Luscious Lemon Blueberry Pie: A Burst of Sunshine in Every Slice

Few desserts evoke the feeling of summer quite like a homemade pie. And when you combine the tangy zest of lemons with the sweet burst of juicy blueberries, you create a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. This Lemon Blueberry Pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply a delightful treat on a sunny afternoon.

This isn’t just another pie recipe; it’s a journey of culinary creation. We’ll guide you through each step, from crafting the perfect flaky crust to achieving that lusciously tart and sweet filling. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding.

Why This Lemon Blueberry Pie Recipe Works

Before we dive into the details, let’s explore what makes this Lemon Blueberry Pie so special:

* **The Perfect Balance:** The tartness of the lemon beautifully complements the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
* **Flaky Crust:** A homemade pie crust, made with cold butter and minimal handling, ensures a light, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
* **Bright and Vibrant Filling:** The lemon zest and juice brighten the blueberries, enhancing their natural flavor and adding a delightful zing.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your preferences. Add other berries, use different extracts, or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
* **Visually Stunning:** The combination of golden crust and vibrant blue filling makes this pie a showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips.

**For the Pie Crust:**

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/2 cup ice water

**For the Lemon Blueberry Filling:**

* 6 cups fresh blueberries
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste, depending on the sweetness of the berries)
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools will make the baking process much more enjoyable. Here’s a list of essential equipment:

* 9-inch pie dish
* Mixing bowls (various sizes)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or food processor
* Rolling pin
* Plastic wrap
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional)
* Wire rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Lemon Blueberry Pie.

Part 1: Making the Pie Crust

A perfect pie starts with a perfect crust. This recipe uses a classic all-butter pie crust for its rich flavor and flaky texture.

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should have some pieces of butter that are pea-sized.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; this will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust.
4. **Divide and Chill:** Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, resulting in a flakier crust.

Part 2: Preparing the Lemon Blueberry Filling

The filling is where the magic happens! The combination of lemon and blueberry creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience.

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, gently combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix well to ensure the berries are evenly coated.
2. **Let it Rest:** Allow the mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the berries to release some of their juices, which will help thicken the filling during baking.

Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Pie

Now it’s time to bring everything together and bake our masterpiece!

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Roll Out the Bottom Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of the chilled pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to your 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
3. **Add the Filling:** Pour the lemon blueberry filling into the pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter. This will add richness and help prevent the filling from becoming too dry.
4. **Roll Out the Top Crust:** Roll out the second disc of pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully place the dough over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Alternatively, you can create a lattice top by cutting the second disc of dough into strips and weaving them over the filling. This not only looks beautiful but also allows for better ventilation.

5. **Egg Wash (Optional):** For a golden-brown crust, brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if desired. This will give the pie a beautiful shine and a touch of extra sweetness.
6. **Bake:** Place the pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (to catch any drips). Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent the pie with aluminum foil.
7. **Cool Completely:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is crucial! The filling needs time to set properly. Cooling can take 3-4 hours, or even longer.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to help you achieve pie-baking perfection:

* **Keep Everything Cold:** Cold ingredients are key to a flaky pie crust. Make sure your butter and water are ice-cold.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, resulting in a flakier crust. Don’t skip this step!
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your pie. Use fresh blueberries and lemons for the best results.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** Taste the blueberry mixture before adding it to the crust and adjust the sugar accordingly. Some blueberries are sweeter than others.
* **Protect the Crust:** If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent the pie with aluminum foil.
* **Cool Completely:** Resist the urge to cut into the pie while it’s still warm. The filling needs time to set properly. Cooling the pie completely will prevent it from being runny.

Variations and Adaptations

This Lemon Blueberry Pie recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

* **Add Other Berries:** Mix in other berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, for a mixed berry pie.
* **Use Different Extracts:** Add a touch of almond extract or vanilla extract to the filling for a different flavor profile.
* **Add a Crumble Topping:** Instead of a top crust, top the pie with a buttery crumble topping.
* **Make Mini Pies:** Use the same recipe to make individual mini pies.
* **Vegan Lemon Blueberry Pie:** Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based egg wash.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Blueberry Pie is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

* **With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that never fails to delight.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy touch.
* **With a Drizzle of Lemon Curd:** For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle with homemade or store-bought lemon curd.
* **With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:** The perfect complement to a warm slice of pie.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Lemon Blueberry Pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. The pie will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Lemon Blueberry Pie: A Flavorful Adventure

This Lemon Blueberry Pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the satisfying crunch of the flaky crust to the explosion of flavors in the filling, every bite is a delight. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a pie that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy!

Recipe Card

**Lemon Blueberry Pie**

A delightful combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries baked in a flaky crust.

**Prep Time:** 45 minutes
**Chill Time:** 2+ hours
**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Total Time:** 4+ hours
**Servings:** 8 slices

**Ingredients:**

**Pie Crust:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/2 cup ice water

**Lemon Blueberry Filling:**
* 6 cups fresh blueberries
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

**Instructions:**

**Make the Pie Crust:**
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough comes together.
4. Divide dough, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.

**Prepare the Filling:**
1. Combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt in a bowl.
2. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.

**Assemble and Bake:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out bottom crust and place in pie dish.
3. Pour filling into crust and dot with butter.
4. Roll out top crust, place over filling, trim, and crimp edges.
5. Cut slits in top crust or create a lattice.
6. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar (optional).
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and filling is bubbly.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

**Notes:**

* Keep ingredients cold for a flaky crust.
* Adjust sugar to taste based on blueberry sweetness.
* Cool completely before slicing to allow filling to set.
Enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry Pie!