Introduction:
There’s nothing quite like a Classic Blueberry Pie to evoke the warm feeling of home and comfort. This timeless dessert has been a favorite among families for generations, with its juicy, sweet blueberry filling encased in a flaky, golden crust. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekday treat, this pie is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious dessert that will leave your family craving for more.
Brief History:
Blueberry pie has a rich history in American cuisine, with references dating back to the 18th century. Early colonists discovered the abundance of wild blueberries in North America and incorporated them into their baking. The popularity of blueberry pie grew over the years, and it has become a cherished classic in American households.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pie Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Blueberry Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and salt. Toss until the blueberries are evenly coated. Set aside.
Pie Assembly:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one of the pie dough discs on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the dough in the pie dish, leaving excess hanging over the edges.
- Pour the blueberry filling into the pie crust.
- Roll out the second pie dough disc and place it over the blueberry filling. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
- Fold the overhanging dough under and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the top crust with the egg wash.
- Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
NUTRITION FACTS:
| Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie) | Calories: 376 | Total Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 298mg | Total Carbohydrates: 53g | Dietary Fiber: 3g |
| Sugars: 29g | Protein: 3g | Vitamin D: 18% | Calcium: 20% |
| Iron: 10% | Potassium: 103mg | Vitamin A: 13% | Vitamin C: 15% |
Conclusion:
A Classic Blueberry Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of nostalgia and a symbol of cherished family moments. The sweet, bursting-with-flavor blueberry filling encased in the flakiest of pie crusts is a winning combination that will leave your loved ones craving for seconds. So, gather your family around the table, slice into this delectable pie, and savor the timeless joy it brings.