These double berry hand pies are perfect for all your summer gatherings. With a sweet berry filling tucked into a flaky strawberry pie crust, it is just what your backyard BBQ or picnic needs.

Irresistible Double Berry Hand Pies: Your Ultimate Summer Treat

As the long weekend approaches, ushering in the unofficial start of summer, there’s an undeniable excitement in the air. For many of us, this means embracing the warmth, enjoying outdoor gatherings, and indulging in the season’s bountiful flavors. Here in Upstate NY, Mother Nature has finally caught up, and it truly feels like summer has arrived, bringing with it the promise of juicy berries, delightful pies, vibrant festivals, lively concerts, and countless picnics and barbecues. To celebrate this wonderful transition, we’re thrilled to share the recipe for these exquisite double berry hand pies. Imagine a perfectly sweet, vibrant berry filling, lovingly encased in a uniquely flaky, strawberry-infused pie crust. These handheld delights are not just a dessert; they are a charming addition to any holiday weekend affair, backyard BBQ, or casual picnic, guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Who could possibly resist such a tempting combination?

A Revolutionary Crust: Strawberry & Fresh Thyme Infusion

What truly elevates these double berry hand pies beyond the ordinary is their distinctively flavored crust. This isn’t just any pie dough; it’s a culinary innovation, masterfully infused with the sweet essence of strawberry and a hint of fresh thyme. The brilliant concept of incorporating strawberries directly into the pastry dough comes from the highly acclaimed Bake from Scratch Magazine – a publication every serious baker should undoubtedly subscribe to. This technique introduces an exciting dimension to traditional pie making, creating a crust that is both visually appealing and exquisitely aromatic. We achieve this unique flavor profile by utilizing freeze-dried strawberries, which are pulsed directly with the dry ingredients of the pie crust. This method is incredibly straightforward yet incredibly effective, allowing the complementary flavors to meld seamlessly throughout the dough. The gentle notes of fresh thyme add an unexpected, sophisticated layer, balancing the sweetness of the berries with a subtle, earthy undertone. It’s a simple step that transforms a classic dessert into something truly special and memorable.

The Magic of Freeze-Dried Fruits in Your Baking

My recent discovery and enthusiastic adoption of freeze-dried fruits in my baking have been nothing short of a revelation. From enhancing the vibrant flavor of mango macarons to enriching the crust of these very hand pies, freeze-dried fruits have become an indispensable ingredient in my kitchen. I often wonder why I didn’t explore their potential sooner! For bakers, they offer unparalleled advantages: an intense, concentrated flavor without introducing excess moisture. This is especially crucial in pie making, where too much moisture can lead to a soggy crust, compromising that desired flaky texture. Unlike fresh or frozen fruits, which release significant water during the baking process, freeze-dried fruits deliver pure, unadulterated fruit flavor in a stable, easy-to-use form. They can be finely powdered and effortlessly incorporated into doughs, batters, and fillings, ensuring a consistent burst of natural fruit essence in every bite. If you’re looking to infuse your baked goods with vibrant, authentic fruit flavors while maintaining perfect texture, freeze-dried fruits are your new secret weapon. Beyond their baking benefits, they also make a remarkably convenient and healthy snack!

Crafting Your Perfect Berry Hand Pie: A Symphony of Flavors

These double berry hand pies are celebrated not only for their distinctive crust but also for their incredible versatility. While I personally favor a delightful mix of fresh blueberries and strawberries – a combination that consistently wins over my husband’s palate – this recipe is an open invitation for you to personalize your pies. Feel free to use your favorite seasonal berries, whether that means plump raspberries, luscious blackberries, or an imaginative blend of multiple fruits. The beauty of a homemade hand pie lies in its adaptability; you can tailor the filling to match any preference or make the most of whatever fresh produce you have at hand. The strawberry-infused dough provides a robust and flavorful foundation, yet you could even experiment with a different freeze-dried fruit in the crust itself for a completely new experience. The dough is remarkably forgiving and a pleasure to work with, whether you prefer the quick efficiency of a food processor or the comforting rhythm of working by hand. This ease of preparation ensures that regardless of your chosen berry medley, you’ll always achieve a deliciously satisfying and conveniently portable treat. They are truly ideal for packing in a picnic basket or sharing at a summer barbecue.

Your Guide to Flaky, Fruity Perfection: Essential Hand Pie Baking Tips

Creating truly outstanding hand pies involves a few expert tips that can elevate your baking to new heights. The cornerstone of any great pie is a truly flaky crust, and achieving this starts with using very cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. These cold pockets of butter create steam during baking, which results in those coveted flaky layers. It’s also vital to avoid overworking the dough, as excessive handling can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough rather than tender crust. Ample chilling time for the dough, both after mixing and after shaping the rounds, is non-negotiable. This allows the gluten to relax, preventing shrinkage in the oven, and ensures the butter remains firm, contributing to a crisp, delicate texture. For the luscious berry filling, always ensure your fresh fruits are gently washed and thoroughly dried. This step is critical to prevent excess moisture from making your pie bottoms soggy. The addition of a small amount of all-purpose flour or cornstarch in the filling acts as a thickener, binding the berry juices and ensuring the filling maintains its shape beautifully. When it comes to sealing your hand pies, press the edges firmly with the tines of a fork, not only for a decorative crimp but also to create a secure seal that locks in all the flavorful goodness. Don’t forget to cut small vents on the top of each pie; this allows steam to escape, preventing the pies from bursting and ensuring an even, perfectly baked result. Finally, for that irresistible golden-brown finish and a touch of delightful crunch, brush the tops of your pies with an egg wash and sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar before they go into the oven. These straightforward yet crucial steps ensure your double berry hand pies are not just incredibly delicious, but also visually appealing and structurally perfect, ready to be devoured at any summer gathering.

Dive into Summer Baking: More Delightful Recipes Await

As the days lengthen and the sunshine calls us outdoors, the allure of baking with fresh, seasonal ingredients becomes utterly irresistible. If these double berry hand pies have sparked your enthusiasm for summer baking, I warmly invite you to explore my extensive Summer Recipe Index for a treasure trove of further inspiration. Whether you’re meticulously planning a holiday weekend feast, searching for the perfect contribution to a potluck, or simply craving a sweet escape, you’ll find an ideal recipe waiting to be discovered. Our collection is designed to help you make the most of summer’s bounty, transforming fresh produce into memorable desserts. Here are a few more delightful ideas to sweeten your upcoming summer days and bring joy to your kitchen:

• Creamy Coconut Cream Pie: A dreamy, tropical indulgence, perfect for a refreshing finish to any meal.
• Zesty Frozen Margarita Pie: A wonderfully cool and tangy treat, ideal for beating the heat on a warm afternoon.
• Classic Blueberry Hand Pies: For the traditional berry enthusiast, a timeless and beloved favorite.
• Homestyle Strawberry Pie Recipe: Celebrating the pure, unadulterated joy of fresh strawberries in a quintessential classic pie.
• Delectable Mixed Berry Pie: A versatile and vibrant option that allows you to incorporate all your favorite summer berries into one glorious dessert.

Yield: 8 hand pies

Double Berry Hand Pies Recipe

These double berry hand pies are perfect for all your summer gatherings. With a sweet berry filling tucked into a flaky strawberry pie crust, it is just what your backyard BBQ or picnic needs.

Prep Time
40 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
1 hour

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Pie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Pie Filling:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered
• ¾ cup fresh blueberries
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar

Instructions

For the Crust:

1. Prepare ½ cup ice-cold water and keep in the fridge. In a food processor, pulse the flour, strawberries, thyme leaves, salt, and sugar until well combined. Add in the butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse meal. Sprinkle 6-8 tablespoons cold water, 2 tablespoons at a time, over mixture and pulse until dough comes together in clumps. If dry, add a little bit more water (1 teaspoon at a time). Remove dough from processor and divide into two. form each dough into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead. Keep chilled. Let stand at room temperature 15-30 minutes before rolling out.
2. Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Roll out one disk on a lightly floured surface to a large circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out 8 circles. Transfer each to the parchment lined baking sheet. You might have to re-roll the scraps once to get 8. Place the sheet in the refrigerator for 5-7 minutes. Repeat with the second disk of pie dough.

For the Filling:

1. Combine in a medium bowl the strawberries, blueberries, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and thyme. In another small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
2. Brush the edges of dough with egg wash. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture in the center of the rounds. Top with the remaining rounds and seal the edges with a fork. Return to the baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
4. Brush the top of the pies with the egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Cut small vents on the top.
5. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

Pie Dough inspired by Bake from Scratch

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