The Ultimate Blueberry Pie Recipe

Blueberry pie is a timeless classic that evokes the warmth and nostalgia of home-baked treats. This beloved dessert combines juicy, sweet blueberries with a buttery, flaky crust, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served at a family gathering, this blueberry pie is sure to impress.

Making the perfect blueberry pie involves a few essential techniques, from preparing the crust to achieving the right consistency for the filling. With fresh or frozen blueberries, you can enjoy this dessert year-round. This recipe guides you through the steps to create a blueberry pie that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Let’s dive into the details of making this classic dessert!

Ingredients for The Ultimate Blueberry Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 6 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For Assembling and Baking:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

How to Make The Ultimate Blueberry Pie

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Avoid adding too much water; the dough should be just moist enough to hold together when pressed.
4. Form and Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps to relax the gluten and makes the dough easier to roll out.

2. Prepare the Blueberry Filling:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir until the blueberries are evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
2. Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the blueberries release their juices and the filling thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Flavorings: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool slightly before using.

3. Assemble the Pie:

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
2. Add the Filling: Pour the blueberry filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
3. Top the Pie: Roll out the second disc of dough into another 12-inch circle. Place it over the filling and trim any excess dough. Crimp the edges to seal and cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar. This gives the pie a beautiful golden-brown finish and a bit of crunch.

4. Bake the Pie:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
3. Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling time helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

About the Main Ingredients

Blueberries: The star of this pie, blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and a natural sweetness that shines in the filling. Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen blueberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the pie to prevent excess moisture.

Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for its pure, creamy flavor and control over salt levels. It contributes to a tender, flaky crust and a rich, buttery taste.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the blueberry filling. It helps to create a gel-like consistency, preventing the filling from being too runny.

Lemon Juice and Zest: Lemon juice adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the blueberries, enhancing the overall flavor. Lemon zest provides additional citrusy aroma and taste.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds depth and a hint of warmth to the blueberry filling, complementing the natural sweetness of the berries.

The Ultimate Blueberry Pie combines a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious, sweet-tart blueberry filling. It’s a classic dessert that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends, whether enjoyed on a special occasion or as a comforting treat.