A delightful twist on traditional pie, this Mixed Berry Slab Pie features a crisp, buttery crust filled with a medley of juicy berries. Baked in a sheet pan, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd and makes an ideal dessert for picnics, potlucks, or any summer gathering.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough forms. Divide dough into two portions.
- Roll one portion to fit the baking sheet. Place it in the sheet, pressing into corners and trimming excess.
- In another bowl, combine berries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Toss gently to coat.
- Spread berry mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
- Roll out the second portion of dough and cut into strips for a lattice top or place whole for a solid top. Seal edges and crimp.
- Whisk together egg and milk; brush over top crust. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
Why Slab Pies Are Ideal for Entertaining
Slab pies, like the Mixed Berry Slab Pie, are designed to feed a crowd, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, and potlucks. Their rectangular shape allows for even slicing and ensures that everyone gets a satisfying portion. Unlike traditional round pies, slab pies are baked in sheet pans, which provide more surface area, translating to more delicious crust and filling in each bite.
The Perfect Pie for Summer
Mixed Berry Slab Pie is especially popular during the warmer months when berries are in season. Summer berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries bring natural sweetness and tartness, balancing beautifully within the buttery crust. The vibrant colors and juicy textures create an irresistible dessert that feels light and fresh.
A Versatile Dessert for All Occasions
This pie isn’t just limited to summer events. It’s versatile enough to appear on holiday dessert tables, brunch menus, and weekend family dinners. You can switch up the berries according to the season or occasion, which makes this recipe flexible and useful year-round.
Using Fresh or Frozen Berries
One of the advantages of the Mixed Berry Slab Pie is that it works well with both fresh and frozen berries. While fresh berries offer peak flavor and texture, frozen berries are a great option when certain varieties aren’t in season. Just make sure to slightly thaw and drain frozen berries to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
Balancing Sweet and Tart Flavors
The mixture of different berries provides a unique blend of sweet and tart notes. Blueberries add a subtle sweetness, raspberries and blackberries bring depth and mild bitterness, and strawberries offer juicy brightness. Combined with sugar, lemon juice, and zest, the result is a well-balanced filling that’s not overly sweet.
Crust Texture and Flavor
The crust in this slab pie is rich, flaky, and slightly crisp on the edges. Using cold butter is crucial to achieving that perfect texture. As the butter melts in the oven, it creates steam pockets that make the crust light and tender. A golden, buttery crust not only supports the berry filling but enhances the overall flavor profile.
Decorative Toppings and Customization
A lattice top is the most common decorative finish for slab pies, giving a classic and rustic look. However, the top crust can be fully covered, partially vented, or even adorned with cookie cutter shapes. Adding coarse sugar over the top before baking enhances the crunch and visual appeal.
Egg Wash for a Golden Finish
Brushing the crust with egg wash before baking gives it that irresistible golden hue and glossy finish. It’s a small step with a big payoff in presentation. Mixing the egg with a bit of milk ensures even coverage and better color.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is excellent served as-is or paired with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter take. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on preference. Its texture holds well even after refrigeration, making it great for leftovers.
Storage and Shelf Life
Leftover slab pie can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. The crust will soften slightly over time but will still taste delicious. For best results, allow it to come to room temperature before serving or reheat gently in the oven.
Freezing and Make-Ahead Tips
This pie freezes well, either fully baked or unbaked. If baking later, freeze the assembled pie on a tray until solid, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed. For already baked pies, cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Considerations
While Mixed Berry Slab Pie is a treat, it’s naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber from the berries. It contains moderate sugar and fat, especially from the crust. You can reduce sugar or use a whole grain flour crust if looking to make it more health-conscious.
Making It Gluten-Free
To adapt this pie for gluten-free diets, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a mix that contains xanthan gum or add it separately for binding. The texture will remain similar, though slightly more delicate.
Making It Vegan
This recipe can be easily adjusted to be vegan by using plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk for the egg wash substitute. Instead of the traditional egg, use a mixture of non-dairy milk and maple syrup to brush the top crust.
Tips for Even Baking
Ensure the crust is rolled out evenly to avoid undercooked or burnt spots. Placing the slab pie on the middle oven rack and rotating it halfway through baking promotes even cooking. Using a metal baking sheet also helps conduct heat more efficiently.
Preventing a Soggy Bottom
To avoid a soggy crust, especially with juicy berries, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom crust before adding the filling. This absorbs extra moisture and keeps the base firm and crisp.
Experimenting with Spices and Herbs
Though the classic recipe is simple, you can enhance the flavor with subtle additions like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Fresh herbs like thyme or mint can also be infused into the filling for a gourmet touch.
Scaling the Recipe
If you’re serving a smaller group, the recipe can be halved and baked in an 8×8-inch pan. Alternatively, double the ingredients and use a larger sheet pan to serve more people. The crust-to-filling ratio remains deliciously balanced at almost any scale.
Kid-Friendly Baking Activity
This slab pie is an excellent baking project for kids. They can help roll out the dough, arrange the lattice, or sprinkle sugar on top. It’s a creative and interactive way to get young ones involved in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Mixed Berry Slab Pie stands out as a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Its flexibility in ingredients, ease of preparation, and wide appeal make it a staple for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re using summer’s bounty of fresh berries or pulling from your freezer stash, this pie delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. With room for customization and a forgiving structure, it’s an ideal dessert to add to your baking repertoire, ensuring smiles and second helpings every time.