Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Philadelphia Cream Cheese Blueberry Pie recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, offering a delightful homemade treat without the fuss. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet incredibly satisfying pie!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 ounce) package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing 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. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- 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 to prevent bubbling. You can pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) if desired, for a crispier bottom.
Making the Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Incorporate flour: Stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Pour into crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Baking the Pie:
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy pie.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use whole milk instead of regular milk in the crust.
- Add a crumble topping: For extra texture, sprinkle a streusel topping over the blueberries before baking.
- Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
- Other berries: Feel free to substitute other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, for some or all of the blueberries.
- Make it ahead: The pie can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This delicious Philadelphia Cream Cheese Blueberry Pie is a perfect example of how delicious and easy homemade cooking can be. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes and a surefire way to satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy!