Introduction
Blueberry pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet-tart flavor of blueberries with a flaky, buttery pie crust. Whether using fresh or frozen berries, this classic recipe is sure to impress. In this article, you’ll find a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions for creating a homemade blueberry pie that’s perfect for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Blueberry Filling:
4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon butter, cut into thin slices
Homemade Pie Crust:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
1 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
6-8 tablespoons ice water
Prep Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 pie (approximately 8 servings)
Directions
To make the homemade crust:
1. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt; pulse to mix.
2. Add butter, cut into small chunks, and pulse until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, pulsing until the dough begins to come together.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface, divide it into two equal portions, and shape each into a 4-5 inch disc.
5. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.
To assemble the blueberry pie:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a pie dish; line the dish with the rolled-out crust.
3. Roll out the second disc and cut it into strips for the lattice topping.
4. In a large bowl, mix sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Add blueberries to the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
6. Pour the blueberry filling into the prepared pie crust and dot with slices of butter.
7. Arrange the lattice strips over the filling and trim any excess dough from the edges.
8. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the lattice crust is light golden brown.
9. Allow the pie to cool before serving to let the filling set.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
To make the homemade crust:
1. In a food processor, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pulse to mix thoroughly.
2. Incorporate 1 cup of unsalted butter, cut into small chunks. Pulse the mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
3. Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, pulsing intermittently until the dough begins to come together.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disc approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
5. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight.
To assemble the blueberry pie:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie dish. Line the dish with this rolled-out crust.
3. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut it into strips for the lattice topping.
4. In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly.
5. Add 4 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries to the mixture and gently toss until the blueberries are evenly coated with the dry mixture.
6. Pour the blueberry filling into the prepared pie crust and dot the filling with thin slices of butter.
7. Arrange the lattice strips over the filling, trimming any excess dough from the edges as needed.
8. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the lattice crust is light golden brown.
9. Allow the pie to cool before serving to let the filling set properly.
Notes
Blueberry Tips:
Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excessive moisture in the pie.
Dough Consistency:
If the dough feels too dry, add additional ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together without being sticky.
Cooling Time:
Allow the pie to cool for at least two hours before slicing for the best results, as this helps the filling set properly.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, sugar, and salt thoroughly in a food processor to ensure an even distribution of these dry ingredients before adding the butter.
Pulsing Butter into Flour
Cut the cold butter into small chunks and pulse it into the flour mixture until it reaches a crumbly texture resembling pea-sized crumbs. This technique helps create a flaky pie crust.
Adding Ice Water
Gradually add ice water while pulsing the dough, which helps to bind the ingredients without overworking the dough, ensuring a tender crust.
Chilling the Dough
Wrap the dough discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
Rolling Out the Dough
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to prevent sticking. Aim for even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
Creating a Lattice Topping
Roll out the second disc of dough and cut it into strips to form a lattice. This technique not only adds a decorative touch but also allows steam to escape from the filling.
Mixing the Blueberry Filling
In a large bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg before gently tossing in the blueberries. This helps to coat the berries evenly and thicken the filling as it bakes.
Arranging the Filling and Topping
Pour the blueberry mixture into the prepared crust and dot with butter. Then arrange the lattice strips over the top, ensuring a balanced coverage.
Baking the Pie
Bake the pie until the lattice is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. This signals that the pie is cooked through and the flavors have melded.
Cooling the Pie
Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. This helps the filling to set properly, preventing a runny slice.
FAQ
Can I use frozen blueberries for the pie filling?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used for the filling. No need to thaw them beforehand; just mix them directly with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for butter in the pie crust?
You can substitute with margarine or a non-dairy butter alternative for a dairy-free version, although this may affect the flavor.
How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, you can pre-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling or sprinkle some cornstarch on the crust before adding the blueberries.
Can I make the pie crust in advance?
Yes, you can make the pie crust in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the lattice crust is light golden brown, and the filling is bubbling through the lattice openings.
Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute blueberries with other fruits like raspberries, cherries, or apples, but adjust the sugar and spice according to your taste preferences.
How do I store leftover pie?
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
Conclusion
Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade blueberry pie, where the combination of fresh or frozen blueberries, warm spices, and a flaky, buttery crust creates a dessert that is sure to impress. This recipe showcases the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a wonderful treat for any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Peach Pie
Substitute blueberries with fresh peaches for a juicy and fragrant variation.
Cherry Almond Pie
Use cherries and add a teaspoon of almond extract to the filling for a nutty twist.
Mixed Berry Pie
Combine blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a colorful and flavorful berry medley.
Spiced Apple Pie
Replace blueberries with tart apples and enhance with additional cinnamon and nutmeg.
Coconut Cream Pie
Use a sweet coconut filling and top with whipped cream for a tropical dessert.
Chocolate Cream Pie
Create a rich chocolate filling using cocoa powder and top with chocolate shavings.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Swap out the filling for a zesty lemon custard topped with a fluffy meringue.
