From Juicy Fillings to Flaky Crusts, This Will Leave You Berry Satisfied
Huckleberry pies are a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations–with their tart yet sweet flavor and juicy texture, huckleberries make the perfect filling for this pie recipe.
Similar to blueberries, these little berries are bursting with antioxidants and other nutrients, making them delicious and healthy. When combined with a flaky crust, huckleberries create a mouthwatering dessert that will delight anyone who takes a bite.
Here’s a recipe for huckleberry pie:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups fresh huckleberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 double-crust pie dough recipe (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten
TIP: Huckleberry season varies based on location, but generally falls between July and September. If you’re looking to skip the homemade part of making the huckleberry filling, you can use a store bought filling.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine the huckleberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Toss until the huckleberries are well coated.
- Roll out half of the pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the dough into the pie dish and trim the edges.
- Pour the huckleberry mixture into the prepared pie shell. Dot the top with butter.
- Roll out the remaining dough to fit the top of the pie. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Place the top crust over the huckleberry mixture and trim the edges. Crimp the edges of the pie with a fork or your fingers to seal.
- Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg.
- Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
NOTES: The huckleberry season typically runs from mid-summer to early fall, depending on the region and climate. In general, huckleberries start to ripen in mid-July and can continue to be harvested through September or even into October.
However, the exact timing of the huckleberry season can vary depending on several factors, including the altitude and location of the huckleberry bushes. For example, huckleberries at higher elevations may ripen later in the season than those at lower elevations.
Did you know?
huckleberry pie is its long history in American literature. Huckleberry pie is mentioned in several works of fiction, including “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.
Huckleberry pie plays a significant role in the latter novel, as it symbolizes the simple joys of childhood and the loss of innocence. Huckleberry pie was a favorite dessert of legendary musician Elvis Presley, who even had a huckleberry pie recipe named after him.
A little history:
Huckleberry pie dates back to the early days of the American colonies. Huckleberries, which are native to North America, was used by Native Americans for food and medicinal purposes. European settlers soon discovered the delicious taste of huckleberries and began incorporating them into various recipes, including pies.
Huckleberry pie quickly became a favorite dessert among early Americans, especially those living in the country’s western regions where huckleberries were abundant.
It was a popular treat for pioneers, who often foraged for huckleberries and other wild fruits to make pies and baked goods.
As huckleberry pie gained popularity, it became a staple of American literature. Many famous authors, including Mark Twain and Laura Ingalls Wilder, mentioned huckleberry pie in their books, cementing its place in American culture. One favorite book is of course, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Huckleberry pie remains a beloved dessert, particularly in the western United States, where huckleberries are still plentiful. It is often served during summer and fall when huckleberries are in season and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Whether you are a fan of classic recipes or like to put your twist on things, there is no denying that huckleberry pie is a delicious and iconic dessert that has stood the test of time.
