Strawberry and Blueberry Pie with Pine Nut Crumble: A Delicious and Fruity Delight

When it comes to classic summer desserts, few can rival the sweet, fruity goodness of a strawberry and blueberry pie. These two berries, known for their vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, come together beautifully in this decadent pie, which features a golden, flaky crust and a rich, tangy filling. But what truly sets this pie apart is the addition of a pine nut crumble topping, which adds a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to every bite.

Whether you’re making this pie for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a slice of homemade goodness, this dessert is sure to impress. The balance of sweet strawberries, tart blueberries, and the toasty crunch of pine nuts makes for an irresistible combination. Plus, the simple yet elegant presentation makes this pie perfect for everything from summer gatherings to cozy nights at home.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this delicious Strawberry and Blueberry Pie with Pine Nut Crumble from scratch. We’ll cover everything from making the perfect pie crust to creating the rich berry filling, and we’ll give you tips on how to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Strawberry and Blueberry Pie with Pine Nut Crumble, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Berry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust depending on sweetness of berries)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pine Nut Crumble:

• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

These ingredients come together to create a sweet, tangy, and crunchy pie that’s perfect for any occasion. The homemade pie crust is buttery and flaky, while the filling is bursting with vibrant, fresh fruit. The pine nut crumble topping adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making this pie stand out.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by making the pie crust. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.

Next, slowly add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together. You may need a bit more water depending on the humidity and the type of flour you’re using. Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it into a ball.

Divide the dough into two pieces, flatten them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up before rolling it out.

2. Prepare the Berry Filling

While the dough chills, prepare the berry filling. In a large bowl, combine the strawberries and blueberries. Add the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine, making sure that the berries are evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Toast the Pine Nuts for the Crumble

While the berries are resting, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.

4. Make the Pine Nut Crumble

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the softened butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms crumbs. Stir in the toasted pine nuts, and set the crumble mixture aside.

5. Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Take the chilled dough discs out of the refrigerator. Roll one disc of dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving a small overhang to fold over the edges.

Pour the prepared berry filling into the pie crust, making sure to spread the fruit evenly. Top the pie with the pine nut crumble, covering the berries completely with the mixture.

6. Bake the Pie

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You may want to cover the edges of the crust with foil or a pie shield after about 30 minutes of baking to prevent them from getting too brown.

Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the pie has cooled, slice it into wedges and serve. This pie is delicious on its own, or you can top it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry and Blueberry Pie with Pine Nut Crumble

• Use Fresh Berries: While frozen berries can be used in a pinch, fresh berries yield the best texture and flavor for the filling. If using frozen berries, be sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step for the pie dough! This ensures that the butter stays cold, resulting in a flaky, tender crust.
• Customize the Crumble: Feel free to add extra flavorings to the pine nut crumble, such as ginger or cardamom, for a more aromatic twist. You can also substitute the pine nuts for walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a different flavor.
• Add Lemon Zest: For a more citrusy note, add a bit of lemon zest to the berry filling. It will enhance the fruity flavors and bring a refreshing twist.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: To prevent the pie crust from getting soggy, you can blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Just be sure to line the crust with parchment paper and pie weights.

Variations to Try

1. Mixed Berry Pie: Substitute the strawberries and blueberries with other berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, or black currants. A combination of berries adds complexity and depth to the flavor.
2. Peach and Berry Pie: Add sliced peaches to the filling for a more fruity and juicy version of this pie.
3. Coconut Crumble: Add shredded coconut to the pine nut crumble for a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the berries.
4. Spiced Berry Pie: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the berry filling for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.

Health Benefits of Strawberry and Blueberry Pie with Pine Nut Crumble

While pie is a treat, this version contains some healthier elements that offer a few benefits:

1. Antioxidants: Both strawberries and blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
2. Healthy Fats: The pine nuts in the crumble provide healthy fats, which are good for heart health and overall wellness.
3. Fiber: The berries and oats in the crumble contribute fiber, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full longer.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, while blueberries provide vitamin K and manganese, both of which are important for overall health.

Conclusion

Strawberry and Blueberry Pie with Pine Nut Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of berries with the nutty, crunchy topping and flaky crust. Whether you enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your household.

With its balance of flavors, textures, and healthful ingredients, it’s a dessert that everyone can enjoy. Try making this pie for your next gathering or as a special treat, and indulge in a slice of this fruity, nutty, and utterly delicious dessert!