Majestic Blueberry Bliss Pie
Indulge in the exquisite layers of flavor and texture with this Majestic Blueberry Bliss Pie. Bursting with vibrant blueberries and adorned with delightful, decorative circles of pastry, this pie is not only a feast for the stomach but also a visual masterpiece. The blend of fresh and freeze-dried blueberries enhances the natural sweetness, while the lemon zest adds a refreshing zing that perfectly balances the rich buttery crust. This regal dessert is sure to impress guests at any gathering, making it an ideal crowning jewel for your dining experience.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole freeze-dried blueberries
1/2 cup (Ground into a fine powder or use blueberry powder.)
Ice water
3 tablespoons (Chilled.)
Granulated sugar (for crust)
2 teaspoons (None.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None.)
Unsalted butter
1 cup (Cold and cubed.)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (None.)
Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
3 cups (Fresh or defrosted if frozen.)
Granulated sugar (for filling)
1/3 cup (None.)
Lemon
1 (Juice and zest.)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (None.)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (None.)
Grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (None.)
Water
2 tablespoons (None.)
Egg
1 large (Beaten.)
Instructions
1
To prepare the pie crust, start by grinding the freeze-dried blueberries in a food processor or mortar until finely powdered. Mix 2 tablespoons of this powder with the ice water in a small bowl.
2
In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar, then add the cold, cubed butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
3
Add the blueberry water mixture, pulsing gently until the dough just comes together. If too dry, add an additional tablespoon of water.
4
Form the dough into a ball, then divide it into two halves. Shape each half into a disc, ensuring one disc is slightly larger than the other. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5
For the filling, combine half the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a medium pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
6
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the simmering blueberries until thickened. Off the heat, gently fold in the remaining blueberries and set aside to cool.
7
To assemble the pie, roll out the smaller disc of dough between two sheets of parchment paper to a circle larger than a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully flip it into the pan, lining it gently along the sides.
8
Pour the cooled blueberry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Roll out the larger disc of dough, cutting random holes with a 1-inch round cutter. These will be used for decoration.
9
Cover the pie with the second layer of dough, pressing the edges together, then trim off any excess. Re-roll the leftover pastry to cut out additional circles, ensuring you have 30-40 total.
10
Beat the egg in a bowl and brush it around the edges of the pie. Attach the small pastry circles around the pie’s edge, layering them slightly.
11
Chill the pie for 15 minutes in the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
12
Bake the pie for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow it to cool for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Majestic Blueberry Bliss Pie?
The Majestic Blueberry Bliss Pie is an exquisite dessert featuring layers of fresh and freeze-dried blueberries, a buttery crust, and decorative pastry circles.
How do I prepare the freeze-dried blueberries for the crust?
Grind the freeze-dried blueberries in a food processor or mortar until they become a fine powder, then mix 2 tablespoons of this powder with ice water.
What type of flour is best for this pie crust?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour to create the pie crust.
How should the butter be prepared for the dough?
The 1 cup of unsalted butter should be cold and cut into cubes before being pulsed into the flour mixture.
Can I use frozen blueberries for the filling?
Yes, you can use 3 cups of either fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries that have been defrosted.
How long does the pie dough need to chill?
The dough should be divided into two discs, wrapped in plastic, and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
What is the secret to the vibrant blue color in the crust?
Mixing finely powdered freeze-dried blueberries with the ice water gives the crust its unique color and enhanced flavor.
How do I thicken the blueberry filling?
A mixture of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water is stirred into the simmering blueberries to thicken the filling.
What spices are used in the Majestic Blueberry Bliss Pie?
The filling is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg.
How many servings does this pie provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pie.
How long should the pie bake?
The pie should be baked for approximately 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
What is the purpose of the egg in this recipe?
One large beaten egg is used as a wash to brush the edges and attach the decorative pastry circles.
How do I create the decorative top for the pie?
Cut random holes in the top layer of dough using a 1-inch round cutter and use the excess pastry to create 30-40 circles to layer around the edges.
Why do I need to chill the pie for 15 minutes before baking?
Chilling the assembled pie helps the pastry maintain its shape and the decorative circles stay in place during the baking process.
Should the blueberry filling be hot when added to the crust?
No, the cooked blueberry mixture should be set aside to cool before being poured into the pie crust.
What do I do if the pie dough is too dry?
If the dough does not come together after adding the blueberry water, you can add an additional tablespoon of ice water.
Does the recipe use lemon juice or lemon zest?
The recipe uses both the juice and the zest of one lemon to add brightness to the blueberry filling.
How long should I wait before serving the pie?
It is recommended to allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour after baking to let the filling set properly.
What equipment is needed to make the dough?
A food processor is recommended to pulse the flour, sugar, salt, and butter into coarse crumbs.
Is there sugar in the pie crust?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar are added to the crust ingredients for a subtle sweetness.
How many blueberries are folded in fresh?
Half of the blueberries are cooked on the stove, while the other half are gently folded in fresh after the mixture has thickened.
What is the best way to roll out the pie dough?
Roll the dough discs out between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth circle.
What size pie pan should I use?
The recipe is designed for a standard 9-inch pie pan.
Can I use blueberry powder instead of whole freeze-dried blueberries?
Yes, you can use pre-ground blueberry powder if you do not have whole freeze-dried blueberries to grind yourself.
How do I ensure the edges of the pie stay together?
Press the edges of the top and bottom dough layers together, then use the egg wash to secure the decorative circles on top.
What should the dough look like before adding water?
The mixture of flour and butter should resemble coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Is salt included in the crust?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the flour and sugar to balance the flavors of the crust.
How much sugar goes into the blueberry filling?
The filling requires 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
What makes this pie 'Majestic'?
Its 'majestic' quality comes from the visual beauty of the decorative pastry circles and the rich, complex flavor of the dual-blueberry preparation.