Wild Berry Pie from Church's Chicken features a flaky, golden crust filled with a vibrant mix of sweet and tangy wild berries, offering a deliciously fruity and juicy dessert experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Dough cutter or knife
- Cooling rack
- Fork
- Pie mold or small pie tins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- 1 cup mixed wild berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for filling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
When preparing the pie crust, ensure the unsalted butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky texture. Use fresh or properly thawed wild berries to maintain the vibrant mix of sweet and tangy flavors characteristic of the filling. Incorporate cornstarch to thicken the berry juices and prevent a soggy crust during baking. Measure all ingredients precisely with measuring cups and spoons to balance sweetness and tartness. Your homemade Wild Berry Pie from Church's Chicken copycat menu will delight with its golden crust and juicy berry interior.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Cut in cold cubed butter using a dough cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough comes together.
- Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine mixed wild berries, 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until berries release juices and mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon butter; let filling cool.
- On a floured surface, roll out chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut dough into circles to fit your pie mold or small pie tins.
- Place dough circles into pie molds, pressing gently to fit.
- Spoon cooled wild berry filling into each pie shell.
- Roll out remaining dough and cut into strips or shapes for top crust, if desired.
- Arrange strips or shapes over filling, or cover with another dough circle and cut slits for venting.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg and milk for egg wash.
- Brush top crust with egg wash using a pastry brush.
- Place pies on a baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a cooling rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Substitution
Wild Berry Pie from Church's Chicken copycat menu boasts a flaky crust and a filling packed with mixed wild berries for a perfectly balanced fruity dessert. You can substitute frozen mixed berries if fresh wild berries are not available, just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy crust. If cornstarch is not on hand, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as thickening agents in the filling. For a vegan option, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg for the egg wash. Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of your berries to maintain the ideal flavor balance.
Tips
Ensure the butter used for the crust is cold and cubed before mixing to achieve a flaky texture. Gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time to prevent the dough from becoming too wet and tough. When cooking the berry filling, stir gently to avoid breaking the berries while allowing the mixture to thicken properly with cornstarch. Use a pastry brush to evenly apply egg wash on the crust for a golden finish, and always let your pies cool on a rack to prevent sogginess.
Nutritions
Wild Berry Pie provides a combination of nutrients from its ingredients, including carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour and sugars, and healthy fats from unsalted butter. The mixed wild berries contribute vital antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber, which support immune function and digestion. Due to the pie's sugar content and butter, it is moderately high in calories and fats, so consuming your slice in moderation aligns with a balanced diet. You can enjoy this dessert as an occasional treat that delivers both flavor and key nutrients from wholesome berries.
Storage
Store your Wild Berry Pie in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Refrigerate the pie for up to 3-4 days to keep the berry filling and crust flavorful. When ready to enjoy, warm individual slices in the oven at 350degF for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the mixed wild berries with frozen berries, which may be more accessible and provide a consistent flavor year-round. For a gluten-free crust, replace all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free oat flour while adjusting water amounts to form the dough. Incorporating a splash of orange juice instead of lemon juice in the filling adds a different citrus note that complements the berries' natural sweetness. To speed up preparation, use store-bought pie dough and focus on making the fresh berry filling yourself for optimal flavor.
Allergies
Your Wild Berry Pie contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the unsalted butter used in both the crust and filling. The egg and milk used in the egg wash may also trigger reactions in people with egg or dairy allergies. Be cautious if you have sensitivities to any of these ingredients when enjoying this dessert.
Why this recipe?
Church's Chicken's Wild Berry Pie is beloved for its perfectly balanced tartness and sweetness, featuring a filling of real wild berries that provide a fresh, fruity burst in every bite. The dessert's flaky, golden crust complements the rich berry filling, offering a satisfying texture contrast that enhances the overall eating experience. You can recreate this popular treat at home to enjoy a cost-effective, customizable version that matches the original's authentic flavor profile. Making the copycat Wild Berry Pie allows you to savor a beloved dessert anytime while experimenting with your preferred ingredient proportions for a personalized twist.