As a young girl growing up in rural Saskatchewan, l recall the many summer visits to my grandparent’s yard and property to pick the tasty, wild berries that grew in abundance there. We knew them as June Berries and we were so appreciative of the many desserts, preserves and treats that they provided. Today this sweet, nutritious berry is better known as the Saskatoon Berry.
The Saskatoon Berry is a wild fruit of the Canadian Prairies grown and enjoyed by North Americans for hundreds of years. The name Saskatoon originated from the Cree word “Mis-sask-quah-too-mina”, which means the fruit of the tree with many branches. The First Nations people and the early settlers of the Canadian prairies, used Saskatoon Berries in their diet for centuries. The berries provided them with much-needed minerals and vitamins, along with the flavour and sweetness. Incidentally, this Cree word is also the source of the name chosen for the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, located on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.

Saskatoon Berry tree – photo credit – Food Meanderings – Saskatoon Berry and Pie Filling
Native to the Canadian Prairies, Northern Canada and British Columbia, the berries, bursting with nutrients, are quickly becoming Canada’s Superfruit. As the demand for agricultural land increased, the prairie land was cleared and the wild trees disappeared. It is of no surprise that Saskatoon Berry orchards are being established. In 1918, one of the first orchards was established at Peace River, Alberta and since then the industry has rapidly gained in popularity.

Photo credit – Food Meanderings – 10 Best Saskatoon Berry Recipes
As many of you know, my husband, Maurice and I had spent many years enjoying our busy lifestyle. The farming and lumber operation, working outside the home and our acreage kept us more than busy. However, with the arrival of 1990 came the realization that life changes would be inevitable. With the thought of retirement in the near future, it seemed necessary to plan for a new project and so after much thought and research we made the decision to plant and establish a U-Pick Saskatoon Berry Orchard on our acreage. And so, began our twenty-five-year-old love affair with Saskatoon Berries!

Photo credit – Food Meanderings – Saskatoon Berry Oatmeal Cookies
With a variety of nurseries to choose from, both in Alberta and Saskatchewan and because of location, we decided to purchase 75 cloned seedlings from Prairie Plant Systems in Saskatoon. Both the Thiessen Saskatoon and the Martin Saskatoon are native to our area and so they became the varieties of our choice. The plants did well and by the third year we saw a few lovely, white blossoms and tasted our first berries. We were fortunate to have a gentleman in the area who had mastered the art of pruning the trees and he was willing to share his knowledge. Maurice appreciated his expertise and it served him well in the following years.
Suddenly our trees were producing more berries than we could use and we were inviting family and friends over to pick and enjoy our bountiful harvests. It was a pleasure to share the berries and seemed difficult to now set up the U-Pick business and without a plan this became a bartering and honour system. To show their appreciation the pickers would bring a token or gift of their choice or a monetary donation. We in turn appreciated the fresh vegetables, the farm raised chickens, a lovely beef roast, a cured ham, the occasional bottle of wine and course the smoked fish that was a special treat from our neighbour who enjoyed fishing and the quiet time of berry picking. Most years the trees produced more than a hundred gallons and we enjoyed our efforts. It was a special time!

Saskatoon Berry picking – Photo credit – Food Meanderings – Saskatoon Berry Pancakes
Saskatoon berries are delightful right off the bush. Historically they were used in making pemmican and for a variety of illnesses. Today Saskatoon Berries are commonly used in pies, tarts, muffins and desserts, they can also be used in wines, ciders and liquors. My family and friends enjoy my Saskatoon Berry Delight and I would like to share the recipe with you.

Shirley's Saskatoon Berry Delight
Easy and delicious Saskatoon Berry dessert recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine melted
- 2 cups Graham wafer crumbs
- 2 tbsp white sugar (optional)
- 1/4-1/2 tsp cinnamon to taste
Cream Centre
- 1 8 ounce cream cheese block room temperature
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Saskatoon Berry Filling
- 4 cups Saskatoon Berries fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Whip Cream Topping
- 1 pint whipping cream or 1 package Dream Whip
- 1/4 cup Graham Wafer crumbs
Instructions
Crust
Combine butter, Graham Wafer crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan.
Cream Centre
Using an electric mixer, combine softened cream cheese, beaten eggs, sugar and vanilla. Mix until no lumps are visible. Spread evenly over the crust.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool.
Saskatoon Berry Filling
Mix cornstarch and water in a glass until smooth and set aside. In a large saucepan place berries, water and sugar and bring to a boil. Stir in cornstarch mixture and continue boiling until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Spread Saskatoon Berry filling over the cooled cream cheese layer.
Cool before adding whip cream topping.
Whip Cream Topping
Whip cream or Dream Whip until stiff. Once Saskatoon Berry layer is cool, spread whip cream on top.
Sprinkle with remaining Graham Wafer crumbs. Refrigerate.
Recipe Notes
I prefer to use Dream Whip as it providers a firmer top layer.
Have you eaten Saskatoon Berries?
Shirley has been sharing her enthusiastic story telling ability all of her life. Proud to call Saskatchewan, Canada home for more than 80 years, her love of new experiences, challenges and adventures reaches far beyond her prairie roots. Once retired from farming and working as an administrative assistant, Shirley studied and received her high school diploma at the age of 70. At 77 she published her first book and now in her 80’s is a regular contributor at Travel Tales of Life.
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What a delicious looking pie. I’ve never had Saskatoon berries. They look a bit like blueberries. I guess I could make this dessert with other berries which we can buy here. It must have been so wonderful to grow your own berries in such abundance and to barter them for produce grown by your friends and neighbours. Loved reading your post, Shirley. xx
I appreciate you comments so much and yes, I know that blueberries work equally well in his recipe. The social life of sharing these berries was certainly a special experience, thank you so much for being interested!
Yes Miss Shirley I’m making this and honest it will be tasty, how is it that your family also has a cree speaking grammie to your great grandchildren as well, wonderful to share my grandchildren with all of you, them and your recipe..thank you.
Thank you so much for your comments Dorothy and I do hope the recipe was a success.. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to share these special little people. Enjoy!
That sounds divine! I am beyond crazy for Saskatoon berries and cannot wait to make this!!
Enjoy your efforts Terri! Thank you for your comments but most of all thank you for your amazing photos! They compliment the post and your talent is obvious, thank you so much!
This looks so delicious, wow! 😊
Thank you so much John, I would love to share the finished product!
Thanks for this Shirley! You have made me homesick for Saskatoon berries. We picked them growing up and mom made jam, preserves, pies and my favourite, saskatoon berry kuchen. How wonderful that you grew your own bushes. The recipe looks delicious. xo
Darlene how interesting to know that you too picked the berries as you grew up and enjoyed the various ways of enjoying them. The Saskatoon berry kuchen sounds amazing! Thank you so very much for your input!
thanks for a delightful read! wonderful story and delicious recipe! 🙂
So great to hear from you, thank you so much for your always kind and encouraging comments! Very much appreciated!
The pie looks really good. But for me, the varied “payments” for berries in your berry orchard was particularly interesting and a rewarding read as well.
Ray thank you so much for your thoughts and your comments! The varied payment for our berries was entirely unexpected and happened gradually through the years. It was a wonderful way for all of us to share!
Mmm, this dessert looks delicious! Are these berries related to blueberries?
I certainly do appreciate your comments! The relationship of the two berries is interesting to think about. They are similar in many ways and both have excellent food value. I do know that blueberries can be substituted successfully for the Saskatoon berries in this recipe
Thanks for the wonderful read & recipe Shirley.
Sharon it is so great to hear from you! Thank you so much for your always kind comments and I look forward to hearing more wonderful news from your house!
Shirley; Your recipe looks too good for a guy that was born too short.We used to pick “June berries”by the wash tubs full. My mom had some pretty fancy recipes too,but most of them were canned as fruit preserve. Hundred of quarts of them.They along with the rasberries that we grew on the farm were basically our only deserts as we grew up.Stay safe. Keep writing.
Vern it is always a treat to hear from you and your experience with June Berries certainly does compliment my story. It is interesting to remember our childhood days and the activities that make our memories. Thank you so much for your input!
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Sounds delicious! Saskatoon berries are truly native to the prairies. Earthier in taste. I still have a container of frozen ones –we tend to save for a sauce with sauteed bison. Very indigenous!
Always great to hear from you Jean! The Saskatoon Berry sauce to compliment the sautéed bison sounds fantastic. Thank you so much for your input!
Saskatoon Berry delight looks absolutely scrumptious. I have never tasted this particular berry before and it leaves me wondering how it differs in taste from the wild and or regular blueberry? We used to take our kids berry picking in Michigan just a few hours drive from where we lived in Chicago and it was always such a memorable experience and treat.
Now that we are living in Mexico on the coast, blueberries are very hard to come by. This post has made me drool….
Love the story of the orchards and the history you shared with us. Thank you.
Peta
Peta I certainly wish that I could explain the difference of the taste between the Blueberries and the Saskatoon Berries. I have been asked this same question many times. Both are equally good, perhaps the Saskatoon Berries are more tart. Thank you so much for your input, I can well relate to your berry picking days. I do appreciate hearing from you!
Great post….I had never heard of Saskatoon berries. The berries do look like black berries and love the history behind them on the Canadian Prairies!! Recipe looks awesome!!
Kurt thank you so much for your always kind comments! I am not surprised that you are not familiar with the Saskatoon Berries, they are native primarily to the Canadian prairies. It would be great to share!
Oh, yum! I love saskatoons, but can’t get them out here on the West Coast. Next time I’m visiting the prairies, I’ll see if I can get some and try this recipe. It sounds delicious! 🙂
Dianne it is always wonderful to hear from you! Good luck with your search for Saskatoon berries. Enjoy! Your comments are always appreciated.
You “had” me with the first photo. Do you deliver? 🙂 Thanks for the mouth-watering recipe and the information. Delicious.
You are very welcome Pamela! I do appreciate your lovely comments. Thank you!
Looks unbelievably good! I remember one fall a few years ago where John and I had Saskatoon berry pie several days in a row – a little slice of heaven.
Leigh there is no doubt, Saskatoon berry pie is a real treat! Thank you so much for your lovely comment and your input!
Hi Shirley
I’m from Ontario and never grew, picked or tasted these berries. I have found a local farm where they have the berries and you can pick your own!
I am very excited to be able to pick some and try some new recipes. After making a pie for my dad, I will be trying your recipe. It is already in my favorite, if it tastes as good as it looks I will be keeping it yo make again.
I loved reading your story and learning about your life achievements. All the best to you and your family.
Karen I am so appreciative of your input and comments.??good look with making the dessert, I hope you enjoy the result. Thank you so much!
Hi Shirley!
Wow, this sounds scrumptious. I will certainly give it a try. We definitely don’t have Saskatoons down here so will try it with blueberries. I haven’t been able to find Graham Wafers either but do have a good substitute for them. Not thinking mine will be as yummy as yours but I’ll give it a go. take good care xx
Gloria the blueberries are just excellent used in this recipe. I have no doubt that’s your dessert will be a favourite, thank you so much for your input! I appreciate hearing from you, thank you so much!
Shirley, this berry delight looks delicious and the history behind it very interesting. I will have to try this recipe, but with blueberries instead. Thank you so much for sharing 😀
Gilda it is so very nice to hear from you ! I have used blueberries in the recipe and they are excellent. Thank you and enjoy!
This was a huge hit at a recent family gathering! I loved the simplicity and straightforward steps of the recipe too. Good saskatoon recipes aren’t easy to find, and this one is a real winner. I did double the cream cheese layer and add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the saskatoons just because no recipe can be entirely left as is, but it would have been just fine without those additions.
Thanks for the recipe! This one will get plenty of future use in our family. 🙂
So glad to find your recipe! We have 5 Saskatoon bushes on our acreage and I make tons of pie filling and freeze for the year – it is soooo good. This is another way to use some of it besides Saskatoon pie.
I just made this and can’t wait to try it! As I’m sitting waiting for it to set, I went to read your berry story and was surprised to see the note about the first Saskatoon orchard being founded in 1918 in Peace River. I live in Peace River but I pick wild saskatoons along the river by my house. The bears also love the wild saskatoons and come into town to fill their tummies! Most years I have way more than I know what to do with and end up freezing them. I usually make pies and jam, sometimes muffins. Thanks for the recipe, it is so nice to have something new to do with my berries!
What is the refridgerator shelf life for this dessert?
Sorry for the delay. My Mom Shirley has been in hospital but yesterday she told me the answer. 2-3 days.
I am so looking forward to making this for my Canadian husband. After much searching, I have purchased and planted a Saskatoon and we are looking forward to it producing it’s first fruit for this recipe here in England!
I made this today! It’s fabulous thank you for the recipe! Yum! My kids loved it
Would I be able to make this one day ahead & just refrigerator?
Sorry for the late reply. yes it is fine to refrigerate for a day.