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Summer is the perfect time to indulge in delicious, fruity desserts that scream seasonal joy. One of the best ways to enjoy the sweet, tangy taste of fresh blueberries is by making a Blueberry Slab Pie. This pie is perfect for gatherings, family picnics, or just a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. But what makes it stand out? The slab pie offers the perfect balance of juicy blueberry filling, buttery crust, and just the right amount of sweetness to leave everyone craving more.
What Is a Slab Pie?
If you’re not familiar with slab pies, they’re essentially a large, rectangular version of your traditional round pies. The beauty of a slab pie is that it allows for easy slicing and serving, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a family BBQ or a holiday picnic, this pie is designed to be shared. The large sheet-pan size ensures there’s enough to go around without the hassle of making multiple pies.
With a Blueberry Slab Pie, the focal point is, of course, the blueberries. This dessert is all about letting those sweet little berries shine, so picking fresh, in-season blueberries is key to getting the perfect flavor. But don’t worry – even if fresh berries aren’t in season, frozen blueberries can be substituted with equally delicious results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the essential ingredients to make a scrumptious Blueberry Slab Pie:
- Pie crust: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled), ½ cup ice water
- Filling: 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- Egg wash: 1 egg (beaten) with 1 tablespoon water
- For garnish: Powdered sugar (optional)
How to Make Blueberry Slab Pie
Follow these simple steps to prepare your own Blueberry Slab Pie:
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
Start by making the pie crust. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Then, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough begins to form. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Once it holds together, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While your dough chills, it’s time to prep the filling. In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Stir everything together gently, making sure the blueberries are evenly coated. Set the mixture aside and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to release from the berries.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into two portions. Roll one portion out to fit the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking sheet (or another similar-sized pan). Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess. Make sure the dough covers the sides of the pan and is slightly overhanging the edges for an even crust.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Pour the blueberry mixture evenly into the prepared crust, spreading it out to the edges. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter, which will melt during baking and add richness to the pie.
Step 5: Top the Pie
Roll out the second portion of dough to fit over the pie, and place it over the filling. You can either cover the pie entirely or cut slits in the dough to create a lattice pattern. If you opt for a full crust, make sure to cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape while baking. Crimp the edges together and brush the top with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the blueberry filling is bubbling through the slits. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serving Suggestions
To make your Blueberry Slab Pie even more indulgent, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a fun twist, you can even drizzle some homemade lemon glaze on top for an added zing. This dessert pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or a chilled glass of iced tea for a refreshing treat during those hot summer months.
Why You’ll Love Blueberry Slab Pie
Aside from the obvious fact that it’s absolutely delicious, there are several reasons why this pie is a great choice for your next gathering. First, its sheet-pan style makes it incredibly easy to serve, and the large slices are perfect for those who want a generous portion. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors from the blueberries, combined with the flaky, buttery crust, makes each bite a heavenly experience.
Furthermore, making a slab pie is simpler and more manageable than baking multiple small pies. The large pan size also allows for a thicker, more satisfying filling, which is something that traditional round pies sometimes lack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
Conclusion
The Blueberry Slab Pie is an irresistible dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for summer parties or casual family gatherings, this pie offers a way to enjoy fresh blueberries in a new, easy-to-share way. Its flaky crust, tangy blueberry filling, and simple preparation make it an excellent choice for anyone who loves a fruity, homemade treat. Give it a try, and we guarantee you’ll be reaching for seconds!
Additional Experiences with Blueberry Slab Pie
As a lover of all things blueberry, I’ve had my fair share of delicious pie-making experiences, but none have been as memorable as my first attempt at making a Blueberry Slab Pie. The recipe was simple, but the results were stunning. The pie baked to a perfect golden-brown hue, and the sweet aroma of blueberries filled the kitchen as it cooled. I remember taking my first bite and being struck by how well the flavors balanced: the tartness of the blueberries, the richness of the buttery crust, and just the right touch of cinnamon and lemon zest.
One of the reasons I love this pie so much is its versatility. I’ve made it for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and even as a quick dessert for a cozy evening at home. Each time I make it, I find new ways to personalize the recipesometimes adding a bit of vanilla extract to the filling or even incorporating a handful of blackberries for extra depth of flavor.
Another thing I’ve discovered is how easy it is to freeze this pie for later enjoyment. After baking, I let the pie cool completely and then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil before freezing it. When I’m ready to serve it, I simply thaw it out at room temperature or reheat it in the oven for a few minutes, and it’s as good as fresh-baked. This has come in handy on more than one occasion when I’ve had last-minute guests over.
Blueberry Slab Pie has also been a hit at my friend’s annual summer BBQ. It’s always the first dessert to disappear, and it’s a joy to watch everyone enjoy it. I often get asked for the recipe, and I’m happy to share it because it’s one of those treats that always gets rave reviews. The best part is that it’s a simple dessert that can be made ahead of time, which leaves you with more time to enjoy the party and less time spent in the kitchen.
So, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make, I highly recommend giving this Blueberry Slab Pie a try. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something sweet, this pie is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer!
