Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie

The Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie is a delightful dessert that showcases the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This pie is suitable for various occasions, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Featuring a medley of four types of berries combined with tangy rhubarb and topped with a crunchy streusel crumb, this dessert will impress everyone at your table. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of berries and rhubarb creates a unique taste that is both sweet and refreshing.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this pie can be made by bakers of any skill level.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer picnics or cozy winter gatherings, this pie suits all seasons and occasions.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors of the berries make this pie visually appealing, making it an impressive centerpiece on any table.
• Satisfying Crumb Topping: The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft filling beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups

Why These Tools Matter

• Pie dish: A deep pie dish ensures you have enough space for all the juicy filling without overflowing.
• Mixing bowls: These allow you to combine ingredients easily, keeping your workspace organized.
• Baking sheets: Placing these in the oven catches any drips, preventing messes while baking.

Ingredients

This sweet and tangy pie combines four types of berries with tart rhubarb and a streusel crumb topping.

For the Pie Filling

• 1 pie crust for deep 9 pie (see note below)
• 2 cups rhubarb, thinly sliced
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 orange, zested
• 4 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup sugar

For the Streusel Topping

• 8 tbsp butter
• 1 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup Gluten Free 1.1 flour or all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

How to Make Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial step prepares your oven for baking the pie evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Place a baking sheet on the bottom rack of your oven. This will catch any spills while another sheet goes in the center.

Step 3: Mix the Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all filling ingredients except for the pie crust:
1. Add the thinly sliced rhubarb.
2. Include raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries.
3. Zest one orange over the mixture for added flavor.
4. Sprinkle in cornstarch and sugar.
5. Gently mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Fill Your Pie Crust

Carefully pour the berry-rhubarb filling into your prepared pie crust. Spread it evenly to ensure consistent baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine all ingredients for the crumb topping:
1. Add butter, rolled oats, brown sugar, kosher salt, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Mix until it resembles a sandy texture with small pebbles.

Step 6: Add Topping to Pie

Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the filled pie crust. Ensure even coverage for optimal crunch.

Step 7: Bake Your Pie

Bake in your preheated oven for about 45 minutes:
– Check at around 25–30 minutes; if it’s golden brown on top, cover lightly with foil to prevent burning.
– Continue baking until fully cooked through.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool for one hour at room temperature. After cooling down, refrigerate for at least eight hours before slicing into it.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Slice your Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie and serve it chilled or at room temperature! Enjoy this delightful dessert with family and friends!

How to Serve Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie

Serving a Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with simple additions. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, there are many ways to elevate this sweet and tangy dessert.

A La Mode

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the tartness of the pie beautifully.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and richness.

With Fresh Berries

• Mixed Fresh Berries: Garnish your slice with additional fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
• Berry Sauce: Drizzle a homemade berry sauce over each serving for added sweetness.

Pairing with Beverages

• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea brings out the pie’s fruity flavors.
• Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water with a hint of citrus balances the sweetness.

How to Perfect Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie

Perfecting your Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie takes attention to detail. Follow these tips for a delicious outcome every time.

• Bold Crust Preparation: Ensure your pie crust is cold before rolling it out. This helps achieve a flakier texture.
• Bold Fruit Preparation: Slice rhubarb and berries evenly to ensure uniform cooking and texture throughout the pie.
• Bold Baking Sheet Use: Always place a baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch any drips and prevent messes in the oven.
• Bold Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling for cleaner slices.
• Bold Topping Texture: Mix the crumb topping until it resembles coarse sand for a perfect crunch when baked.

Best Side Dishes for Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie

To complement your Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie, consider serving it with these delightful side dishes. Each option adds its own unique flavor profile to enhance your dessert experience.

1. Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: A light salad offers freshness that pairs well with the pie’s sweetness.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory contrast to the fruity dessert.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits creates a refreshing side that balances richness.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips sprinkled with cinnamon sugar add crunch and sweetness, perfect for dipping.
5. Roasted Nuts: A bowl of lightly salted roasted nuts offers a savory element that complements the pie’s sweetness well.
6. Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of fruit sorbet refreshes the palate after enjoying rich pie flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your pie turns out perfectly.

• Bold Ingredient Measurement: Many people underestimate the importance of precise measurements. Always use a measuring cup or scale for accuracy.
• Bold Skipping the Zest: Not using orange zest can dull the flavor. The zest adds brightness, so don’t skip this step!
• Bold Overmixing the Topping: Overmixing the crumb topping can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until it resembles pebbles for the best results.
• Bold Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into the pie too soon can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool for an hour and refrigerate before serving.
• Bold Not Checking Doneness: Failing to check the pie’s color can result in undercooking. Look for a golden-brown crust at 25–30 minutes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep any leftover crumb topping separate to maintain its texture.

Freezing Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie

• To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes; cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture.
• Bold Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat; cover and warm for about 5-10 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of berries work best in Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie?

You can use various berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The combination creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make a gluten-free version of Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour in both the crust and crumb topping for a delicious gluten-free pie.

How do I know when my Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie is done baking?

The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and you can see bubbling from the filling. If needed, cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

Can I customize my Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits like peaches or cherries or switch up the spices by adding nutmeg or ginger for added warmth.

How long should I let my pie cool before serving?

Allow your pie to cool for at least one hour at room temperature, then refrigerate it for eight hours. This helps set the filling properly.

Conclusion

This Mixed Berry Rhubarb Pie is not only visually stunning but also combines sweet and tangy flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different fruits or toppings. Give this delightful recipe a try and impress your family and friends!