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+ servings
A sliced elderberry pie revealing the juicy filling and flaky crust on a decorative plate.

Elderberry Pie Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 days 2 hours
This Elderberry Pie Recipe features a rich, tart elderberry filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust. A timeless homemade dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible addition to any dessert table.
8 Servings

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

  • 4 cups elderberries stems removed
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water or as needed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter or to taste

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 14.1-ounce package double-crust pie pastry, thawed

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the bottom pie crust and carefully press it into a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring it fits snugly against the edges. Trim any excess dough and place the pie plate in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Prepare the Elderberry Filling:

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the elderberries and sugar, stirring occasionally to release the berries' natural juices. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the berry mixture, stirring continuously to prevent clumping.

Thicken the Filling:

  1. Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches a gentle boil and thickens to a jam-like consistency. If the mixture remains too thin, prepare an additional small amount of cornstarch slurry and stir it in as needed. Remove from heat and mix in the lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling the pie.

Assemble the Pie:

  1. Pour the cooled elderberry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with butter, which will add richness to the flavor. Roll out the top crust and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers or a fork. For a decorative touch, create a lattice crust by weaving strips of dough over the filling. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake the Pie:

  1. Transfer the assembled pie to the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the openings. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Cool and Serve:

  1. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling period is essential for the filling to set properly. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed, optionally garnished with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

To make this elderberry pie gluten-free, substitute the traditional pie crust with a gluten-free pie dough made from a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour, xanthan gum, butter, and a touch of cold water. Additionally, ensure the cornstarch used for thickening is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may have cross-contamination risks. The rest of the ingredients remain naturally gluten-free, preserving the authentic taste and texture of the pie.
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