Looking for a unique twist on classic fruit pies? Goumi berries—small, ruby-red fruits with a sweet-tart flavor—make an exceptional filling that’s both delicious and nutritious. If you’ve never baked with them before, now’s the perfect time to try!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy, foolproof goumi berry pie recipes, along with tips for selecting, prepping, and enhancing these underrated berries. You’ll discover everything you need to make a dessert that will turn heads, regardless of your level of baking experience.
Why Use Goumi Berries?
Goumi berries (Elaeagnus multiflora) aren’t as common as blueberries or raspberries, but they’re worth seeking out (or growing yourself) for several reasons:
- Distinct Flavor: Their taste is a delightful mix of cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate—perfect for pies.
- Nutrition Boost: Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, plus antioxidants like lycopene.
- Easy to Grow: These hardy shrubs thrive in many climates and require little maintenance.
Since they’re rarely sold in grocery stores, you may need to forage or grow your own. They can be refrigerated for later baking or used fresh when harvested.

Classic Goumi Berry Pie Recipe
This simple recipe highlights the natural flavor of goumi berries while keeping the process beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
For the Crust (double crust):
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
(Or use a store-bought crust for convenience.)
For the Filling:
- 4 cups-fresh goumi berries
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (or tapioca starch)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (for dotting)
For the Egg Wash (optional):
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk, whisked
Instructions for Simple Recipes for Goumi Berry Pie
1. Make the Pie Crust
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Gradually add ice water until dough forms. Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for 30+ minutes.
(Skip if using pre-made crust.)
2. Prepare the Filling
- Gently mix berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Let sit 10 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pie
- One crust should be rolled out and put in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add berry filling and dot with butter.
- Cut slits for steam and crimp the edges of the second crust. Brush with egg wash.
4. Bake & Cool
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- To set the filling, let it cool for at least two hours before slicing.
Creative Variations
1. Lattice or Crumb Topping
For a decorative touch, try a woven lattice crust or a buttery streusel topping.
2. Mixed Berry Blend
If goumi berries are too tart, mix them with blackberries or raspberries for balance.
3. Sugar Adjustments
Taste your berries first—some are sweeter than others. Start with ½ cup sugar and add more if needed.
4. Serving Suggestions
Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.

RECOMMENDED RECIPES
- Caramel Apple Preserves Recipe
- Homemade Eskimo Pie Popsicle Recipe
- Birria Bombs Recipe
- Wagyu Ground Beef Recipe

Simple Recipes for Goumi Berry Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust (double crust):
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups-fresh goumi berries
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (or tapioca starch)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (for dotting)
For the Egg Wash (optional):
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk, whisked
Instructions
1. Make the Pie Crust
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Gradually add ice water until dough forms. Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for 30+ minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Gently mix berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Let sit 10 minutes
3. Assemble the Pie
- One crust should be rolled out and put in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add berry filling and dot with butter.
- Cut slits for steam and crimp the edges of the second crust. Brush with egg wash.
4. Bake & Cool
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- To set the filling, let it cool for at least two hours before slicing.
Conclusion
Goumi berry pie is a hidden gem in the world of fruit desserts. With its vibrant color, unique flavor, and health benefits, it’s a fantastic alternative to traditional berry pies.
Goumi Berry Pie FAQ
1. What do goumi berries taste like?
Goumi berries have a unique tart-sweet flavor, similar to a cross between cherries and cranberries with a slight earthy note. When baked, their acidity mellows, making them perfect for pies.
2. Where can I find goumi berries?
Forage them if they grow wild in your area (common in temperate climates)
Grow your own (hardy shrubs, bear fruit in 2-3 years)
Specialty farmers’ markets (rare but occasionally available in season)
Online frozen (sometimes sold by forager-friendly vendors)
3. Can I use frozen goumi berries?
Yes! No need to thaw—just:
✔ Increase cornstarch by 1 tbsp (they release more juice)
✔ Expect slightly softer texture
✔ May need 5 extra minutes baking time