Blueberry Pie with Frozen Blueberries: A Burst of Flavor All Year Round
Who says you can only enjoy a delicious blueberry pie during the summer months? With frozen blueberries, you can create a mouthwatering dessert at any time of year. This recipe utilizes the convenience of frozen blueberries to bring you a dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make. Prepared just like a traditional blueberry pie, the use of frozen fruit adds a unique layer of flavor and extends the opportunity to enjoy one of America’s most beloved desserts throughout the year.
Ingredients for Blueberry Pie
To create this delightful dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crust
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Prep and Baking
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and adjust a baking sheet on the center rack. This will provide even heat distribution and catch any potential spills from the pie while it bakes.
Prepare the blueberry filling by combining the frozen blueberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until the blueberries are evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mix.
Assemble the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish by carefully unrolling one of the refrigerated crusts over the dish and gently pressing it into place. Spoon the blueberry filling into the crust, ensuring that it’s distributed evenly.
Top the pie with the second refrigerated crust, either in a lattice pattern or as a whole piece with slits cut into it for ventilation. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges together to seal the pie.
Create an egg wash by whisking together the egg and water in a small bowl. Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle it with turbinado sugar for a little added crunch and shine.
Bake the pie for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Be sure to place the pie on the baking sheet to catch any drips.
Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the filling to set and make slicing easier.
History and Curiosities of Blueberry Pie
Blueberries are native to North America, with the indigenous peoples being the first to utilize them in various dishes. The early settlers eventually adopted these recipes and began to create their own variations, such as the classic blueberry pie.
The blueberry pie has a rich history and has become an iconic symbol of American culture. In fact, the phrase “as American as apple pie” could arguably be replaced with “as American as blueberry pie” due to its popularity and widespread culinary influence.
In addition to its cultural significance, blueberries are renowned for their impressive health benefits. Consistently ranked as one of the foods highest in antioxidants, blueberries are often referred to as a superfood due to their potential in reducing the risk of various chronic diseases.
Now that you’re equipped with this all-season recipe using frozen blueberries, you’ll be able to impress friends and family with a delicious dessert that’s rich in history and tasty flavors all year long.
