Blueberry Slab Pie

Beautiful but easy to make! This Blueberry Slab Pie will impress everyone and, most importantly, it tastes delicious. Perfect for summer gatherings, family get-togethers, or just a cozy dessert at home, this pie is a crowd-pleaser. With its flaky crust and sweet blueberry filling, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Blueberry Slab Pie is straightforward, making it perfect even for novice bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh blueberries and spices creates a heavenly taste that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serving 16 people makes it ideal for parties or potlucks.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream—it’s delightful either way!
• Homemade Goodness: Using fresh ingredients ensures that you know exactly what’s in your dessert.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Blueberry Slab Pie, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to gather before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet (large)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Ensures an even thickness of the pie crust for consistent baking.
• Baking sheet (large): Provides ample space for the slab pie to spread out, allowing for even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 recipe blueberry pie filling (about 3 cups of homemade filling)
– 3 9 pie crusts (uncooked at room temperature)
– 1½ cups fresh blueberries (1 pint)
– ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioner sugar/icing sugar)
– 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
– 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 egg (any size) (for egg wash)
– 1 Tablespoon water (for egg wash)
– 1-2 Tablespoons coarse sugar (to sprinkle on top before baking)

How to Make Blueberry Slab Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your pie bakes evenly once assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl:
* Combine the fresh blueberries, powdered sugar, cornstarch, vanilla paste, lemon zest, and ground cinnamon.
* Gently mix until all blueberries are well-coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie Crusts

On a clean surface:
* Roll out two of the pie crusts using the rolling pin.
* Place one rolled crust onto the baking sheet, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.

Step 4: Fill the Crust

Pour the blueberry filling into the prepared crust:
* Spread it evenly across the base.

Step 5: Add Top Crust and Egg Wash

Roll out the third pie crust. You can cut slits in this top crust for a lattice design or simply cover it entirely:
* Use a pastry brush to apply a mixture of egg wash and water over the top crust.

Step 6: Sprinkle Sugar and Bake

Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top:
* Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked:
* Allow your Blueberry Slab Pie to cool before slicing. Serve warm or chilled as desired!

How to Serve Blueberry Slab Pie

Blueberry Slab Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a casual get-together, these suggestions will enhance your pie experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices of Blueberry Slab Pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the tart blueberries perfectly.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture. Just dollop it on top before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.

Fresh Mint Garnish

• Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a pop of color and refreshing flavor. This simple touch elevates the presentation.

Lemon Zest Sprinkle

• Grate some lemon zest over the pie just before serving. It brightens up the flavors and adds a citrusy aroma.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve slices of Blueberry Slab Pie alongside freshly brewed coffee. The bold flavors of coffee balance the sweetness of the pie beautifully.

Cheese Accompaniment

• Pair with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The savory notes contrast well with the sweet blueberries, creating an interesting flavor combination.

Save it!

How to Perfect Blueberry Slab Pie

Creating the perfect Blueberry Slab Pie involves attention to detail and a few helpful tips to ensure success.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh blueberries when possible. They provide better flavor and texture than frozen ones.

• Chill Your Crust: Keeping your pie crust chilled prevents it from shrinking during baking, ensuring a perfect shape and texture.

• Don’t Overfill: Make sure not to overload your pie with filling. This helps prevent spills and keeps your crust intact.

• Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the lattice top with an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish after baking.

• Let It Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Slab Pie

To complement your Blueberry Slab Pie, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with this dessert.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and rich, this classic pairing enhances the fruity flavors.
2. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser, lemon sorbet contrasts nicely with sweet blueberry.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips: Crispy and slightly sweet, these chips are great for dipping into leftover blueberry filling.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances sweetness.
5. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for savory contrast.
6. Greek Yogurt: Tart Greek yogurt adds creaminess while balancing out sweetness from the pie.
7. Mint Tea: A light herbal tea can cleanse your palate after indulging in dessert.
8. Chocolate Drizzle Donuts: For chocolate lovers, these donuts can add an extra touch of indulgence alongside your pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Blueberry Slab Pie can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using stale blueberries – Fresh blueberries make your pie taste vibrant. Always check for freshness before using them.
• Neglecting the crust – An undercooked or overcooked crust can ruin your pie. Make sure to monitor the baking time closely.
• Skipping the cornstarch – Cornstarch thickens the filling and prevents it from being runny. Don’t skip this ingredient!
• Not chilling the crust – Allowing the crust to chill helps maintain its structure. Take time to refrigerate it before rolling out.
• Ignoring zest and juice – Lemon zest and juice add brightness. Be sure to include these for enhanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Blueberry Slab Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Blueberry Slab Pie

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Blueberry Slab Pie.

How do I know when my Blueberry Slab Pie is done?

Your pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy pie.

What can I serve with Blueberry Slab Pie?

Ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt pairs well with this pie and enhances its flavors.

How do I customize my Blueberry Slab Pie?

You can add other fruits like raspberries or peaches or adjust the sweetness level according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Slab Pie is not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying! Its versatility allows for numerous customization options, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Try experimenting with different fruits or spices to create your own signature version!