Are you craving a sweet treat that's both impressive and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this delightful blueberry cream cheese pie! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a delicious homemade dessert without the fuss. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this beautiful and incredibly tasty pie, a true masterpiece of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12 ounce) package frozen blueberries, thawed and drained
Instructions:
Make the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even crust.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Make the filling and assemble the pie:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer works best for this step.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the drained blueberries. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.
- Place the pie in a baking pan to catch any drips. This prevents a mess in your oven.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges and just slightly jiggly in the center. Don't overbake!
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a soggy bottom. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for best results.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie:
- Use good quality cream cheese: This makes a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of the filling.
- Don't overbake the crust: A slightly underbaked crust will prevent it from becoming too hard.
- Let the pie cool completely: This prevents the filling from becoming runny.
- For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the filling.
- Mixed Berry Pie: Replace the blueberries with a combination of your favorite berries.
- Chocolate Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers for a decadent twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Sugar: 35-40g
This blueberry cream cheese pie is a delightful addition to your collection of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a simple weeknight treat. Enjoy every bite of this easy-to-make, homemade cooking masterpiece!