Blueberry Pie Recipe
Blueberry pie is a classic dessert that captures the essence of summer with its sweet and tangy flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this blueberry pie recipe is straightforward and yields a delectable result that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 6 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gently toss to coat the blueberries evenly.
- Let it Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and the cornstarch to activate.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
- Add the Filling: Pour the blueberry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter.
- Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush the top crust with the egg wash to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Tips for the Perfect Blueberry Pie
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: While fresh blueberries are ideal, you can use frozen blueberries if needed. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the filling.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: To avoid a soggy crust, you can brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white before adding the filling.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your blueberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Conclusion
This blueberry pie recipe is a surefire way to enjoy the flavors of summer. With a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet-tart blueberry filling, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this pie is sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
Feel free to share your blueberry pie-making experiences or any variations you love in the comments below!