This Saskatoon berry pie filling and sauce is cooked ahead, on the stovetop, allowing time for the berries to soften and the flavors to merge, giving your pie a richer, thicker, and tastier filling! The hint of almond also lends a delicious depth of flavor that's unlike any other Saskatoon berry pie out there! It also makes a great sauce for topping cheesecake, yogurt, ice cream, or filling pierogies!
Saskatoon berry pie, made with my Saskatoon berry pie filling, is one of my favorite pies in the entire world because it's not your average pie filling... And it's so delicious that it inspired my Saskatoon Berry Squares recipe!
🍒Reader Reviews
"So amazing! I made many little jars for gifts with a tag for storage instructions. Should have been 8 jars but I ate one already 😀. Not too sweet, absolutely delicious!!!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Your filling turned out absolutely perfect! Just the right thickness and sweetness! Thank you so much! A very definite keeper recipe for me!! Thanks so much😊!!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Great recipe, Terri! It turned out perfect without any changes.
Thank you!!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's finally pie season again- one of the few consolations for summer being over. With no air conditioning, summer baking is just not an option at my house. And since Saskatoons are in season in late July in my neck of the woods, the two seasons don't necessarily align. That's why I use frozen Saskatoon berries for my pie filling.
Why You'll LOVE this recipe!
- No More Runny Filling: By pre-cooking the filling on the stovetop, it thickens perfectly every time, guaranteeing a clean slice.
- Richer, Deeper Flavor: Simmering the berries allows the flavors to meld, and a special hint of almond extract makes this pie unforgettable.
- Perfect for Frozen Berries: This recipe is designed to work beautifully with frozen Saskatoons, so you can enjoy it any time of year.
- Versatile Recipe: The filling doubles as a delicious sauce for cheesecake, ice cream, and more!
🥘Ingredient Notes
For this Saskatoon Pie, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Saskatoon berries. You can use either frozen or fresh Saskatoon berries, but if you're using fresh berries, you'll need to add an additional ¼ cup of water.
- Almond Extract. Almond extract really elevates the flavor of this pie!
- Pie pastry/shells. If you are making the pie, you can use 2 store-bought deep-dish pie shells (in ingredient photo) or make your own. I recommend my No Fail Pie Crust recipe (which you see in the main and process photos).
*Please see recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities
📖Variations & Substitutions
- Cornstarch - You can use Arrowroot powder instead. Arrowroot forms a clear gel when mixed with water, so it's great for thickening clear liquids. You'll need to use twice as much arrowroot as cornstarch to get similar results.
- Lemon Juice. You can use concentrated lemon juice if you don't have fresh, but you'll only need half the amount.
🔪Step-by-Step: How to Make Saskatoon Berry Pie
- Step 1: Add all sauce ingredients to a medium saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. * If using fresh berries, add an additional ¼ cup of water
- Step 2: Stir the mixture as the berries start to defrost.
- Step 3: Let the berries simmer.
- Step 4: Simmer until soft and the mixture is thickened - about 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and cool. It will thicken up even more as it cools and when refrigerated, but it should be the thickness of jam. For Topping: If you are using it for topping for ice cream, yogurt, my No Bake Saskatoon Berry Cheesecake, regular cheesecake, Saskatoon Berry Tarts, or a filling for dessert pierogies, it can be used immediately or stored in fridge for 5 days (or freeze it for up to 3months)
- Step 6: For Saskatoon Pie: Pour into unbaked pie shell and cover with top crust (you can use a store-bought pie shell or my NO FAIL pastry recipe - SEE NOTES)
- Step 7: Add top crust, then trim, using a paring knife or kitchen shears. *If you are using a store-bought pie shell, you can skip this step.
- Step 8: Pleat with a fork to seal edges. *If using a store-bought pie shell, seal the top to the bottom by running a little water around the edge and pressing down lightly with your thumb to seal. If it's not sticking, then use a fork to pleat
- Step 9: Add some venting and brush top of pastry lightly with milk , using a pastry brush and sprinkle with a teaspoon of white granulated sugar. Bake as for a 2-crust fruit pie. *I bake it at 450 degrees F for the first 10 minutes, then reduce to 350 degrees F for the remainder (20 - 25 minutes or until cooked through).
Expert Recipe Tips:
- Cook the filling until it's jam-like for best results. This thick texture ensures it sets up perfectly in pies and holds its shape when used in tarts or as a cheesecake topping.
- Frozen Saskatoons work beautifully and are more consistent. Frozen berries release more juice, helping the filling thicken and blend without needing additional fresh fruit prep.
- Don't skip the almond extract—it elevates the flavor. The hint of almond brings out the natural sweetness of the Saskatoon berries and adds a unique, rich undertone.
- Use fresh lemon juice for brightness, but bottled works in a pinch. If you're using bottled lemon juice, reduce the amount to half, as it’s more concentrated.
- Cool the filling completely before using it in a pie. This prevents a soggy bottom crust and makes the filling easier to work with, especially if you're assembling a lattice or decorative top.
- Bake the pie at a high temperature first to set the crust. Starting at 450°F and then reducing to 350°F helps prevent a soggy base and promotes a golden, crisp top crust.
- For sauce use, keep the filling slightly looser. If using this for yogurt, cheesecake, or ice cream topping, you can reduce the cooking time slightly for a thinner, more pourable texture.
- Double the batch and freeze in portions. This filling freezes well for up to 2 months, making it easy to whip up desserts year-round when fresh Saskatoons aren't available.
- Use it creatively beyond pies! Try layering it into trifles, folding it into whipped cream for mousse, or filling mini tart shells for easy party desserts.
What to do with Saskatoon Berry Pie Filling and Sauce
The added bonus is that you can also use this as a Saskatoon berry sauce, which is perfect as a topping for cheesecake, filling perogies, or a special topping on yogurt or ice cream. I have even used it as a cake filling (mixed with whipped cream) in my Saskatoon Berry Cake! Yum!!
It’s also ideal for Saskatoon Berry Tarts (shown below).
And be sure to try it in my Saskatoon Berry Ice Cream (no churn) too!
And if you simply want to make a pie, this Saskatoon pie filling is the perfect mate to my No Fail Pie Crust (cold water pastry)!
🥗What to Serve with this Saskatoon Berry Pie Recipe
Saskatoon Berry Pie is delicious on its own, but even better with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
If you're looking for the perfect meal to serve with this Saskatoon Pie, I recommend a summer meal such as my Fried Chicken (without buttermilk) and my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (shown), or my Slow Cooker Beef on a Bun with my Artichoke and Red Pepper Slaw!
🌡️Storage
This pie filling and sauce will last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The pie will also last 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. If you don't have a large enough container, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. I use Glad Press N' Seal, as I find it much better for storage than regular plastic wrap because it has a sticky side and you get a better, tighter seal.
This pie filling and sauce freezes well for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Defrost in the fridge overnight. A fully baked pie can also be stored for up to 3 months in an airtight container in the freezer. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
👪 Serving Size
This Saskatoon Berry Pie recipe will yield 2 regular-sized pies (smaller than the deep dish pie in the main photos) or 24 Saskatoon Berry tarts. It makes about 4 cups of sauce. However, you can half, double or triple the recipe by clicking on the serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust.
❔ Recipe FAQs
This recipe hasn’t been tested for safe home canning. For longer storage, freezing in portions is your best bet
No, you can add them directly to the saucepan from frozen. They’ll thaw and release their juices during the cooking process.
The filling should be about the consistency of jam. It will look glossy and hold its shape when stirred. This ensures it sets up properly in pies or stays thick as a topping.
A runny filling is usually because it wasn't cooked long enough on the stovetop. It's crucial to simmer the mixture until it reaches the consistency of thick jam. It will thicken even more as it cools. Another reason could be not using enough cornstarch. Try adding a little more cornstarch to thicken it and cook it a little longer. It will also thicken more as it cools and when it's refrigerated.
If you can get your hands on Saskatoon berries any time of the year, count yourself lucky because they’re a special berry and not available everywhere. I'm lucky that I can buy them frozen at the year-round Farmers' markets if I miss picking season!
But they're not only delicious, they are healthy too! Saskatoon berries are considered an even better source of calcium than red meats, vegetables, and cereals.
And if you're looking for more ideas on what to do with your Saskatoon berries, then check out these Saskatoon Berry Recipes !
More Pie Recipes!
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The Best Saskatoon Berry Pie (with Easy Stovetop Filling )
Ingredients
Sauce and pie filling
- 4 cups Frozen Saskatoon berries * If using fresh, use additional water (see next ingredient)
- 1 cup water * if using fresh berries, add an additional ¼ of water
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- 3 ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon milk
For Pie:
- 1 ½ tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add all sauce ingredients to a medium saucepan and cook over medium- high heat, stirring frequently. * if using fresh berries, add an additional ¼ cup of water4 cups Frozen Saskatoon berries, 1 cup water, ¾ cup white granulated sugar, 3 ½ tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon milk
- Let the berries simmer until soft and the mixture is thickened - about 15 minutes.
- The mixture will be as thick as jam when it's ready (see my VIDEO in NOTES). * you will be tempted to remove it too soon, but just keep stirring constantly so it doesn't burn to the bottom of the pan.
- Remove from heat and cool.
For Topping:
- If you are using for topping for ice cream, yogurt or cheescake or a filling for pierogies, it can be used immediately or stored in fridge for 5 days (or freeze for up to 2 months)
For Pie:
- Pour into unbaked pie shell and cover with top crust (you can use a store-bought pie shell or my NO FAIL pastry recipe - SEE NOTES)
- Add top crust, then trim, using a paring knife or kitchen shears
- Pleat with a fork to seal edges.
- Add some venting and brush top of pastry lightly with milk , using a pastry brush and sprinkle with a teaspoon of white granulated sugar.1 ½ tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- Bake as for a 2 crust fruit pie. *I bake it on 450 degrees F for the first 10 minutes, then reduce to 350 degrees F for the remainder (20 - 25 minutes or until cooked through.)
Notes
- Cook the filling until it's jam-like for best results. This thick texture ensures it sets up perfectly in pies and holds its shape when used in tarts or as a cheesecake topping.
- Frozen Saskatoons work beautifully and are more consistent. Frozen berries release more juice, helping the filling thicken and blend without needing additional fresh fruit prep.
- Don't skip the almond extract—it elevates the flavor. The hint of almond brings out the natural sweetness of the Saskatoon berries and adds a unique, rich undertone.
- Use fresh lemon juice for brightness, but bottled works in a pinch. If you're using bottled lemon juice, reduce the amount to half, as it’s more concentrated.
- Cool the filling completely before using it in a pie. This prevents a soggy bottom crust and makes the filling easier to work with, especially if you're assembling a lattice or decorative top.
- Bake the pie at a high temperature first to set the crust. Starting at 450°F and then reducing to 350°F helps prevent a soggy base and promotes a golden, crisp top crust.
- For sauce use, keep the filling slightly looser. If using this for yogurt, cheesecake, or ice cream topping, you can reduce the cooking time slightly for a thinner, more pourable texture.
- Double the batch and freeze in portions. This filling freezes well for up to 2 months, making it easy to whip up desserts year-round when fresh Saskatoons aren't available.
- Use it creatively beyond pies! Try layering it into trifles, folding it into whipped cream for mousse, or filling mini tart shells for easy party desserts.
Nutrition
Gisele
There is a tablespoon of milk that is listed in the ingredients. Does that go in with the berries and an additional amount of milk is required for brush the crust? Thanks and I can't wait to try this recipe.
Terri Gilson
Hi Gisele,
There is milk in both the filling and it's required to brush on the crust. 🙂
Enjoy!
Terri
Andrea
I'm not much of a Baker so might I suggest a little note saying that when putting all your ingredients together to make your sauce you might already have it on the stove with it on because frozen berries once put in a pot and you pour everything else on top of it are frozen and you can't stir it and your liquid on the bottom evaporates🤭
Terri Gilson
Thanks for the feedback, Andrea! 🙂
Angie Kauenhofen
How long did you simmer for to get that consistency in your video?? I simmered mine for over 30 mins and the consistency didn’t change much. Not thick like yours. You say to be patient but at what point will it not thicken anymore??
Terri Gilson
Hi Angie,
Sorry to hear you are having issues with it thickening. It should take about 15 minutes (20 Max), definitely not 30 or longer! I haven't run into this before. But I would recommend that you add more cornstarch- start with 1 tbsp and add more if it's not thickened after 15 minutes.
Hope that helps!
Terri
Angie Kauenhofen
It was thickened but not as thick as yours in your video. Looks like yours reduced more. I simmered mine for about 30 mins. I Added more cornstarch to some cold milk then added it in. But it’s definitely thick now that it’s cold. Thanks for the reply!
Terri Gilson
Hi Angie,
I'm really glad to hear it thickened!
Terri
Carolyn Mallonee
I live in Arizona, can you tell me where I can buy Saskatoon Berries so I can make this pie? Thank you so much.
Amy Frey
It is also called Juneberry or service berry so you might be able to find it under those names.
Teresa Rilling
The foxes ate all of our many berries last year. But we out foxed them this year and got them before they returned from who knows where. Thank you for the recipe. I ran out of freezer space so thought I'd try canning pie filling.
Terri Gilson
Awesome- glad you outsmarted them this year! Enjoy the pie filling!
Bill Stinson
Proportions are accurate. In cooking the berries, I was able to thicken and soften them. Almond extract added a subtle depth to the flavours. I had to place some tinfoil over the crust edges or they would have burned. This is the best recipe for saskatoon berry pie I’ve ever come across. Thanks!
Terri Gilson
Hi Bill: I'm so glad you loved the pie! Thanks for the tip on placing tinfoil over the pie crust edges! Although I didn't run into that issue, that should help some other readers!
Amanda waffle
You don’t put what temperature to bake on. And should u bake in centre or bottom of the oven. There are people out there baking pies for the very first time. So that would be very useful information. Thanks for the great recipe. This is my first Saskatoon Berry Pie. I however do bake so in know the temp etc. But just thought some people may not know.
Kristen
Saskatoon Berry Pie, yum!!! This was something we had as kids all the time, and I forgot how much I loved it until recently, when I went to the Saskatoon Berry Farm here in Okotoks. I’m so excited to make this and bring back all those nostalgic smells and flavours. Thanks for sharing 😊.
Katherine | Love In My Oven
I got so lucky this summer, picking saskatoon berries. I ate most of them fresh but I should really save some next time to try a pie! This looks amazing!!
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Katherine! Hopefully get save some next summer (or you can buy them frozen at Co op! )
April
I’m making tarts with this filling. Should I cook the tart shells first and then fill with the sauce? Or fill the uncooked tart shells with the sauce and then bake?
Terri Gilson
Hi April,
No, the tart shells should be UNBAKED, same as the pie shell. Fill the unbaked tart shell with sauce and bake for about 1/2 the baking time of the pie (bake on 450 degrees F for 5 minutes, then turn down to 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until done)
Enjoy!
Colleen
I got some Saskatoons from the farmers market this year and we just gobbled them up, but now I wish I had made a pie! Yours looks amazing, Terri!
Bernice Hill
I missed out on Saskatoon picking this year and regret it deeply. I'd love to have some in the freezer so I can try out your recipe Terri!
Terri Gilson
Hi Bernice,
I know, I always miss it because I go on vacation at that time! But
Co op sells them frozen and so do the farmer's markets!
Mike Thompson
Hey Terri! What a nice surprise to find your site on a search for saskatoonberry pie filling today! My kids picked a bucket with me this morning, helped make the pie, and got to share it with grandparents and cousins this evening. Thanks for the recipe. Everyone loved it!
Cheers
Mike
Terri Gilson
Hi Mike!
So great to hear from you! I'm so glad you loved the pie filling and enjoyed such a great day with your family! Saskatoon Berry picking and pie making are definitely one of our fave family activities too!
Terri
Don Hewitt
Hello there. Just wondering why 1 tablespoon of milk? Thanks
Terri Gilson
Hi Don: it just makes it a little creamier, but you don't have to add it!
Enjoy..
Terri
Gwenyth
Hi Terri, I have used your recipe during peak berry season and loved it. Now using frozen berries to make the filling for Christmas pies. I will be freezing the pies. Have you liked the results better leaving pie unbaked or baking before freezing?
Terri Gilson
Hi Gwenyth,
Glad you hear you loved it! I would bake the pie before freezing, but I'm sure it would still be fine if you left it unbaked too. I freeze my dough and my filling, but I freeze them separately.
Enjoy!Terri
Amanda
Can you can this recipe?
Terri Gilson
Hi Amanda,
I'm not someone who's canned a lot of things, but I don't see why you couldn't. I found directions for canning blueberry pie filing and it's very similar to this, so you could give it a try: How to can blueberry pie filling
I'd love to hear how it turns out!
Terri
Carole
Looks awesome! We just picked 10 lbs of Saskatoons & plan to make this filling. I plan to buy & fill tart shells. How long do I bake them and what temperature?? Thx!
Terri Gilson
Hi Carole,
Bake the tarts on 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.
Enjoy!
Thanks,
Terri