Picture this: bursting, juicy blueberries nestled beneath a golden, flaky crust, all coming together in one classic, glorious dessert. That’s what you’ll find in Simply the Best Blueberry Pie, the summertime treat that steals the show at picnics, family dinners, and backyard get-togethers. With every bite, you get perfect balance—sweet, tart, buttery, and bright—making it impossible to stop at just one slice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this for the first time, this pie brings pure joy to your table from the very first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of Simply the Best Blueberry Pie: the ingredient list is short and sweet, yet each one makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. These staples work together to highlight the blueberries and give you a pie that looks as amazing as it tastes.
- Fresh blueberries (5 cups): Plump, sweet blueberries are the heart of this pie—use the ripest you can find for best flavor.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the filling just enough without masking the berry flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of caramel richness and depth to the sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Thickens the filling so each slice holds together beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and balances the sweetness, making the blueberries pop.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and subtle spice that pairs magically with berries.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the flavors and bring out the best in every bite.
- Unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (2 tablespoons): Melts into the fruit, adding a luscious finish to the filling.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (1 package, 14 ounces): Store-bought or homemade will both work—choose your favorite for ease or extra love.
- Egg, beaten (1): Creates a gorgeous, glossy finish on the crust when brushed on top.
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds sparkle and a bit of crunch to the pie’s top.
How to Make Simply the Best Blueberry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one of your pie crusts and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure to ease the dough into the edges without stretching, so you get those perfect, tender layers when it bakes.
Step 2: Mix the Blueberry Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt. Gently mix until every berry is coated with sweet, citrusy goodness. Take care not to smash the berries—you want them plump and bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Fill and Dot with Butter
Pour the vibrant blueberry mixture into your prepared pie shell, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with the small pieces of unsalted butter; this adds extra richness and a silky texture to the fruit as it bakes.
Step 4: Top and Seal the Pie
Roll out your second pie crust and carefully lay it over the blueberry filling. Trim any overhanging edges and crimp them together to seal in all the juicy goodness. For a classic look, slice small vents in the top crust to let steam escape, or get creative with a lattice pattern if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle
Brush the top crust generously with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful, golden shimmer. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for an irresistible crunch and jewel-like sparkle once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Set the pie on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling over, then bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know Simply the Best Blueberry Pie is ready when the crust is deeply golden and you see the filling bubbling through the vents. If the edges start browning too quickly, loosely cover them with foil for the last 15 minutes.
Step 7: Cool the Pie
Resist the urge to cut right in! Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours after baking. This patience allows the filling to set so every slice holds together with that perfect mix of juicy fruit and tender crust.
How to Serve Simply the Best Blueberry Pie
Garnishes
The best finishing touches for this pie are often the simplest: a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting into the warm berries or a billowy cloud of freshly whipped cream. For extra zing, try a few curls of lemon zest or a scattering of fresh blueberries right on top.
Side Dishes
Pair a slice with a light, peppery arugula salad if you’re serving Simply the Best Blueberry Pie as part of a summer lunch, or add a tall glass of iced tea or cold lemonade on a hot day. For brunch, serve alongside crisp bacon and scrambled eggs to balance that sweet-tart magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring out your inner artist by cutting the pie into mini wedges for a dessert buffet or picnic. Bake individual pies in small ramekins for charming, personal desserts. Or, serve à la mode in sundae glasses with a drizzle of blueberry syrup for dramatic flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simply the Best Blueberry Pie will keep, loosely covered at room temperature, for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, pop it into the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The filling sets up beautifully and the flavors continue to meld as it rests.
Freezing
No pie fan left behind! To freeze, wrap the completely cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a taste of summer, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
For that just-baked feel, warm slices in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The crust will crisp up deliciously and the filling will taste like you just pulled the pie from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh berries are hard to find, use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer—no need to thaw them first. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Why does my blueberry pie get runny?
This usually happens if the pie is sliced before it’s fully cooled or if not enough cornstarch is used. Letting the pie cool at least 2 hours ensures the filling sets for neat slices every time.
How can I avoid a soggy bottom crust?
Baking the pie on a preheated baking sheet helps set the bottom crust quickly. Using a glass or metal pie pan rather than ceramic can also help conduct heat more efficiently.
Can I make Simply the Best Blueberry Pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie is a wonderful make-ahead dessert. You can prep the whole pie, bake it as directed, then let it cool and store it until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the secret to a golden, crispy crust?
The egg wash is key! Brushing the crust with beaten egg before baking and sprinkling with coarse sugar creates lovely color, shine, and the ultimate satisfying crunch when you bite in.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve baked Simply the Best Blueberry Pie, there’s no going back—you’ll be dreaming of its sun-drenched, berry-packed slices all year long. Gather your friends, put on the kettle, and let this stunning pie become part of your favorite moments. Here’s to many happy bakes and full plates!
Print
Simply the Best Blueberry Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of the Simply the Best Blueberry Pie. This classic dessert features a juicy blueberry filling encased in a flaky crust, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 5 cups fresh blueberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Crust and Topping:
- 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Crust: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine blueberries, sugars, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt. Toss to coat.
- Fill Pie: Pour the blueberry filling into the pie crust and dot with butter.
- Add Top Crust: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim, crimp edges, and vent the top crust.
- Finish and Bake: Brush top crust with egg, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Cool for 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- For best results, use fresh blueberries; frozen can be used without thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
