There’s something magical about biting into a slice of homemade blueberry pie. The sweet, tangy burst of fresh blueberries combined with a buttery, flaky crust creates a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. Whether for a summer picnic, a family gathering, or just a simple treat to brighten your day, a sweet blueberry pie is always a crowd-pleaser.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essentials of making a blueberry pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. From selecting the best blueberries to crafting the perfect pie crust, we’ve got you covered.
Why Blueberry Pie?
Blueberries are nature’s candy, packed with antioxidants and bursting with flavor. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness make them ideal for desserts, especially pies. Plus, the deep purple hue of a blueberry filling makes for a visually stunning dish that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 cups fresh blueberries (frozen works in a pinch!)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt
For the Crust:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
Optional: Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) and coarse sugar for sprinkling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Using a pastry cutter or your hands, blend the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water and a tablespoon until the dough just comes together.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling:
- Combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Mix gently to coat the berries evenly.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, leaving a slight overhang.
- Pour the blueberry filling into the crust.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. You can create a lattice top for a classic look or cover it entirely, cutting a few slits for ventilation.
- Crimp the edges to seal, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
4. Bake:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pie:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh blueberries yield the best flavor, but if you’re using frozen berries, thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
- Chill Your Dough: Cold butter and chilled dough are key to a flaky crust. Don’t skip the refrigeration step.
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour or ground almonds on the bottom crust before adding the filling to absorb excess juices.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your blueberries before adding sugar. If they’re particularly sweet, you might reduce the sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your sweet blueberry pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with coffee or cold milk for a classic dessert experience.
Conclusion
A sweet blueberry pie is more than just a dessert; it celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. With this recipe, you’ll have a pie that will impress your friends and family while satisfying your sweet tooth.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those blueberries and start baking your masterpiece today. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your delicious results!
