Summer's vibrant flavors shine in this delightful blueberry strawberry pie. Forget store-bought; this homemade pie is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers! It's the perfect recipe for a quick dinner dessert, a delightful addition to your summer BBQ, or a simple yet impressive treat to share with friends and family. This recipe delivers a delicious, healthy and satisfying experience. Get ready to enjoy the best of summer in every juicy, berry-filled bite!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add 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 a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Blind bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine blueberries, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Pour into crust: Pour the berry mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Strawberry Pie:
- Use fresh berries: Fresh, ripe berries make all the difference in taste and texture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in a tough crust.
- Blind baking: Blind baking the crust prevents a soggy bottom.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool ensures a firm and delicious filling.
Variations:
- Add a crumble topping: For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle a crumble topping (made with flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter) over the filling before baking.
- Use different berries: Feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
- Add a touch of spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth to the filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350 Fat: 18g Saturated Fat: 10g Carbohydrates: 45g Sugar: 25g Protein: 4g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy, healthy and delicious homemade blueberry strawberry pie is a perfect summer dessert. Enjoy the burst of fresh berry flavor and the satisfying crunch of the homemade crust. It’s a recipe that's sure to become a family favorite!