Mustikkapiirakka, or blueberry pie, is a beloved Finnish dessert that captures the essence of the vibrant summer season. This delightful pie combines the sweetness of juicy blueberries with a buttery, golden crust. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a standalone treat, Mustikkapiirakka is a true taste of Finnish culinary tradition. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering Mustikkapiirakka that will leave you craving for more.

Mustikkapiirakka Blueberry Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

  • 4 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the topping:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the crust:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl.
    • Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
    • Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well. This will help ensure a crisp bottom crust.
  3. Prepare the filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Gently toss to coat the blueberries evenly.
  4. Roll out the dough:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides of the dish.
  5. Add the filling:
    • Pour the blueberry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
  6. Prepare the topping:
    • In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
    • Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the blueberry filling.
  7. Bake the pie:
    • Place the pie dish onto the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
    • If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  8. Cool and serve:
    • Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
    • Serve Mustikkapiirakka warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips:

  • If fresh blueberries are not available, you can use frozen blueberries. Thaw and drain them well before using in the filling.
  • Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for added warmth and flavor.
  • For an extra touch of indulgence, you can brush the top crust with an egg wash and sprinkle it with coarse sugar before baking.

Mustikkapiirakka Blueberry Pie Recipe – Conclusion

Mustikkapiirakka, the Finnish blueberry pie, is a delightful dessert that celebrates the sweet and juicy flavors of summer. With its buttery crust and luscious blueberry filling, this pie is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed on its own or served with a scoop of ice cream, Mustikkapiirakka is a taste of Finnish tradition that will brighten any occasion. So gather the ripest blueberries, roll out the dough, and embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the flavors of Finnish summer.