Recipe: Blueberry Pie with Vanilla Shavings

Recipe: Blueberry Pie with Vanilla Shavings

Blueberry pie with vanilla shavings is a delectable dessert that combines the sweet, juicy blueberries with the rich, aromatic flavor of vanilla. The flaky, golden crust perfectly complements the tender filling, while the vanilla shavings on top add an elegant and flavorful twist. This pie is perfect for any special occasion or as a comforting treat after a meal.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make this delicious blueberry pie from scratch. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)

For the Vanilla Shavings:

• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Add the Water
   Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. If the dough seems too dry, add a little more water until it holds together.

3. Chill the Dough
   Form the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

1. Combine the Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Toss the ingredients together gently to coat the blueberries evenly.

2. Let the Filling Sit
   Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out the juices from the blueberries. This will help create a nice syrup when the pie is baked.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven.

2. Roll Out the Dough
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

3. Add the Blueberry Filling
   Pour the blueberry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

4. Roll Out the Top Crust
   Roll out the second half of the dough into a circle large enough to cover the top of the pie. Place the top crust over the filling and trim any excess dough. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal them, then crimp the edges to create a decorative border.

5. Cut Vent Holes
   Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the Pie
   Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vent holes. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

2. Cool the Pie
   Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.

Step 5: Add the Vanilla Shavings

1. Prepare the Vanilla Shavings
   Using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, shave thin strips from the vanilla bean. If you’re using vanilla extract, you can skip this step and simply drizzle a little extract over the pie after it’s cooled.

2. Garnish the Pie
   Once the pie has cooled, sprinkle the vanilla shavings over the top. The subtle vanilla flavor will enhance the sweetness of the blueberries and add a lovely aromatic touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Slice the pie into wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it on its own.

2. Store
   Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pie slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Frozen Blueberries
   If fresh blueberries are out of season, frozen blueberries work just as well. Make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

2. Add a Streusel Topping
   For an extra crunch, sprinkle a streusel topping made with flour, butter, sugar, and oats over the top of the pie before baking.

3. Make It Gluten-Free
   For a gluten-free pie, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

4. Flavor Variations
   Experiment with other flavorings such as nutmeg, cardamom, or a splash of lemon zest in the filling to add extra depth to the taste.

Health Benefits

1. Blueberries
   Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve brain health, heart health, and overall immune function.

2. Vanilla
   Vanilla adds more than just flavor—it contains antioxidants and has a calming effect on the body.

3. Butter
   While butter adds richness and flavor, it also provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A that are beneficial for skin and eye health.

Storage

Store any leftover blueberry pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 1 month; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Conclusion

Blueberry pie with vanilla shavings is a delightful dessert that blends the natural sweetness of blueberries with the warm, aromatic touch of vanilla. The golden, flaky crust and juicy, flavorful filling make this pie a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it on a cozy evening, this blueberry pie will be a hit with everyone. Try this recipe today and savor every bite of this deliciously fruity and creamy dessert!