Making a delicious blueberry pie using frozen blueberries is easier than you might think—and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy this classic dessert year-round. Frozen berries are convenient, affordable, and just as tasty as fresh ones when baked into a pie. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you bake a perfect blueberry pie with frozen blueberries, complete with a flaky crust and luscious filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Pie crust: You can use a double pie crust recipe or store-bought dough for convenience.
– Frozen blueberries: About 4 to 6 cups (roughly 1 kg).
– Sugar: Granulated sugar, around 100 grams, adjusted to taste.
– Cornstarch: About 30 grams to thicken the filling.
– Lemon juice and zest: 2 tablespoons juice and ½ tablespoon zest to brighten the flavor.
– Salt: ½ teaspoon to balance sweetness.
– Optional spices: ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth.
– Butter: 1 tablespoon, to dot on top of the filling for richness.
– Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for a golden crust.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a large saucepan, combine the frozen blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and cinnamon if using.
- Heat on very low, stirring gently until the blueberries start releasing their juices.
- Increase the heat to medium and continue stirring regularly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Let it boil for about one minute while stirring constantly until the filling thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter for extra richness.
- Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature before assembling the pie. You can also make this filling a day ahead and refrigerate it.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
– Roll out one half of your pie dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
– Place it gently into your pie dish, allowing the edges to hang over.
– Pour the cooled blueberry filling into the crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
– Roll out the second half of the dough into a similar-sized circle.
– Place it over the filling. You can either cover it fully or create a lattice top for a decorative touch.
– Trim the excess dough, then crimp or flute the edges to seal.
– Cut 2-3 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
– Brush the top crust with the egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
Step 4: Bake Your Blueberry Pie
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Bake the pie for about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
– If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
– Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set and avoid runniness.
Tips for Success
– No need to thaw blueberries: Use them straight from the freezer to prevent a soggy crust.
– Thickening: Cornstarch is key to a thick, glossy filling that holds together well.
– Flavor boost: Lemon juice and zest brighten the berries, while cinnamon adds a subtle warmth.
– Butter: Adding butter to the filling gives a silky texture and rich flavor.
– Egg wash: This step is essential for a shiny, golden crust that looks as good as it tastes.
Why Use Frozen Blueberries?
Frozen blueberries are picked and frozen at peak ripeness, locking in their flavor and nutrients. They’re available year-round, making it easy to enjoy blueberry pie anytime without worrying about fresh berry season. Plus, they’re often more affordable and reduce food waste since you can use exactly how much you need.
Enjoy your homemade blueberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible treat. Baking with frozen blueberries is a simple way to bring a taste of summer to your table no matter the season!
Blueberry pie with frozen blueberries is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines convenience with classic flavor. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flaky, golden crust filled with thick, sweet-tart blueberry goodness that everyone will love. Happy baking!