huckleberry pie
This huckleberry pie recipe is based on classic Finnish blueberry pie that is more like a tart than a pie! The dessert can be found at pretty much any cafe in Finland and is often served for guests with coffee. In Finland this pie is traditionally made from bilberries which are smaller and have more intense flavor than the sweet blueberries you find in states. To me the huckleberry version tastes closer to the blueberry pie you would get in Finland than making it with “regular” blueberries!
Are huckleberries healthy?
Huckleberries are a superfood and have many health benefits including preventing cancer! Huckleberry extract was shown to reduce markers of oxidative stress in women with breast cancer and hindered the growth of cancer cells. The extract also increased the activity of white blood cells that fight off cancer and infections. Native Americans have used these berries medicinally for centuries and it was a major food group for many tribes. The more you know!
How to make a huckleberry pie?
Let’s take this back to the pie! Preheat oven to 425f. Whisk together flour and baking powder in a small bowl and set aside. In a separate medium size bowl, whisk butter and 3 tbsp sugar until light and fluffy. Then whisk in 1 egg until fully combined. Pour half of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture and knead by hand. Then add rest of the flour mixture and keep kneading until smooth. Then put the pastry dough in a pie dish and press it against bottom and sides until everything is evenly covered. In a small bowl whisk together sour cream, 1 egg, 3 tbsp sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Fill the pie dish with 2 cups of huckleberries, then pour the sour cream mixture on top and wiggle the dish until it has evenly spread. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of huckleberries on top and bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Let the pie cool for an hour before serving and garnish with chamomile flowers!
Tips
Make sure the dough is uniformly pressed against the pie dish to ensure an even bake.
Cut and smooth the top edges of the dough with your fingertips before filling the pie for a nice presentation.
After pouring the sour cream mixture over the berries wiggle the pie dish until the filling has evenly spread and there is no empty parts.