt. Set aside.
- Roll out the bottom crust. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disk to approximately 17 x 12 inches, about 2 inches larger than the sheet pan on all sides. Carefully transfer it to a 15 x 10 x 1 inch sheet pan, pressing the dough into the bottom and up the sides. Let any excess dough overhang the edges. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Add the berry filling. Pour the prepared berries evenly into the crust-lined sheet pan and spread gently to an even layer.
- Roll out the top crust. Roll out the remaining dough disk on a lightly floured surface. You can either cover the pie completely or cut the dough into long strips for a lattice top.
- Create the lattice. For a lattice top, lay half of the dough strips diagonally over the pie. Weave the remaining strips over and under the first set of strips to form a lattice pattern.
- Crimp the edges. Trim the edges to be flush with the pan. Fold the bottom crust over the top dough edges if needed to seal. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp or decorate the edges of the pie dough.
- Bake the pie. Brush the entire top crust with the lightly beaten egg, then sprinkle with 2 to 3 tablespoons of turbinado sugar. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the berry filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely for 1 hour before slicing and serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Ensure your butter and shortening are very cold for the flakiest pie crust.
- Use fresh berries for the best flavor and texture; frozen berries tend to produce a soggier filling.
- Adjust the sugar in the filling depending on the sweetness of your berries.
- Allow the pie to cool completely so the filling sets for clean slices.
- Leftover pie can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
