Table of Contents
  1. How does pie thicken?
  2. How do you bring out the blueberry flavor?
  3. Watch how to make this blueberry pie
  4. Blueberry Pie with Streusel Topping Recipe

Pie is versatile. It’s a simple statement, but oh so true! If you want to celebrate an occasion, a pie works perfectly. If you want something that is cozy and nostalgic for a weeknight dessert, a pie works perfectly. No matter the reason, pie always seems to fit.

At one time, pie was a staple in farm households. In fact, there were cabinets in the kitchen specially designated just for baked pies, often called a “pie safe.”

Somehow, between pie being a staple and now, we’ve lost the art. Many see pie as a lot of work and something that takes way too much time. I’ll let you in on a secret: with my recipes, it’s not. I’m here to prove that pie can be quick and easy. And the best part: pie always makes everyone happy.

This blueberry pie is perfect for summer. When blueberries are ripe and in season, you’ve got to find all the ways possible to enjoy them. Make this pie!

One hand holding a plate with slice of pie with other hand holding fork taking piece from slice with rest of pie in the foreground

How does pie thicken?

The crucial part of a pie is the spot between a filling that’s thick enough to hold together but not too thick to seem gloppy. There are a few ways to thicken a fruit pie: flour, instant tapioca, and cornstarch. For this recipe, I chose cornstarch. What I like about cornstarch is the final texture. It’s thick but not too thick and the texture is smooth.

To ensure there are no lumps, cornstarch needs to be mixed in at room temperature and then be heated to near boiling to ensure it is activated. That’s exactly why this pie has a pretty long baking time. The pie needs to ensure the cornstarch is fully activated.

Side angle view of slice of blueberry pie with streusel topping all on white plate on white countertop
The cornstarch used in this pie creates a perfectly smooth filling that truly lets the blueberries shine through!

How do you bring out the blueberry flavor?

Blueberries are delicious on their own. When picked in season and ripe, their flavor is unmatched. But when using them in a pie, the long baking time can mellow out some of the fresh flavors. To amp up the flavor and intensify everything, a few things are added:

  • Lemon juice. Citrus helps balance the sweetness and lends a brightness to the berries.
  • Ground black pepper. This could be an old wife’s tale… or it could be true. My grandma always said a little black pepper helps bring out the flavor of the blueberries. Why would I question black pepper? So I add some to make sure it’s just right.

All of these ingredients work together flawlessly to create the perfect summertime pie. Now it’s your turn to make it and let me know what you think in the comments!

Blueberry pie sitting inn white baking dish with slice taken out showing the purplish inside of the pie with a streusel topping on top

Watch how to make this blueberry pie

Close up picture of slice of blueberry pie sitting on white plate with fork on plate

Blueberry Pie with Streusel Topping

4.60 from 10 votes
Made from super simple ingredients, this blueberry pie recipe truly lets the fruit of the season sing! Plus, with an easy-to-make streusel topping sprinkle all over the top, it's a marriage of sweet and crisp that's terrific!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 9-inch pie crust
  • 6 cups blueberries
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the streusel topping

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ¾ cup flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 8 tbsp butter cut into ½-inch pieces

Instructions
 

For the pie

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and black pepper. Stir and slightly mash a few berries to draw out the juices.
  • Pour into the prepared pie shell and top with the prepared streusel (instructions below). Spread streusel into an even layer and place in the preheated oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F until the pie is bubbling throughout, an additional 30-45 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.

For the streusel

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine and add the pieces of butter.
  • Using a pastry cutter or hand, work the butter into the streusel to create a coarse crumb.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 428kcalCarbohydrates: 50.7gProtein: 4gFat: 24.7gSaturated Fat: 10.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 9.4gTrans Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 35.6mgSodium: 200.2mgPotassium: 139.3mgFiber: 3.4gSugar: 25.8gVitamin A: 115.9IUVitamin C: 7.8mgCalcium: 29.1mgIron: 1.1mg
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Difficulty Intermediate
Method Baking

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Kaleb

I’m Kaleb! I'm not a chef, professional baker, landscaper, or designer, but I like to play each on Knollgate Farm. Come join me on my journey and let's learn together!

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7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I just made your blueberry pie…and this morning I cut myself a piece to go with my coffee and just let me tell you…This pie was WONDERFUL!!! Thank you for sharing your recipes with us!!!

  2. 5 stars
    Outstanding flavor, plus I loved the texture of the crumb topping! I shared some with my neighbor and she asked for the recipe. You are a delight to follow Kaleb! You have so much positivity and knowledge to share with the world!!! ❤

  3. 5 stars
    I had never made a blueberry pie before. This is so delicious! To say it’s a hit is an understatement!!! New family favorite! They can’t get enough! Thank you Kaleb for sharing all your wonderful recipes!!! Keep them coming!

  4. 5 stars
    I made this pie yesterday and it is delicious!! Will definitely be making this one again. Thank you for sharing your yummy recipes!

  5. 5 stars
    I really want to try your pie receipe. I’m not a good at baking desserts. Thank you for your video tutorials. ~AZ~

  6. 5 stars
    I had never made a blueberry pie until last week when I used your recipe. Can I just tell you it was SO good! So guess what? Im making it again today. Grandma was right about the pepper 😊
    Julia