When you need a dessert that impresses on every level, look no further than Simply the Best Blueberry Pie. Juicy, plump blueberries nestled in a flaky, golden crust come together with just the right touch of sugar and spice, creating a pie that looks as stunning as it tastes. This is the recipe that wins blue ribbons and hearts, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home—no pie expertise required!

Italian Pistachio Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Simply the Best Blueberry Pie lies in its straightforward ingredients: each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and texture. Choose the freshest, ripest berries you can find and let these familiar kitchen staples do the rest.

Fresh Blueberries (5 cups): The soul of the pie—use the freshest, plumpest berries for that unbeatable burst of flavor.
Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Offers just enough sweetness to complement the berries without overpowering them.
Cornstarch (1/4 cup): This is your go-to thickener for the filling, keeping it luscious and sliceable.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the filling and highlights the natural blueberry flavor.
Grated Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle citrus aroma that lifts the entire pie.
Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle warmth in every bite—don’t skip this!
Pie Dough (for a double crust): Whether you go homemade or store-bought, a good pie dough ensures the ultimate flaky base and beautiful top.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Dotted atop the filling before baking, it melts in for an extra-rich finish.
Egg (1, beaten with 1 tablespoon water): The secret behind a gorgeously shiny, golden crust.
Coarse Sugar (optional, for sprinkling): For sparkle and crunch that makes the pie visually irresistible.

How to Make Simply the Best Blueberry Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Dough

If you’re using homemade dough, roll out one disk into a large round to fit your pie pan, and the other for the top. Place the bottom crust in a 9-inch pie dish, allowing the edges to hang slightly over. Chill both crusts in the fridge while you mix the filling. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for easier handling—it’ll make the crust easier to work with and help prevent tearing.

Step 2: Make the Blueberry Filling

In a large bowl, gently toss together blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and ground cinnamon. Stir just until everything is well distributed. The mixture should look glossy and begin to thicken slightly; don’t overmix as you want the berries to stay whole and juicy.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Spoon the blueberry filling into the chilled pie crust. Scatter small pieces of butter over the surface—this adds a little extra richness and helps the filling bake up beautifully. Cover with the top crust (either as a full crust or woven lattice), trim and crimp the edges together, and cut a few steam vents if using a solid top. Brush the crust with beaten egg wash and, if desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra sparkle.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling over. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 35-40 minutes. The crust should be deeply golden, and the filling bubbling at the edges. If the crust browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil partway through baking.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the pie cool on a rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set, so each slice holds together. Trust me—Simply the Best Blueberry Pie is absolutely worth the wait! Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the ultimate blueberry pie experience.

How to Serve Simply the Best Blueberry Pie

Garnishes

Nothing beats a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream slowly melting into a warm slice of Simply the Best Blueberry Pie. If you want something lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar will make each piece look simply divine. A zest of lemon or a handful of fresh berries on the side can also elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with just-brewed coffee or a lightly sweetened iced tea. For special occasions, serve it alongside a platter of seasonal fruit or lightly toasted nuts. These sides offer a lovely balance to the juicy, sweet-tart nature of the blueberry filling.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to add a playful twist, try baking individual mini Simply the Best Blueberry Pies in ramekins or muffin tins for a personal touch. For picnics or potlucks, cut the pie into squares (once fully cooled) for easy hand-held treats. Garnishing each serving with a mint leaf or edible flowers brings a touch of festive charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply the Best Blueberry Pie stores wonderfully. Once cooled, cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors deepen over time, and the crust stays pleasantly crisp if not overly moist.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to two months. You can also freeze unbaked pies after assembling; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time from frozen. This makes Simply the Best Blueberry Pie a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or special occasions.

Reheating

Gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or place the whole pie (covered loosely with foil) in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. This will revive the flaky crust and bring the filling back to luscious, just-baked perfection—almost as good as new!

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for Simply the Best Blueberry Pie?

Absolutely! If you use frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before mixing with the other filling ingredients—this helps prevent the filling from becoming overly juicy or runny. Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to help bind the juices.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of quick-cooking tapioca or 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Both will thicken the blueberry filling nicely, though the texture may differ slightly from the classic version.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

For a crisp, golden bottom crust, try par-baking (blind baking) your bottom crust for 8-10 minutes before adding the filling. Chilling your assembled pie before baking also helps, as does using a glass or metal pie dish rather than ceramic.

Can I use a crumble or streusel topping instead of pie crust?

Definitely! A buttery streusel or crumble topping is a delicious twist for Simply the Best Blueberry Pie. Swap the top crust for your favorite mixture of flour, butter, oats, and brown sugar for a more rustic, crunchy finish.

How can I make the pie filling less sweet?

Reduce the granulated sugar to 1/2 cup for a more tart, fruit-forward version. Taste your blueberries before baking—if they’re especially sweet already, using slightly less sugar lets their natural flavor shine through in the pie.

Final Thoughts

Baking and sharing Simply the Best Blueberry Pie brings all the warm, happy kitchen memories to life. It’s a treat that never gets old, and each time you bake it, you’ll find a new way to make it your own. Give it a try—you’ll see why friends and family will be asking for seconds (and the recipe) every time!

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