Classic Raspberry Pie – A Sweet Slice of Heaven
Juicy, tart, and bursting with flavor, a Classic Raspberry Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of summer’s finest fruits in a buttery, flaky crust. Each slice offers a perfect balance between the natural sweetness of raspberries and a hint of tangy brightness that awakens your taste buds. Loved in kitchens across the world, this timeless pie has graced everything from family gatherings to festive holidays.
Baking a raspberry pie evokes a sense of nostalgia, recalling warm kitchens, the scent of fresh fruit mingling with pastry, and the satisfaction of creating a dessert from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or exploring your first homemade pie, this recipe brings a touch of elegance and comfort to every table.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a list of ingredients with approximate calorie counts per serving. Values may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.
| Ingredient | Amount | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh raspberries | 4 cups | 260 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 774 |
| Cornstarch | 3 tablespoons | 30 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | 4 |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | negligible |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons | 204 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups (for crust) | 1145 |
| Sugar (for crust) | 2 tablespoons | 96 |
| Salt (for crust) | 1/2 teaspoon | negligible |
| Cold water | 6–8 tablespoons | 0 |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 1 large | 72 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. - Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Prepare the raspberry filling
In a large bowl, mix raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine, taking care not to crush the berries. - Roll out the crust
Roll one dough disc into a circle slightly larger than your pie pan. Carefully place it in the pan and trim excess edges. - Add the filling
Pour the raspberry mixture into the crust. Dot the top with small pieces of butter. - Top the pie
Roll out the second dough disc and cover the pie. Trim edges, crimp the crust, and cut small slits to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with a beaten egg for a golden finish. - Bake the pie
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. - Cool and serve
Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Lattice crust: Make a classic lattice top with strips of dough for a beautiful presentation.
- Mixed berries: Combine raspberries with blueberries or blackberries for a more complex flavor.
- Sugar alternatives: Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a natural sweetness twist.
- Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract enhances depth of flavor.
- Gluten-free crust: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend to suit dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~315 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Fiber | 5g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Add whipped cream for a light, creamy touch.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
- Pair with hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon dessert.
- For an elegant dessert, drizzle chocolate or raspberry sauce over the top.
Classic Raspberry Pie – A Sweet Slice of Heaven
8 slices
servings20
minutes50
minutes315
kcalIngredients
For the Filling:
4 cups fresh raspberries
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (dotted)
For the Pie Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter
6–8 tablespoons cold water
1 large egg (for egg wash)
Directions
- Make the crust: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Add cold water gradually until dough comes together. Divide into 2 discs and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Preheat oven: 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare filling: Mix raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt gently.
- Roll out crust: Roll one disc and place in a pie pan. Trim excess edges.
- Add filling: Pour raspberries into crust, dot with butter.
- Top crust: Roll second disc, cover pie, trim edges, crimp, and cut vents. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake: 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles.
- Cool: Let pie cool 2 hours before slicing.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh raspberries. Slightly tart berries help balance the sweetness.
Cold butter is essential for a flaky crust—avoid overworking the dough.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen raspberries work well. Do not thaw them beforehand—tossing them in a little cornstarch helps prevent excess liquid in the filling.
2. How do I prevent a soggy pie crust?
Brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of beaten egg or lightly bake it (blind bake) for 8–10 minutes before adding the filling. This seals the crust and keeps it crisp.
3. Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the pie and allow it to cool completely. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 3–4 days.
4. Is it possible to make a gluten-free raspberry pie?
Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
5. Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Definitely! Blueberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries mix well with raspberries for a mixed berry pie.
Conclusion
A Classic Raspberry Pie combines simple ingredients, timeless techniques, and irresistible flavor into a dessert that never goes out of style. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of buttery crust and vibrant, juicy raspberries. Whether for holiday celebrations, weekend baking, or casual family desserts, this pie embodies comfort, elegance, and the joy of homemade treats. With a few optional customizations, you can make it uniquely yours—guaranteed to become a favorite on your dessert table.
