Oregon

Marionberry Pie

The quintessential Pacific Northwest pie featuring Oregon's prized marionberries - a uniquely complex blackberry variety grown exclusively in the Willamette Valley.

1 hr 30 min Serves 8 Summer Favorite PNW Pride

Equipment Needed

  • 🥧 9-inch pie dish
  • 🥣 Large mixing bowl
  • 📏 Rolling pin
  • 🧊 Pastry cutter
  • 🔪 Sharp knife or pastry wheel
  • 🍳 Baking sheet

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make the pie crust

    Whisk together flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough just comes together. Divide in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

  2. 2

    Prepare the berries

    If using frozen marionberries, thaw and drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of juice. Place berries in a large bowl. If using fresh, rinse gently and pat dry.

  3. 3

    Make the filling

    Gently toss marionberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow juices to develop and cornstarch to dissolve.

  4. 4

    Preheat oven

    Preheat oven to 425F (220C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch drips.

  5. 5

    Roll out the bottom crust

    On a floured surface, roll one dough disk into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into the bottom and sides. Trim edges to 1-inch overhang. Refrigerate while preparing the lattice.

  6. 6

    Fill the pie

    Pour the marionberry filling into the prepared crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with butter pieces.

  7. 7

    Create the lattice top

    Roll out the remaining dough and cut into 3/4-inch strips. Weave strips over the filling in a classic lattice pattern. Fold the bottom crust overhang over the lattice edges, pressing to seal, and crimp decoratively.

  8. 8

    Finish and bake

    Brush lattice with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. Bake at 425F for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375F (190C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until crust is deep golden and filling bubbles thickly.

  9. 9

    Cool completely

    Let pie cool on a wire rack for at least 3-4 hours before slicing. This is crucial - cutting too soon will result in a runny filling. The wait is worth it!

  10. 10

    Serve

    Serve at room temperature or slightly warm with vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream. The deep berry flavor pairs perfectly with the rich dairy.

Tips & Variations

  • What are marionberries? Developed in Marion County, Oregon in 1956, marionberries are a blackberry cross with complex flavor notes of earthiness, tartness, and sweetness. They're the "Cabernet of blackberries."
  • Frozen is fine: Oregon marionberries freeze exceptionally well. Many Oregonians stock up during the brief summer season for year-round baking.
  • Prevent soggy bottom: For extra crisp crust, brush the bottom with beaten egg white before adding filling, or pre-bake for 10 minutes.
  • Berry substitutes: If marionberries aren't available, use a mix of blackberries and raspberries, though the flavor won't be quite the same.
  • Streusel variation: Replace the lattice with a buttery streusel topping for a different texture experience.
  • Storage: Cover loosely and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for longer storage. Reheat slices briefly in a 350F oven.