Blackberry Pie with Crumb Topping

Blackberry pie with crumb topping always brings me back to the first summer I discovered a wild blackberry patch right at the edge of my backyard so I would spend warm afternoons picking berries until my fingers were stained purple and my basket overflowed. One day, I decided to turn that juicy harvest into a pie and topped it with a sweet, buttery crumb instead of a full crust and the result was pure magic. When I pulled that bubbling, golden pie out of the oven and saw the juices spilling over the edges, I knew I had found a new favorite.

Since then this blackberry pie with crumb topping has become my go-to dessert for summer get-togethers and cozy weekend baking so it’s rustic, beautiful, and absolutely bursting with flavor and I can’t wait for you to experience that same joy when you make it in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Fresh blackberries – Juicy and sweet with just a hint of tartness.
• Granulated sugar – Balances the berries and enhances their flavor.
• Lemon juice – Brightens and adds a subtle zing.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the filling so it holds together nicely.
• All-purpose flour – The base for the crumb topping.
• Brown sugar – Adds warmth and a rich caramel-like sweetness.
• Butter – Brings the crumb topping together and makes it crisp and golden.
• Cinnamon – Adds a warm, cozy note.
• Pie crust – A flaky foundation to hold all that berry goodness.
• Coarse sugar – Optional, for sprinkling on top for extra sparkle.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – To mix the filling and crumb topping separately.
• Pastry cutter or fork – To blend the crumb topping ingredients.
• Pie dish – To bake the pie beautifully.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts.
• Spatula or spoon – To stir the filling gently.
• Baking sheet – To catch any bubbling juices.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

I start by rolling out the pie crust and gently fitting it into the pie dish, crimping the edges as I go. Then I chill it in the fridge while I make the filling.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a large bowl, I combine the blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. I toss everything gently so the berries stay whole but get nicely coated.

Step 3: Make the crumb topping

In another bowl, I mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. I add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or my fingers to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Assemble the pie

I spoon the blackberry filling into the prepared crust and then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the berries. If I want to get fancy, I add some decorative dough cutouts on top too.

Step 5: Bake

I bake the pie at 375°F for about 45–55 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden and crisp. I place a baking sheet under the pie to catch any drips.

Step 6: Cool

I let the pie cool completely so the filling sets, making it easier to slice.

Tips

If you want to make it extra special, I recommend serving it with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a bit of almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t skip the cooling step — it makes all the difference!

Ways to Serve

I love serving blackberry pie with crumb topping slightly warm with ice cream melting on top or cold for a refreshing summer treat. It also makes a beautiful centerpiece for brunch or backyard picnics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them well before using to avoid a watery filling.

Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store at room temperature or in the fridge.

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

You can blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to help keep it crisp.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this blackberry pie with crumb topping a try! It’s a show stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying. Let me know how yours turns out and share your favorite twists below! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next summer gathering or cozy baking day.

Happy Cooking!

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