When the sun is shining, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of ripe berries, it’s time to indulge in the perfect summer dessert – Boysenberry Pie. This delightful treat combines the goodness of fresh boysenberries with a flaky crust, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we’ll explore the delicious world of Boysenberry Pie and provide you with a mouthwatering recipe to try at home.
What is Boysenberry Pie?
Boysenberry Pie is a classic fruit pie that features boysenberries as the star ingredient. Boysenberries are a unique fruit, known for their complex flavor profile, combining the sweetness of blackberries with the tartness of raspberries.
The pie typically consists of a buttery and flaky crust that cradles a filling made from fresh or frozen boysenberries. A touch of sugar, cornstarch, and other flavor-enhancing ingredients complete the mix, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
A Brief History of Boysenberries
Before we delve into the world of Boysenberry Pie, it’s essential to understand the fruit that makes this dessert so unique. Boysenberries are a hybrid berry created by crossing blackberries, raspberries, and loganberries. They were first developed by horticulturist Rudolph Boysen in the early 1920s.
Walter Knott, the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, discovered the berries in the late 1930s, brought them back to life, and introduced them to the world. This is why boysenberries have such strong ties to Knott’s Berry Farm, a famous amusement park in California.
Flavors and Textures
Boysenberry Pie is a delightful combination of contrasting flavors and textures that come together to create a memorable dessert. The boysenberries provide a burst of fruity sweetness with a slightly tangy undertone, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The crust, whether store-bought or homemade, adds a satisfying crunch and a buttery richness that complements the fruit’s brightness.
The addition of cornstarch to the filling is crucial, as it thickens the boysenberry juices as they bake, resulting in a luscious, jammy consistency. The pie can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold – and it’s excellent with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. The versatility of Boysenberry Pie makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Boysenberry Pie Recipe
Now, let’s dive into making this delightful Boysenberry Pie recipe at home. The following recipe is easy to follow, and it’s a fantastic way to showcase the beautiful boysenberries you may have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen boysenberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Dotting butter: 1 tablespoon
- Zest of 1 lemon: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 6-7 tablespoons ice-cold water
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
- Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cube the cold butter and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until you achieve a texture that looks like coarse breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time while mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape each half of the dough into a disc and wrap them in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Make the Filling:
- To make the filling, mix boysenberries, cornstarch, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients well.
Roll Out the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one of the chilled dough discs on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
Assemble the Pie:
- Place the rolled-out crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Pour the boysenberry filling into the pie crust.
- Place small pieces of butter on top of the filling and cover the pie with the second disc of dough, sealing the edges by crimping.
Bake:
- Bake the pie for about 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool before serving.
This Boysenberry Pie recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the unique flavor of boysenberries in a classic dessert. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, the combination of flaky crust and fruity filling is sure to please your palate.
Boysenberry Hand Pies
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of refrigerated pie crust (½ of a 14 oz. package)
- Flour, for dusting
- 15 fresh and juicy boysenberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 2-3 teaspoons milk
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a bowl, gently toss the boysenberries with cornstarch to coat them. Allow some cornstarch to stick to the berries for a delightful texture.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to about ½-inch thickness, ensuring it spreads evenly in all directions.
- Cut three 6-inch circles from the dough using a large cookie cutter or lid. You can also make 6 mini pies using a 2-inch cutter. Save any dough scraps for later use.
- Place 4-5 berries at the center of each dough circle and carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the crusts by wetting your fingertip and pressing gently. Add a charming touch by crimping the edges with a fork.
- Transfer the pies to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-22 minutes or until they turn a delicious golden brown. Expect some berry juice to escape during baking, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun.
- Allow the pies to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lime juice, and just enough milk to achieve a drizzle-worthy glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the pies. For an extra treat, serve the pies warm.
Boysenberry-Strawberry Glazed Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh boysenberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In a sizable mixing bowl, mix together the boysenberries and strawberries.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cornstarch.
- Sprinkle the sugar-cornstarch mixture over the berries and toss to evenly coat them.
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the berry mixture and stir gently.
- Carefully transfer the berry mixture into the prepared boysenberry-strawberry glazed pie crust.
- Put the pie into the oven that has been preheated and cook it for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden brown color and the filling starts to bubble.
- Take the pie out of the oven and allow it to cool for some time.
- After the pie has cooled down, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours until the filling has solidified.
- Slice and serve your delicious boysenberry-strawberry glazed pie. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Boysenberry Pie is a delicious summer treat that pays homage to the beautiful boysenberry fruit. Its unique flavor, rich history, and harmonious blend of textures make it a dessert worth savoring. So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of boysenberries, consider baking a Boysenberry Pie and relish in the sweet taste of summer.
Tags: Boysenberry PieBoysenberry Pie DelightSummer Dessert