Saskatoon berries are special - the kind of special that only comes once a year...And since that once a year is finally here (it's Saskatoon berry season in North America), I have gathered up The Best Saskatoon Berry Recipes from my own collection and from my fellow food bloggers to share with you!
These Saskatoon Berry Recipes are popular during the Saskatoon berry's ripe season, which is usually for about 3 weeks from mid-July to early August. Some years it's a bit earlier or later, depending on the weather. As a Canadian, foraging for Saskatoon berries is one of the best parts of the summer. But eating them is even better!
A native to Western Canada, as well as other parts of North America, the Saskatoon berry ripens in late July/early August. And although this beautiful berry is purply-blue, and looks more like a blueberry, it is actually a cousin to the apple.
Photo courtesy of Canstockphoto.com
🆚Saskatoon berries vs. Service Berries vs. Juneberries vs Blueberries🫐
If you are not familiar with this little gem of a berry, then you may know it by its alias "Juneberry." Interestingly enough, U.S. marketers started asking Canadian growers to change their labeling a number of years ago, so the Saskatoon berry gets a name change to Juneberry at the Canadian/ U.S. border.
The reason for this was that researchers at Cornell University found that although Americans loved the taste of Saskatoon berries, the name Saskatoon berry didn't resonate as well as Juneberry. That's why you'll hear it referred to by both names in North America.
And in some parts (mostly Ontario), Saskatoons are also known as Serviceberries and on the Canadian Prairies, we also call them "Prairie Berries". But Saskatoon berries, Juneberries, Prairie Berries, and Serviceberries are all the same berry!
While they look similar, Saskatoons are actually more closely related to apples and pears than blueberries! While blueberries are sweet and watery, Saskatoons have a distinct nutty, almond-like flavor and a slightly meatier texture. This makes them spectacular for baking because they hold their shape better than blueberries.
Where to get Saskatoons
Locals usually know the best spots to pick Saskatoons, but you can also hit a Saskatoon berry farm to pick them or buy them at the Farmers market. And some grocery stores sell Saskatoon berries frozen as well.
❄️ How to Freeze Saskatoon Berries (The Lazy Way)
Saskatoon Berries freeze very well, so you can enjoy them all year long! See my post on How to Freeze Saskatoon Berries.
📋Saskatoon Berry Recipes
Now that the season is finally here, it won't last long, so you'll be looking for some delicious things to do with your Saskatoon berries. That's why I've rounded up these AMAZING Saskatoon Berry recipes for you to try! Enjoy them while they last....
Traditional Saskatoon Berry Desserts
Saskatoon Berry Pie
Saskatoon Berry Pie is the quintessential Canadian Saskatoon berry pie! And it's even better with my signature stovetop filling for a thick, rich pie!
Old Fashioned Saskatoon Berry Crumble
A traditional oat-free dessert with a buttery topping.
Saskatoon Berry No Bake Cheesecake
This is the perfect summer dessert for when you want an impressive treat without turning on the oven.
Saskatoon Berry Galette
If you want the flavor of a traditional pie without the work of a perfect crust, this rustic galette is the answer.
Saskatoon Berry Breakfast Recipes
Saskatoon Berry Pancakes
A great way to start a summer morning!
Saskatoon Berry Jam
The ultimate way to preserve the short Saskatoon season so you can enjoy it all year long.
Mini Saskatoon Berry Scones
Lemony and perfect for tea time.
Savory & Unique Saskatoon Recipes
Maple Saskatoon Berry BBQ Sauce
A tangy, smoky topper that pairs perfectly with grilled pork or chicken.
Saskatoon Berry Tiramisu Dessert Shooters
A sophisticated, modern twist on Prairie flavors.
Saskatoon Berry Clafoutis
An elegant French-inspired dish that is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Saskatoon Berry FAQs
Yes! They are a "Superfood" packed with fiber, Vitamin C, and more antioxidants than blueberries.
No! Unlike cherries, the seeds in Saskatoon berries are tiny, soft, and completely edible. They actually provide that signature subtle almond flavo
Absolutely. In alost every recipe listed here, you can swap fresh for frozen 1:1. Just don't thaw them first!
There's nothing quite like a warm scoop of Saskatoon Berry Crumble or a slice of fresh pie to cap off a perfect summer evening. These recipes capture the heart of the Prairies in every bite, giving you that nostalgic, home-cooked flavor we all love. Enjoy Saskatoon berry season while you can!
Bonnie says
Oh just got a pail of Saskatoon berries and can't wait to try at least 5 recipes!!
So thank you very much.
Terri Gilson says
Hi Bonnie,
Sounds great - hope you enjoy! And please make sure to check out my other Saskatoon berry recipes- I have more!
Happy Summer!
Terri
Lica C says
Fun fact - Saskatoon berries are called Chuckley pears here in Newfoundland! They are plentiful this time of year, so thanks for the yummy recipes 🙂
Terri Gilson says
Hi Lisa,
I did not know that- what a FUN name! Well, I hope you enjoy the new Chuckley Pear recipes! 😊
Terri
Spencer Holvey says
Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, excellent blog!
Terri Gilson says
Thanks for letting me know - I will talk to my IT!
Sabrina says
What a great round up of recipes. I’ve enjoyed growing Saskatoon berries in my garden in BC for some years and they really are delicious. I can’t wait to try them in the bbq sauce recipe! Thanks!
Terri Gilson says
Thanks, Sabrina! Oh you are smart! I really need to start growing them ?