Lemon Blueberry Pie

The Ultimate Guide to Creamy Lemon Blueberry Pie

When the weather heats up and you’re craving a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Lemon Blueberry Pie is the perfect choice. With its no-bake filling, this pie combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the sweet juiciness of fresh blueberries, all nestled in a buttery shortbread crust. It’s an ideal treat for summer gatherings, potlucks, or just a casual afternoon dessert. Let’s dive into how to make this easy, no-bake pie, along with tips and variations to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Blueberry Pie

This pie is a hit for several reasons, combining ease of preparation with a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Here’s why you’ll love making (and eating) this pie:

No-Bake Simplicity: The filling requires no oven time, making this pie perfect for warm days when you want to keep things cool in the kitchen.
Bright, Tangy Flavor: The lemon juice and zest give the filling a refreshing tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the blueberries.
Buttery Shortbread Crust: The shortbread crust adds a rich, buttery base that complements the creamy filling and juicy berries.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or need a quick dessert for a family dinner, this pie is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Lemon Blueberry Pie:

For the Crust:

Shortbread Cookies (2¾ cups / 277g, finely crushed): These provide a buttery, crumbly base that’s the perfect foundation for the creamy filling.
Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon / 13g): Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons / 85g, melted): Binds the crushed cookies together to form the crust.

For the Whipped Cream:

Heavy Whipping Cream (2 cups / 474ml, cold): The base for a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons / 26g): Sweetens the whipped cream.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle flavor to the whipped cream.

For the Filling:

Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 14-ounce can): The rich, sweet base for the filling that also adds a creamy texture.
Lemon Zest (¾ teaspoon): Adds a concentrated lemon flavor and fragrance.
Fresh Lemon Juice (½ cup / 118ml): Provides the tangy citrus flavor that makes this pie so refreshing.
Lemon Extract (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the lemon flavor for an extra burst of citrus.
Fresh Blueberries (1½ cups / 218g): Juicy blueberries add a sweet, fruity contrast to the tangy lemon filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Creamy Lemon Blueberry Pie is straightforward, with minimal prep and no baking required. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Crust:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely crushed shortbread cookies with the granulated sugar. Stir until well combined.
Add the melted butter to the cookie mixture and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9- or 10-inch pie plate, ensuring an even layer. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Whipped Cream:

In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. During the mixing, gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Be careful not to overbeat, as you want the whipped cream to be light and fluffy.
Chill the whipped cream in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

3. Prepare the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Gently fold in half of the prepared whipped cream (about 192g) until the mixture is light and creamy. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much.
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

4. Assemble the Pie:

Pour the lemon-blueberry filling into the prepared shortbread crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until the filling is firm and set.

5. Decorate and Serve:

Before serving, decorate the pie with the remaining whipped cream. You can pipe it on using a pastry bag for a decorative effect or simply spread it over the top.
Garnish with additional fresh blueberries and lemon slices, if desired.
Serve the pie chilled, and enjoy the refreshing combination of creamy lemon filling and juicy blueberries.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Creamy Lemon Blueberry Pie turns out perfectly:

1. Use Fresh Lemon Juice:

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled. Fresh lemon juice has a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

2. Chill the Crust:

Chilling the crust helps it set and prevents it from crumbling when you add the filling. It also gives the pie a firmer base.

3. Don’t Overbeat the Whipped Cream:

Be careful not to overbeat the whipped cream, as this can cause it to become grainy. Stop mixing as soon as stiff peaks form.

4. Fold Gently:

When adding the whipped cream to the filling, fold it in gently to keep the mixture light and airy.

5. Allow Time to Chill:

Make sure the pie has enough time to chill and set before serving. This ensures that the filling is firm and holds its shape when sliced.

Customization and Variations

This pie is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste:

1. Swap the Blueberries:

If blueberries aren’t your favorite, you can substitute them with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Each of these berries pairs beautifully with the lemon filling.

2. Add a Berry Sauce:

Drizzle a homemade berry sauce over the top of the pie for added flavor and visual appeal. Simply cook down some berries with a bit of sugar and water until they’re soft, then blend and strain the mixture.

3. Make it Gluten-Free:

Use gluten-free shortbread cookies to create a gluten-free version of this pie. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. Use Different Citrus:

Swap out the lemon juice and zest for lime or orange for a different citrus flavor. Lime pairs especially well with blueberries.

5. Add a Cream Cheese Layer:

For an extra creamy pie, add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the crust and the lemon-blueberry filling.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving (based on the recipe making 8 servings):

Calories: 734 kcal
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 51g (Saturated Fat: 26g)
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 305mg
Potassium: 169mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 27g
Vitamin A: 1223 IU
Vitamin C: 9mg
Calcium: 56mg
Iron: 3mg

This pie is a rich, indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions or a refreshing summer dessert.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter when making this pie and how to fix them:

1. Crust is Too Crumbly:

If the crust is too crumbly, it may not have enough butter to bind it together. Add a little more melted butter to the crumbs and press firmly into the pie plate.

2. Filling Didn’t Set:

If the filling didn’t set properly, it may need more time in the refrigerator. Ensure that the pie chills for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible.

3. Whipped Cream Deflated:

If the whipped cream deflates when folded into the filling, it may have been overmixed. Fold the whipped cream gently and stop as soon as the mixture is combined.

4. Pie is Too Soft:

This pie should be served chilled to maintain its firmness. If it becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator until it firms up again.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Blueberry Pie is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries. With its no-bake filling and buttery shortbread crust, this pie is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or just as a special treat for yourself, this pie is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, whip up this delicious dessert, and enjoy a slice of creamy, citrusy heaven!