- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings (enough for one 9-inch pie)
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fresh blackberries gently and remove any stems. If using frozen berries, there is no need to thaw them before cooking.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until fully combined.
Step 3
Place the blackberries into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the lemon juice and water.
Step 4
Gradually stir the sugar mixture into the berries while stirring continuously.
Step 5
Cook the mixture for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until the berries begin to soften and release their juices.
Step 6
As the filling thickens, gently mash a few berries with a spoon while leaving plenty of whole berries for texture.
Step 7
Once the filling reaches a thick, glossy consistency, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 8
Stir in the vanilla extract and butter until completely melted and incorporated.
Step 9
Allow the filling to cool for at least 30 minutes before using it in pies, pastries, or desserts. The filling will continue to thicken as it cools.
Recipe Tips
- Use ripe blackberries for the best natural sweetness.
- Taste the berries before adding sugar. Very sweet berries may require slightly less sugar.
- If using frozen berries, increase the cooking time by 2–3 minutes.
- For a brighter flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Cool completely before filling an unbaked pie crust.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
This blackberry pie filling is delicious in many desserts, including:
- Traditional blackberry pie
- Mini hand pies
- Cheesecake topping
- Pancakes and waffles
- Ice cream sundaes
- Yogurt parfaits
- Danish pastries
- Crepes
- Cake filling
- Toast or biscuits
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Recipe Notes
- Fresh or frozen blackberries both produce excellent results.
- Adjust sweetness depending on the ripeness of the berries.
- Cornstarch creates a smooth, stable filling suitable for baking.
- For a richer flavor, stir in the butter after cooking.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 155
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Potassium: 170mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 30g
- Vitamin C: 18mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1mg