| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 10g | 4g | 49g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 3g | 3g | 0.32g |
Picture this – it’s a warm summer day, and what more could you need than a serving of the sweet and tangy Thimbleberry Pie? Coming from my Southern roots, where cooking and feeding are almost a love language, this particular dish reminds me of weekend family dinners, infused with love and warmth. You can almost hear the clinking of dinnerware, the laughter, and the waves of the Atlantic lapping the shoreline back in Charleston, South Carolina. Not to forget the scent of homemade biscuits wafting from the oven. Though this pie strays a bit from the typical Southern cuisine I’m known for, its sweet charm surely represents the underestimated allure of a Southern summer.
A Touch of the Coastal Flair
Remember my mention of the Atlantic Ocean? Well, this Thimbleberry Pie brings a touch of that coastal flair! Like how seafood carries a certain freshness that only comes from the sea, thimbleberries tag along a flavor that is uniquely bold and bright. It’s like a taste of the wild – tart, sweet, and unmistakably aromatic.
The subtleness of the almond extract somehow makes a harmonious symphony with the thimbleberries, amplifying its natural flavors. And the butter? It adds layers of richness, creating a beautiful contrast with the fruit’s tanginess. This pie comes close in terms of flavor profile to a Raspberry or Blackberry Pie, but with a distinct character that’s all its own!
The Healthful Treat
This beautifully crimson Thimbleberry Pie that melts into your mouth isn’t just delicious, it’s healthful too. Thimbleberries aren’t just another pretty fruit. They are packed with dietary fiber, vitamin A, C, and antioxidants. Teaming with these health boosters, this pie is truly a culmination of indulgence and nourishment, in each slice.
And wouldn’t this pie be an incredible companion to a Sunday roast chicken dinner or a fun BBQ? Imagine ending your meal with a dessert that lightens the heft of a hearty Southern main course. Sounds pretty lovely, doesn’t it?
So why do I love this recipe? It’s the surprising simplicity that yields such complex flavors. The sweet memories it weaves into each serving, and the joy of sharing a piece of my background, my love for the coastal life, and passion for food through this unique pie. In every bite, you’ll taste bursts of summer, comfort, and above all, love.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh thimbleberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
Step Two
Place the thimbleberries in a large mixing bowl. Gently mash the berries using a potato masher.
Step Three
Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract to the mashed berries. Stir to combine, making sure the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved.
Step Four
Pour the berry mixture into the pie crust. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter.
Step Five
Cover the pie with a second sheet of pie crust, trimming and crimping the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step Six
In a small bowl, combine the beaten egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the top of the pie. Sprinkle the top with the remaining tablespoon of granulated sugar.
Step Seven
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the pie start to brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil.
Step Eight
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving. This helps the filling to set and makes the pie easier to slice. Enjoy your Thimbleberry Pie!
