There’s something truly delightful about a slice of Blueberry Slab Pie. This dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavors, making it perfect for gatherings or simply a cozy night at home. Having made this pie countless times, I’ve perfected the balance of tart and sweet, creating a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to share and even easier to love.
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet blueberries with a hint of lemon zest creates a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer.
- Feed a Crowd: A slab pie serves a generous number of people—ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Easy to Slice: Unlike traditional pies, slab pies are easy to cut into squares, making them simple to serve.
- Minimal Fuss: Made in one pan, this recipe minimizes clean-up time, which is always a bonus after a big meal.
- Personally, I love making this pie in late summer when blueberries are at their peak. It’s a great way to enjoy the season’s bounty.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
This simple recipe involves preparing a buttery crust, layering it with fresh blueberries, and baking until golden and bubbly.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tried my hand at a slab pie, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of rolling out dough and handling fruit. However, I quickly realized that with a few simple techniques and the right tools, it was much easier than I thought. The joy of pulling that golden-brown pie out of the oven made all the early efforts well worth it!
How to Make Blueberry Slab Pie
Making Blueberry Slab Pie involves a few straightforward steps. First, we’ll prepare the crust, which is flaky and buttery, a perfect base for the juicy filling. Next, we’ll mix fresh blueberries with sugar and lemon juice. Once assembled in a rimmed baking sheet, the pie will bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown, with a delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen.
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Always chill your pie dough before rolling it out. This firms up the butter and helps create a flaky crust.
- Use Fresh Blueberries: If possible, opt for fresh blueberries. Frozen ones can work but might release more moisture, making the filling runny.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the blueberries before adding sugar. Depending on their natural sweetness, you may want to adjust the sugar to your liking.
- Bake on the Bottom Rack: For a nicely browned bottom crust, bake your slab pie on the bottom oven rack during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Cool Before Serving: Let your pie cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set up for cleaner slices.
How to Serve Blueberry Slab Pie
Pair slices of Blueberry Slab Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. To elevate your presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or add a few fresh blueberries and mint leaves for color. This pie is wonderful for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a finale to a family dinner.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftover Blueberry Slab Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free crust.
- Mixed Berry: Feel free to mix in other berries like raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
- Enhanced Flavor: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the blueberry filling for a warm spice note.
Nutritional Highlights
Blueberries are rich in vitamins C and K, and they’re loaded with antioxidants. This pie provides a sweet treat while also giving you the benefits of fruit. Just keep in mind that it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially with its buttery crust!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Runny Filling: If your filling turns out runny, try using slightly less fruit or adding a bit more cornstarch to thicken it.
- Soggy Crust: To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure to bake the crust briefly before adding the filling, and also make sure the filling isn’t too wet.
- Uneven Baking: If your pie is browning too quickly on top before the bottom is cooked, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil while it finishes baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw and drain them beforehand to reduce moisture in the pie. -
How do I know when my pie is done baking?
Your pie is done when the crust is golden-brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. -
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge, but remember to let it cool completely before covering. -
What size baking sheet do I need?
A standard half-sheet pan (about 18×13 inches) works best for this recipe, ensuring even baking and enough space for the filling.
Blueberry Slab Pie
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy dessert that combines sweet blueberries with a hint of lemon in a buttery crust, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of blueberries)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust.
- Add the chilled butter and mix until crumbly.
- Pour in ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and press it into a rimmed baking sheet.
- In another bowl, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and lemon zest.
- Pour the blueberry filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, chill the dough before rolling and use fresh blueberries.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg