Berry Bonanza Slab Pie
Table of Contents
Berry Bonanza Slab Pie: The Crowd Pleasing Champion!
Ever been stuck figuring out what to bake for a party? I get it! That's why I adore easy dessert recipes for a big group.
This Berry Bonanza Slab Pie is my go-to. Honestly, it's like a giant, fruity pop tart.
This slab pie recipe easy comes from good old American baking tradition. It's a sheet pan dessert, perfect for feeding a crowd.
It’s also seriously simple. Prep takes around 20 minutes, cook time's about 40. It serves 12-16, and even a novice baker can make it.
Why This Berry Slab Pie Rocks
This pie isn't just about satisfying your sweet tooth. It is packed with antioxidants from all those lovely berries. This makes it one of the easy summer desserts , and is perfect for a summer garden party or family BBQ.
What makes it super special? It's rustic, easy, and tastes amazing. It's definitely one of the best berry dessert ideas for parties !
Let's Talk Ingredients
Okay, you need two boxes of store-bought pie crust. Don't judge! We are trying to make desserts for a crowd here, not win baking awards.
You’ll also need mixed fresh berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Keep it simple to create easy summer pie recipes .
Equipment Checklist
You'll need a 9x13 inch baking sheet. Parchment paper is essential. A rolling pin might be handy if your crust is thick.
A pastry brush and pizza cutter also come in handy. You are ready to create an easy dessert bar type of experience.
Pro Tips for Pie Perfection
Don't overfill that pie! A soggy bottom is no good. Chill the crust before baking. Trust me , it makes a difference.
Cut slits in the top crust. It prevents explosions, you know? Let the pie cool completely before slicing, as patience is key! Use the best berries you can find.
It affects the flavour. A quality sheet cake recipes are essential to making a pie similar to this.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, so you're itching to make this amazing Berry Bonanza Slab Pie? Fantastic! This part is all about what you'll need.
No stress, though. We're keeping it real and focusing on the essentials. After all, these are easy dessert recipes for a crowd .
Think of this as your shopping list and kitchen inventory check. Ready?
Main Ingredients: Berry Goodness & Crusty Perfection
Here's the breakdown of what you'll need. Don't worry, I've got both US and metric measurements for my international friends.
Remember, the quality of your berries really matters. Go for the freshest, ripest ones you can find! We aim for this recipe to be one of those Easy Summer Desserts , so freshness is key!
- For the Crust:
- 2 boxes (14.1 oz/400g each) refrigerated pie crust (pre-made, rolled, thawed) Honestly, shop bought pastry is absolutely fine!
- All-purpose flour, for dusting (just a wee bit, mate!)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for that glorious egg wash)
- Turbinado sugar or coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional, but it adds a sparkle!)
- For the Berry Filling:
- 6 cups (approx. 900g) mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (the white stuff!)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (keeps things from getting too runny)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens things up, innit?)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (more lemon-y goodness!)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (a hint of warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (just a touch)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (adds richness)
Quality Check: For the berries, look for plump, vibrant fruit with a good aroma. Avoid any that are mushy or moldy. Good berries make for a fab slab pie!
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up (Subtly!)
This ain't your nan's bland fruit pie! The cinnamon and nutmeg add a lovely warmth that complements the berries perfectly.
- Essential spice combinations: Cinnamon and nutmeg are the MVPs here.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics: The lemon zest is your secret weapon! It adds brightness and elevates the whole thing.
- Quick substitution options: If you're out of nutmeg, a pinch of ground cloves will do in a pinch. Feeling adventurous? Try a tiny bit of cardamom!
A pro tip I've learned from years of baking? Always zest your citrus before you juice it. Trust me on this one!
This Berry Bonanza Slab Pie is amazing for Desserts For A Crowd . It also can be a Dessert Bar Recipe in individual servings or Easy Dessert Bars type, depending how you cut it!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this! Just the basics.
- Essential tools only:
- 9x13 inch baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Pastry brush
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Large bowl
- Common household alternatives: No rolling pin? Use a wine bottle! No pastry brush? A clean finger works just fine.
So, grab your kit and let's bake the best Slab pie recipe easy!
Berry Bonanza Slab Pie: Easy Crowd Pleaser!
This Berry Bonanza Slab Pie is proper lush! It's the perfect dessert bar recipe for any gathering. Seriously, forget those fiddly little tarts.
We're talking a giant slab of berry goodness. Imagine easy summer desserts that'll make you the star baker. Plus, it screams "I made this with love" even if you use shop bought pastry which, let's be honest, saves lives.
Did you know that slab pies are trending with a search volume of over 1,500 searches each month?
Prep Like a Pro, Bake Like a Boss
Essential mise en place . Get your 6 cups of mixed berries washed and ready. Got pre-made crust? Fab! If not, that's fine too!.
Honestly, good prep is half the battle. It can actually save 15 minutes of extra cook time.
Time saving tips : Shop bought pastry, always! Don't faff around making your own unless you’re feeling really keen.
step-by-step to Berry Bliss
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the first crust on the baking sheet. Press into corners.
- Chill that crust for 15 minutes . This is key for a flaky base.
- Mix berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, zest, and spices.
- Pour berry mix over chilled crust. Dot with butter cubes.
- Cut slits in the second crust for steam to escape.
- Cover pie with the top crust, seal edges.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 35- 40 minutes , until golden.
Pro Tips from a (Sort of) Pro
Here's a simple way to impress. Brush the top with a beaten egg for a glorious golden sheen .
Avoid soggy bottoms by chilling the crust and venting the top crust. Nobody wants a soggy bottom! Also, Desserts for a crowd usually need to stay long without getting ruined, so remember that patience is key.
Always allow the pie to cool before serving.
Looking to make things in advance? That's where make-ahead options are important, so prep the berry filling a day ahead.
You can store it in the fridge. As for substitutions, frozen berries make for wonderful berry dessert ideas for parties and for quick dessert for entertaining
Why not add a layer of marzipan? Or a dollop of clotted cream. The easy summer pie recipes are endless.
Recipe Notes for Your Berry Bonanza Slab Pie
Alright, let's talk about some tips and tricks to make this Berry Bonanza Slab Pie even more amazing! This isn't just about following a recipe; it's about making it your own, innit?
Plating like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters! Dust your finished Berry Bonanza Dessert Bar Recipe with a little powdered sugar. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Bang on! It's like a hug in dessert form.
This dessert pairs perfectly with chilled prosecco. Imagine a summer garden party. This pie is perfect.
Keeping It Fresh: Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (doubtful!), store them in the fridge. Keep it covered. Your pie will stay good for about 3 days.
It will still taste wonderful. Don't recommend freezing. Reheat gently in the oven to crisp up the crust.
Remix Time: Variations
Want to switch things up? Go for a crumble topping instead of a top crust! It adds a lovely texture.
Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free pie crust. Stone fruits instead of berries? Peaches and plums are brilliant. These tweaks will suit Easy Summer Desserts
Nutrition Lowdown: Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's keep it real. This Slab Pie Recipe Easy is a treat. Not a health food. Each slice is roughly 350-400 calories.
It has some fiber from the berries. It is better than other things. It is a good source of joy.
Moderation is key, my friend. It is one of many Large Format Dessert Recipes .
I hope this helps you feel more confident about baking this pie. Remember, baking should be fun. It is perfect for Desserts For A Crowd if you have some Berry Dessert Ideas For Parties that need to be fulfilled.
So, get baking and remember: even if it's a little wonky, it's still delicious! With these Easy Dessert Recipes for a summer day, it’s impossible not to wow at the party.
If you need more ideas, you will find many Sheet Cake Recipes and even Easy Summer Pie Recipes to get you started.
And if you need it really quick, there are Quick Dessert For Entertaining
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest way to make this Berry Slab Pie even quicker?
The secret to speed is all in the ingredients! Using pre-washed berries saves a heap of time, and don't be afraid to lean on pre-made pie crusts. No one will judge, and you'll have a delicious dessert on the table faster than you can say "bake off!" Just be sure to chill the crust well, even if it's pre-made, for the best results.
Can I make this Berry Slab Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is great for making a day in advance. Just let it cool completely after baking, then cover it tightly and store it at room temperature. If you're making it more than a day ahead, refrigerate it to keep the berries fresh.
Think of it like a "bake now, enjoy later" scheme perfect for busy schedules!
I'm not a huge fan of berries. What other fillings work well in this easy dessert recipes for a slab pie?
No worries, mate! The slab pie format is super versatile. Stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines are amazing (add a splash of almond extract!). You could even do an apple cinnamon filling for an autumn vibe. The key is to make sure the filling isn't too watery, so adjust the cornstarch accordingly.
Basically, it's your "pudding," make it how you like it!
My pie crust always seems to get soggy on the bottom. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded soggy bottom! Fear not, it's a common issue. First, chilling the crust before filling it is crucial. Also, make sure you're baking the pie on the lower rack of your oven to encourage the bottom to cook through.
Finally, avoid overfilling the pie with a super juicy filling, which will help reduce the moisture at the base.
How should I store leftover Berry Bonanza Slab Pie?
To keep your leftover Berry Bonanza Slab Pie tasting its best, store it properly. If you plan to eat it within a day or two, covering it at room temperature will do. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
You can also freeze the pie for up to 2-3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving!
Is this Berry Slab Pie recipe relatively healthy?
While this pie is a delicious treat, it's still a dessert, so moderation is key! It contains fruit, which provides vitamins and fiber, but also has sugar and fat from the crust. You can make it a bit healthier by using whole wheat pie crust, reducing the sugar slightly, or serving smaller portions.
It's all about balance, innit?
Berry Bonanza Slab Pie
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18-22g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |