Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like summer? Look no further! This recipe for blueberry pie using frozen blueberries is the perfect solution. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and delivers that incredible homemade taste without hours of prep work. Forget those store-bought pies; this recipe will quickly become your go-to for quick dinner ideas or a delightful weekend treat. Let's dive into the recipe for this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups frozen blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for a flaky crust.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, gently combine the frozen blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: Pour the blueberry filling into the pie crust.
- Top the pie: Roll out the smaller disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Pie:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your pie will be greatly enhanced by using good quality blueberries and butter.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Blind baking (optional): For a crispier bottom crust, you can pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling. Simply line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
Variations:
- Add a streusel topping: For an extra layer of deliciousness, sprinkle a streusel topping (made with oats, flour, butter, and sugar) over the pie before baking.
- Use fresh blueberries: If you have fresh blueberries on hand, you can certainly use them. You might need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on their sweetness.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe for a homemade blueberry pie is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy this delicious and comforting dessert, perfect for sharing with family and friends! It’s a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals combined, all from the convenience of your kitchen. Make it your go-to for those times you crave a delicious, homemade treat.