If you’re looking for a no-hassle dessert that you can prep and make ahead of time, try this super easy make-ahead blackberry pie filling recipe.
How to Make Blackberry Pie Filling
- Make the cornstarch mixture. In a small bowl add the cornstarch and water and stir to combine.
- Combine the other ingredients. Add the blackberries, cornstarch mixture, lemon juice and sugar to a pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook. Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the filling reaches desired consistency.
- Let cool. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.
- Store. Store the filling in an airtight jar.
Other Uses for Blackberry Pie Filling
- For tarts and cookies. For obvious reasons, pie filling is best used for making pies. However, you can also use it to make tarts or even as cookie filling.
- As an ice cream topping. Another great use for pie filling is as an ice cream topper. This is a great way to change up plain ice cream flavors without going through the trouble of making a new ice cream flavor altogether.
- With pancakes and waffles. Instead of using plain syrup on your pancakes and waffles, add a dollop (or two) of pie filling to give your pancakes and waffles some extra flavor.
- In smoothies. Simply add a few spoonfuls of pie filling to your favorite smoothie recipe and fold it in.
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries to Make Pie Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Let the frozen blackberries thaw at room temperature so that you can get rid of any excess moisture. Do this before adding the blackberries to the pot, otherwise the blackberry mixture will be too runny.
Make-Ahead Blackberry Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 1 pound blackberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a small bowl add the cornstarch and water and stir to combine.
- Add the blackberries, cornstarch mixture, lemon juice and sugar to a pot.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the filling reaches desired consistency.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.
- Store the filling in an airtight jar.
Notes
- Choose the right type of fruit. Depending on the type of pie you’re making, you’ll want to choose a fruit that is firm but not too hard, and that will hold its shape when cooked. For example, apples are a good choice for apple pie, while berries are a good choice for strawberry pie.
- Pre-cook the fruit. This will help to soften the fruit and make it easier to mash or slice. Additionally, pre-cooking the fruit will help to release some of the juices, which will make for a more flavorful filling.
- Add sugar and spices. The amount of sugar you add will depend on how sweet you want your filling to be. As for spices, cinnamon and nutmeg are common choices for fruit pies, while ginger is a good choice for pumpkin pie.
- Use thickeners. Common choices include cornstarch, tapioca starch, arrowroot powder, and flour. Simply mix your chosen thickener with a little cold water and add it to the filling mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Let it reduce properly. In order to get the proper pie filling texture, it’s important to let the mixture cook for at least 15 minutes so that the excess liquid will evaporate. The cornstarch mixture will also help thicken the pie filling.
Nutrition
Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 251mgFiber: 8gSugar: 57gVitamin A: 324IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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