Easy Old Fashioned Blackberry Pie Recipe (Fresh or Frozen)

Content Updated May 2, 2026

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My husband and I bought our home a little over a year ago, and our half-acre came with a bonus we weren’t entirely prepared for… blackberry bushes. Everywhere. It’s a problem and a blessing at the same time, and Grandma’s blackberry pie recipe is exactly why I call it a blessing.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by pie, this is the recipe that’s going to change that for you. The filling takes about 15 minutes on the stove; it works with fresh or frozen berries, and the hardest decision you’ll have to make is what kind of top crust you want. That’s it. Grandma made this look easy because it actually is easy — and nothing compares to a homemade blackberry pie fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What Makes This Blackberry Pie Recipe Special

This is a real berry pie with no artificial filling! Because it’s made with actual blackberries, the filling is a little more rustic and natural than what you’d get from a store-bought pie, which means it’s also a little more beautiful. The sweet and tangy balance is just right, and the filling comes together on the stovetop before it ever hits the oven, so you know exactly what you’re working with.

Fresh Vs. Frozen Blackberries

Both work great in this recipe, which makes it a year-round pie. Fresh blackberries are obviously ideal when they’re in season, especially if you happen to have a backyard full of them (like us lol). But frozen blackberries are a fantastic option the rest of the year and tend to be more affordable. Just make sure to fully defrost them and drain the juice before adding them to the filling, or you’ll end up with a runny pie.

Tips for the Best Blackberry Pie

• Drain your berries well, especially if using frozen berries, this is the key to avoiding a runny filling
• Don’t skip the stovetop step; cooking the filling first gives you a much better set pie
• Bake at 450 for the first 10 minutes, then drop to 350 for the remaining 30 — this gives you a crisp bottom crust
• Let it cool before slicing — I know it’s hard, but it makes a real difference in how cleanly it cuts
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Non-negotiable.

What to Serve With Blackberry Pie

Vanilla ice cream is the classic and there’s a reason it never goes out of style. Fresh whipped cream is a close second. If you love berry desserts, you might also want to try Easy Strawberry Pie or Strawberry Rhubarb Pie , both are just as simple and use the same kind of fresh-fruit filling approach.

How to make Easy Blackberry Pie

1. The first thing to do is prepare a glass pie pan, with either a homemade pie crust or a store-bought pie crust. Click here for my easy pie crust recipe!
2. In a medium saucepan, add the blackberries, salt, sugar, butter, and cornstarch and cook on medium heat until the mixture thickens. (about 10 minutes)
3. Add the thickened blackberry mixture to your prepared pie crust.
4. Add the top layer of crust, or design the top layer of crust how you like. Note: if you are putting a full sheet of crust on top, poke a few holes so that the air can escape.
5. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350 and bake for 30 more minutes.

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