Growing up in Montana, I fell in love with huckleberry pie. The mix of tangy-sweet berries and flaky crust is perfect for summer. I'm excited to share my simple recipe for this classic dessert.

Fresh, hand-picked huckleberries make this pie special. You can find them by foraging or at a local market. These small, dark-purple berries add a unique flavor. With a few ingredients and some kitchen skills, you can make a pie that will wow everyone.

Before starting, if you’re a fan of pairing fruits in creative desserts, don’t miss my Grilled Banana Sandwich – it’s a must-try treat for breakfast or snacks! Now, let’s get back to the star of the show: huckleberry pie.

Table of Contents

Why Huckleberry Pie Is the Perfect Summer Dessert

When the warm summer sun shines, nothing beats a slice of homemade huckleberry pie. This classic dessert is the essence of summer. It offers a refreshing flavor that matches the slow days of summer perfectly.

Health Benefits of Wild Huckleberries

Huckleberries are not just tasty; they're also super healthy. These berries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They help boost your immune system and support your brain health.

When to Pick Huckleberries for Your Pie

The best time to pick huckleberries is from July to August. This is when they're at their juiciest and sweetest.
Look for berries that are plump, juicy, and a deep purple. These will give your pie the best flavor.
Stay away from soft or greenish berries. They won't have the right balance of sweetness and tartness.

Using fresh huckleberries in your summer baking makes a delicious huckleberry pie and strawberry shortcake. It's also a nod to the region's traditions and abundance. Enjoy it alone or with vanilla ice cream for a true summer treat.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

Making a delicious huckleberry pie from scratch needs the right ingredients and tools. Let's explore what you'll need to make this summer treat.

For the huckleberry pie filling:

Fresh or frozen huckleberries (about 4 cups)
Granulated sugar (around 3/4 cup)
All-purpose flour (2-3 tablespoons)
Lemon juice (1-2 tablespoons)
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
Pinch of salt

For the pie crust:

All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups)
Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, chilled and cubed)
Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon)
Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Ice water (4-6 tablespoons)

Necessary kitchen tools:

Food processor or pastry blender (for making the pie crust)
Rolling pin
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Pie dish or pan
Paring knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Pie Crust Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Making the perfect huckleberry pie filling is key to a delicious dessert. Whether you use fresh or frozen huckleberries, finding the right mix of sweetness, tartness, and spice is crucial. Let's explore how to make the ideal huckleberry pie strawberry shortcake.

Make the Pie Crust:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together.
Shape the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

In a large bowl, gently toss the huckleberries with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Pie:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out one dough disk on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place it into the dish, pressing gently into the edges.
Pour the huckleberry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Cut a few slits in the top crust for ventilation.

Bake the Pie:

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

With these tips, you're ready to make a huckleberry pie filling that will impress everyone. The perfect pie is a mix of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. It's like a delicious strawberry shortcake!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Notes

Frozen vs. Fresh Berries: If using frozen huckleberries, thaw and drain them before preparing the filling to avoid excess moisture.
Sweetness Adjustment: Huckleberries can vary in tartness; adjust sugar levels to suit your taste.
Storage Tips: Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

This huckleberry pie recipe is a tribute to the rich traditions of Montana and the Pacific Northwest. The sweet-tart filling, complemented by a flaky crust, is a dessert experience you’ll want to recreate again and again. Pair it with strawberry shortcake for an extra-special occasion or savor it as a standalone treat.

I hope this recipe at Tales Of A Kitchen brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Share your baking adventures in the comments – I’d love to hear how your pie turned out!

FAQs

Q: What makes this huckleberry pie recipe special?

A: This huckleberry pie recipe is special because it's homemade. It uses fresh, wild huckleberries. This gives the pie a unique and delicious flavor.

Q: When is the best time to pick huckleberries for this pie?

A: The best time to pick huckleberries is late summer, around August or September. This is when they are ripe and flavorful.

Q: What are the health benefits of using wild huckleberries?

A: Wild huckleberries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They are also low in calories. This makes them a nutritious choice for dessert.

Q: What kitchen tools are essential for making this huckleberry pie?

A: You'll need a mixing bowl, rolling pin, pie dish, and a sharp knife. These tools will help make your pie-making process smooth.

Q: How can I achieve the perfect consistency for the huckleberry pie filling?

A: To get the perfect consistency, gently cook the berries with the right sweetness and spices. Mashing some berries can thicken the filling. Leave others whole for texture.

Q: What tips can you provide for making a flaky, golden-brown pie crust?

A: For a flaky crust, use cold butter or shortening. Work the dough gently and chill it before baking. Crimping the edges will give it a beautiful finish.