Name: The Ultimate Blueberry Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 6–8 tablespoons ice water; 5 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (for topping); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Imagine biting into a slice of pie where the flavors of sweet, succulent blueberries burst in your mouth, surrounded by a flaky, buttery crust that simply melts away. The Ultimate Blueberry Pie offers exactly that — a classic dessert experience that anyone would find irresistible. This pie is perfect for countless occasions, whether you’re enjoyed it during a lazy afternoon picnic, at a cozy gathering with friends, or as the delightful end to a family dinner. The freshness of blueberries combined with a hint of lemon makes for a taste that screams summer goodness while being perfect for nearly any time of the year. Not only does this pie promise a captivating flavor, but it’s also easy to make and offers the comfort of homemade goodness right from your oven. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this blueberry pie easily becomes a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Blueberry Pie

This pie isn’t just about the delicious taste, there are plenty more reasons to love it:

Simple Ingredients: Using everyday items you likely already have at home, this pie’s ingredients are straightforward.
Homemade Taste: Nothing beats the charm of a pie made from scratch, and this one offers a quintessential homemade flavor.
Versatility: Perfect for various events, from summer barbecues to winter comfort.
Textural Delight: Enjoy the contrast between the juicy filling and flaky, golden crust.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Mise en place is key when preparing to craft this delightful pie. Start by clearing your workspace and gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a pastry cutter, or a food processor to make the pie crust efficiently. Roll out your crust on a clean, floured surface with a rolling pin. For the perfect bake, ensure you have a 9-inch pie dish on hand. You’ll also need a pastry brush to apply the egg wash, which contributes to that beautiful golden sheen on the crust.

The preparation starts with mixing your dry ingredients with the butter to achieve that crumbly texture required for an ideal pie crust. Be meticulous with the ice-cold water addition to ensure your dough binds without becoming too sticky. It’s crucial to let the dough rest and chill for at least an hour before rolling it out. This resting phase is essential for maintaining the dough’s elasticity and ease of handling. Preheating the oven to the specified temperature before rolling out your dough also ensures that the pie’s baking is consistent and the crust turns an even golden brown.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
6–8 tablespoons ice water
5 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (for topping)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

To start, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape them into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 2: Make the Blueberry Filling

In a separate bowl, gently toss the blueberries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. This mixture needs to sit for a few moments to allow the cornstarch to absorb moisture, creating a perfect thickened filling during baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Roll out one of the chilled dough discs on a floured surface to fit into your 9-inch pie dish. Once placed in the dish, fill it with the prepared blueberry mixture. Dot the top with small pieces of butter for added flavor. Roll out the second dough disc and cover the filling, trimming and crimping the edges to seal. Cut slits in the crust or craft a lattice pattern to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Brush the top crust with a beaten egg using a pastry brush and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 45–50 minutes, watching until the crust turns a rich golden brown and the filling bubbles. Consider adding foil to the edges if they brown too quickly. Once baked to perfection, let the pie cool for at least two hours, ensuring the filling is fully set before slicing.

Variations

Protein: Although traditional blueberry pie doesn’t call for protein, consider serving with a side of creamy ricotta cheese for added texture and flavor.
Vegetables: For those interested in a bit of a twist, adding finely diced rhubarb can add a pleasant tartness that complements the blueberry sweetness.
Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different aroma. You can also increase the cinnamon for a spicier note.

Cooking Notes

Chilling Time: Allowing the dough to chill is crucial for a flaky crust. Don’t skip this step!
Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, ensure they are thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture that can make the filling runny.
Egg Wash: This step is key for a deliciously golden finish, so don’t forget to brush the crust before baking.
Serve Warm: This pie is best enjoyed slightly warm with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pair with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to balance the pie’s sweetness.

Tips

Keep your butter and water ice cold to ensure the crust remains flaky.
Brush the egg wash thoroughly to cover the entire crust for an even golden finish.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Each slice offers approximately 357 calories.
Protein: 4 grams per serving.
Sodium: 198 mg per slice.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, a store-bought crust can be used for convenience; however, making it from scratch offers a fresher taste.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Pre-baking the crust (also known as blind baking) can help prevent sogginess as well as ensuring blueberries are drained well.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot or tapioca starch can serve as good substitutes with similar thickening power.

How long can the pie be stored?

Store the pie wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Nothing can quite match the satisfaction of creating and enjoying The Ultimate Blueberry Pie, with its harmonious blend of sweet, tart blueberries enveloped in a crispy, buttery crust. This simple yet elegant dessert is an evergreen choice for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike. Transform this pie into your family’s favorite by experimenting with different variations and leaving room in your kitchen diary for personalized notes. Don’t forget to share your pie-making experience or any unique twists you attempted in the comments below — we’d love to see how you made it your own! Dive into the wholesome delight that only a homemade blueberry pie can bring and share the joy of a perfectly baked treat.