Blueberry Pie with Oat Crumble

Blueberry Pie with Oat Crumble

Blueberry pie with oat crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh blueberries with a crunchy oat topping. This pie is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it the perfect addition to any gathering or family meal. Whether you’re enjoying it warm out of the oven or chilled in the fridge, this blueberry pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh blueberries (you can also use frozen)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Oat Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be moist but not sticky.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss to coat the blueberries evenly.
2. Let It Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to release the juices from the blueberries.

Step 3: Make the Oat Crumble Topping

1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Set Aside: Let the crumble sit while you prepare the pie crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it gently into place. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
3. Add Filling: Pour the blueberry filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the blueberry filling.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crumble topping is golden brown.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of blueberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat.

2. Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top enhances the flavor and adds a creamy texture.

3. Garnish with Mint: Add fresh mint leaves as a garnish for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh blueberries when they are in season. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained.

2. Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough chilled helps create a flakier crust. If the dough becomes too warm while working with it, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.

3. Avoid Soggy Bottoms: To prevent a soggy bottom crust, consider pre-baking the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps create a barrier between the filling and the crust.

Variations

1. Berry Mix: Experiment with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. A mix of berries can add different flavors and textures to your pie.

2. Nutty Crumble: For added flavor and texture, mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the oat crumble topping.

3. Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the blueberry filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage

1. Room Temperature: Store leftover pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the pie for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or enjoy cold.

3. Freezing: This pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

Blueberry pie with oat crumble is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of blueberries and the wholesome texture of oats. This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice bakers and experienced chefs alike. Whether you serve it at a family gathering, a summer picnic, or enjoy it at home, this pie is sure to please. Enjoy the process of making this delicious treat and the joy it brings to your table!