Introduction
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a delightful twist on the classic fruit pie. This Spiced Blackberry Pie, topped with a crunchy almond crust, combines the sweetness of blackberries with warming spices, creating an unforgettable dessert perfect for sharing with your loved ones.
Ingredients
500g fresh blackberries
100g granulated sugar
50g light brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
30g cornstarch
Pinch of salt
240g all-purpose flour
70g ground almonds
200g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
50ml cold water
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
15g sliced almonds (optional)
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes
Yield
8 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine the blackberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cornstarch, and salt. Mix gently until the blackberries are coated. Set aside.
3. For the crust, combine the flour and ground almonds in another large bowl. Add the chilled butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Gently transfer the dough into the pan, trimming the excess.
6. Pour the blackberry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
7. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and create slits on top for ventilation.
8. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with sliced almonds if using.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Allow to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F), filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation for the wonderful pie to come.
Prepare the Blackberry Filling
In a large bowl, gently combine 500g of fresh blackberries with 100g granulated sugar, 50g light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, 30g cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture carefully until the blackberries are fully coated. Set this blend of flavors aside to let the juices meld together.
Make the Almond Crust
In another large bowl, whisk together 240g all-purpose flour and 70g ground almonds. Add in 200g of chilled, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with chunks of butter still visible.
Form the Dough
Gradually mix in cold water, starting with one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Once formed, divide the dough in half, shape each portion into disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
Roll Out the First Disk
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough until it fits your 9-inch pie pan. Gently transfer the rolled dough into the pan, trimming any excess that hangs over the edges.
Fill the Crust
Carefully pour the prepared blackberry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly to ensure every slice is bursting with flavor.
Cover with the Second Disk
Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the blackberry filling. Seal the edges by crimping or pressing down with a fork. Remember to cut slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking, creating a perfectly golden pie.
Brush and Garnish
Brush the top of the crust with the beaten egg for a shiny finish. If you wish, sprinkle 15g sliced almonds on top for a delightful crunch and added visual appeal.
Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling that radiates a sweetly spiced aroma.
Cooling Time
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours. This crucial step will help the filling set, ensuring each slice holds its shape beautifully when served.
Notes
Freshness Matters
Using fresh blackberries will yield the best flavor and texture. If fresh berries are unavailable, frozen can be used, but thaw and drain them prior to mixing to avoid excess moisture.
Experiment with Spices
Feel free to tweak the spices according to your preference. For a different twist, try adding a hint of ginger or allspice.
Dough Flexibility
If the dough feels too crumbly, gradually add more cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it holds together well.
Garnishing Options
For an added touch, drizzle a bit of honey or a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, enhancing its flavors and creating a delightful dessert experience.
Cook Techniques
Preparing the Blackberry Filling
Gently mix fresh blackberries with sugars, lemon juice, vanilla, and spices to coat them evenly. This enhances the flavor and ensures a well-balanced filling.
Making the Almond Crust
Combine all-purpose flour and ground almonds, then cut in chilled butter to create a crumbly texture. Adding cold water gradually helps achieve a smooth dough.
Rolling Out the Dough
Flour your surface before rolling out the dough to prevent sticking, and use even pressure to maintain a consistent thickness.
Assembling the Pie
Transfer the first rolled dough disk into the pie pan, add the filling, and then cover it with the second disk. Make sure to seal the edges properly for a secure crust.
Baking the Pie
Bake in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. This ensures a perfect texture and flavor.
Cooling the Pie
Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to enable the filling to set, making for cleaner slices.
FAQ
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, but slightly adjust the amount of sugar and cornstarch to account for the extra moisture.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Make sure to bake the pie until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden, and consider pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.
Can I substitute ground almonds with other nuts?
Yes, you can substitute ground almonds with other nut flours like hazelnuts or walnuts, but this will alter the flavor.
How long can I store leftover pie?
You can store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s covered to maintain freshness.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and bake it on the day you plan to serve it for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Spiced Blackberry Pie with Almond Crust is a fabulous way to celebrate love and warmth on Valentine’s Day. The unique combination of fresh blackberries and aromatic spices creates a delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your loved ones. With its beautiful almond crust and charming appearance, this pie not only tastes divine but also adds a special touch to your festive table. Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with those who mean the most to you!
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