As the warm breeze of summer starts to kick in, there’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh berries bursting with flavor in a delicious pie. If you’re looking to impress your loved ones with a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of the season, then these Fresh Berry Pies are just the thing you need. With a flaky crust and a medley of juicy berries, these individual pies are sure to steal the show at any gathering. Let’s dive into the recipe and get ready to create some mouthwatering magic!
**Fresh Berry Pies**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 ½ cups mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 pre-made pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a medium bowl, gently toss together the mixed fresh berries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. **Cut the Crusts:** Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and use a round cutter to cut out circles that are slightly larger than the cavities of your muffin tin. You will need 12 circles for the base crusts and 12 circles for the top crusts.
4. **Assemble the Pies:** Gently press the larger circles of pie crust into the greased muffin tin cavities, ensuring the dough reaches the edges. Fill each crust with a generous spoonful of the berry filling. Brush the edges of the crust with a little water, then place the smaller circles on top of the berries. Crimp the edges together using a fork to seal the pies.
5. **Cut Steam Vents:** Using a sharp knife, cut a few small steam vents on the top crust of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. **Give the Pies a Shine:** For a beautiful golden finish, brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle a little coarse sugar on each pie for a crunchy, sweet topping.
7. **Bake the Pies:** Place the muffin tin on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Once baked, let the pies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These Fresh Berry Pies are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Indulge in the taste of summer with these delectable Fresh Berry Pies that are guaranteed to brighten any occasion with their vibrant colors and irresistible flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a sweet treat, these individual pies are a delightful way to showcase the best of the season’s bounty. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of fruity perfection with this simple and scrumptious recipe.
