Delicious Elderberry Pie with Lemon and Sweet Filling Recipe

If you’re a fan of unique, fresh-from-the-garden desserts, this Delicious Elderberry Pie with Lemon and Sweet Filling Recipe is going to become a new favorite. Elderberries bring this pie a rich, deeply fruity flavor with just the right touch of tartness, balanced by the brightness of lemon and sweetness that feels just like a warm hug on a cool day. I remember the first time I made this; the aroma of the berries mingling with butter and lemon in the oven instantly made the whole kitchen feel cozy and inviting.

This pie shines especially during late summer when elderberries are at their peak, but honestly, it’s such a versatile recipe that if you find frozen elderberries, you can enjoy it any time of year. The combination of the sweet filling and zesty lemon creates a harmony that’s both refreshing and comforting — a reminder of why seasonal baking is so rewarding. You’re going to love how approachable this recipe is and how well it rewards your efforts with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a pie filling that’s naturally sweet with a touch of tartness, plus that buttery crust everyone loves. When shopping, fresh elderberries are ideal, but frozen works perfectly too, especially when fresh ones aren’t available.

• Double-crust pie pastry: Using a quality store-bought crust keeps things simple, but you can absolutely make your own for a more homemade touch.
• Elderberries: Fresh when you can get them, but frozen elderberries defrosted well work just as fine—just be sure to rinse and remove any stems.
• White sugar: Adds the sweet counterpoint to elderberries’ natural tartness. You can adjust this if you prefer a sweeter or tarter pie.
• Cornstarch: This is key for thickening the juicy berry filling, so your pie won’t turn out runny.
• Water: Just a bit to dissolve the cornstarch and help it spread evenly through the filling.
• Lemon juice: It elevates the flavor, brightening the pie and balancing sweetness with fresh citrus zing.
• Butter: Adds richness and a lovely depth — I like to dot it on top of the filling before the crust goes on.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Delicious Elderberry Pie with Lemon and Sweet Filling Recipe is how flexible it is. You can make a few tweaks depending on your taste or what you have on hand, which is a great way to personalize this classic.

• Use honey or maple syrup instead of white sugar: I tried this once for a more natural, mellow sweetness and it gave a lovely earthy note to the pie.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg: These spices warm up the flavor — perfect if you want a fall twist.
• Swap some elderberries with blueberries: This makes the filling a bit more familiar if you want to introduce someone new to elderberries.
• Gluten-free crust: I’ve used gluten-free pastry with just as delicious results for friends with dietary needs.

How to Make Delicious Elderberry Pie with Lemon and Sweet Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Start by thawing your double-crust pie pastry if it’s frozen. Once it’s pliable, gently unroll one pastry and fit it into your pie pan, pressing it lightly against the edges. I like to chill the crust in the fridge a bit at this stage—it helps prevent shrinking during baking, which is a trick I learned after a few too many sad, shrunk pies!

Step 2: Make the Elderberry Filling

In a large bowl, combine your elderberries and sugar. Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the berries. Add your lemon juice and toss everything gently to coat. Pro tip: Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before filling the pie. This lets the cornstarch start thickening and ensures your filling won’t be too runny once baked.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into your prepared crust, then dot the top with small bits of butter. Place your second crust over the filling — I usually do a lattice top because it looks beautiful, but a full crust with some slits for venting works just as well. Seal the edges and gently crimp them to avoid leakages. Brush the top crust with a little milk or egg wash for that gorgeous golden finish.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes. The filling should be bubbly, and the crust should turn a deep golden brown. If the edges brown too fast, a foil shield helps keep things even.

How to Serve Delicious Elderberry Pie with Lemon and Sweet Filling Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream — the creaminess contrasts beautifully with the tangy filling. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little powdered sugar or add a few fresh mint leaves just for that refreshing pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad if you’re serving it for a light meal dessert or alongside a cup of strong coffee or herbal tea during afternoon snack time. I often enjoy it just as it is, honestly — it’s that satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve mini versions of this pie in ramekins, topped with tiny edible flowers or a drizzle of lemon glaze. It makes the dessert feel extra festive and personal, perfect for impressing guests without too much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, and honestly, I find the flavors develop even more overnight. Just be sure to keep it chilled to avoid the crust becoming soggy.

Freezing

Freezing this pie is totally doable! I recommend freezing unbaked pies wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil — that way, you can bake it fresh when you’re ready. I’ve also frozen baked slices for a quick treat later, just wrapped well to avoid freezer burn. When you thaw, do it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop my refrigerated slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the crust and warm up the filling. Microwave heating works if you’re in a hurry, but it’s less likely to keep that lovely pie texture crispy — the oven is my go-to for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Delicious Elderberry Pie with Lemon and Sweet Filling Recipe feels like a little adventure each time — the magic of elderberries shines through, paired with simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen already. It’s one of those recipes that not only tastes incredible but also connects you with the seasons and the joy of homemade baking. If you’re looking for a pie that’s a bit different but easy and rewarding, give this a try—you might just find it becoming a new family staple, as I have!

Print