This simple blueberry pie makes a festive summer dessert, perfect for the Fourth of July.
What’s your very favorite thing about summer? Mine is definitely the BBQs. (Or cookouts or whatever you call them in your neck of the woods.)
As much as I love Christmas and Thanksgiving, July 4th has always been my favorite holiday because growing up I could wear a swimsuit to the dinner table and not get in trouble for it; at heart I’m a very casual person.
And not only is July 4th a more casual holiday than its winter-y counterparts, but you get to end your meal with fireworks—and who doesn’t love sparklers and Roman candles and those boppy little flower thingys that change colors?
Every year my dad and brother would drive up to Washington at the end of June to buy the good fireworks, the kind that are illegal in Oregon, and I looked forward to their show with the kind of excitement most children reserve for Santa.
OK, it was actually excitement mixed with a little fear because I was an anxious kid and legend has it that my dad once lit a bottle rocket off inside a house. I was always afraid he’d do that again and burn our house down and I wouldn’t have time to save both our dog and my blankie.
But I digress. My love for the 4th has lasted into adulthood. Now, I love sitting on the patio in the sun while the grill heats up, drinking iced tea and, most likely, ruining my dinner with half a pint of Halo Top mint chip.
But it’s a holiday so extra ice cream doesn’t count. I can have that AND a slice of blueberry pie with more ice cream on the side (vanilla this time) and really end my meal in style.
This blueberry pie is the simplest of summer desserts—I’ve made three already this week because they’re so easy to throw together. (And because my first pie somehow ended up on the ground. But let’s not talk about that.)
I used a store-bought pie crust and my favorite EASY blueberry pie filling recipe, which hails from the trusty Good Housekeeping cookbook.
If blueberry pie isn’t your jam you could make a star-spangled cherry pie or apple pie or whatever your heart desires. You can also make your own crust but I took the easy route to give myself a few extra minutes of sitting on the patio time.
AKA, ice cream eating time.
If you don’t have a small star-shaped cookie cutter you can just freehand it.
And while I’m on the subject of freehand-ing pie crust decorations, I have to thank my dear friend Dana from piesandprejudice.ca (is that the cutest name or what?) for all her advice before I made this pie. I was initially going to color my stars red and blue but after the Fourth of July cheesecake cake incident I thought plain would be just fine.
Dana makes the most insanely creative pies and she seriously freehands the decorations. Check out her Instagram feed for all kinds of pie inspiration.
Why bother cutting more pieces when I can just eat right out of the pan?
Happy Monday!
This simple blueberry pie with stars cut out of the crust makes a festive dessert for the Fourth of July--or all summer long!
- 1 9- inch double pie crust store-bought or make your own
- 5 cups fresh blueberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- finely grated zest of half a lemon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 egg yolk
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
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Combine the blueberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon zest, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Mix until well combined and let sit at room temperature while you roll out your crust.
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On a lightly floured work surface, roll out 1 of the crusts to 11 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Spread filling over the crust, then refrigerate pie while you work on the top crust.
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Roll the top crust out on a lightly floured work surface to 11 inches in diameter. Cut stars out of the top with a small star-shaped cookie cutter.
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Remove pie from the refrigerator and carefully lay the top crust over the pie. (I like to drape the crust over my rolling pin to transfer it.) Pinch the edges to seal the crust and trim off the excess dough. Combine the heavy cream and egg yolk in a small bowl and brush over the top crust.
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If desired, decorate the top of the pie with the cutout stars by brushing both sides of the stars, then pressing lightly onto the crust.
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Place the pie on a large baking sheet and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the pie crust is golden brown. If pie gets too dark, cover with foil in the last few minutes of baking. Allow to cool at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Adapted from The New Good Housekeeping Cookbook
I guess, my favorite thing about summer would be seasonal fruit and berries. Certainly, nowadays you can buy most of fruit or berries year round. However, besides the cost, they just don’t taste as good as seasonal. I would definitely make some blueberry or cherry pie like this one!
Seasonal fruit is soooo much better isn’t it? Although I definitely buy berries year-round :). Have a great week, Ben!
Yum yum yum Blueberry pie sounds sooooooo delicious but right now blueberries are not in season here in South Africa. Do you think canned blueberries is a good sub? Your recipe looks amazing Kelsie and I would love to try it out ?
Thank you Ashika! I don’t know about canned berries but I think frozen berries would work fine; you’ll just have to bake the pie longer, probably about 10 to 15 minutes more. And definitely don’t defrost them first–I think the pie would get too juicy if they don’t go into the oven frozen. Happy Monday, my friend!
What a delightful, yummy looking pie for the 4th! Totally worth making for the holiday!! Pinning! Happy Monday!!
Thank you so much, Kim! Happy Monday!
I like your thinking Kelsie – just eat that pie right out of the pan! Saves the dishes too 😉 This is one gorgeous pie and I just love the little stars! I think I love the BBQs that I have during summer too (and the warmer weather, of course, especially after a cold winter/spring). Pinning this beauty! Happy Monday to ya!
Thank you Dawn! The warmer weather is for sure my second favorite thing about summer. Although since it’s topping 110 today maybe I should rethink that :). Happy Monday to you too!
You are killing it with the awesome 4th of July desserts lately, Kelsie! Seriously! I also just snorted coffee out of my nose at your comment about saving the dog and your blankie. I mean the struggle was real back then. I love this pie, and I love that you went freehand with the crust. You nailed it! Also, now I need to know how the first pie ended up on the floor. I think my mouth would’ve been a much more appropriate landing spot than the floor. 🙂 Happy Monday, my friend!
Thank you David! So the pie. I was dishing up a slice of pie, all ready to take some pics, and I guess I got a little aggressive because the whole plate just flew off the counter. It wasn’t pretty. I should have taken a picture for my blooper reel :). The joys of being a klutz! Happy Monday to you too. Have a great week!
Oooo all these 4th July holiday desserts are making me want to move to the US for a half a month 😀 This looks delicious Kelsie. Blueberry and cherry pies make me very very hungry!!
You’re welcome here any time Jenny! Thank you so much and have a great week!
Who wouldn’t want to dive in that delicious pie right away ? That filling is oozing and calling out to me?? I love that it’s a quick recipe.. as it is I haven’t tried my hands at pie crust yet.. This recipe is perfect to start ??
Thank you so much Deepika! I don’t always make my own pie crust but I’ve had good luck with Ina Garten’s perfect pie crust when you’re ready :). Have a great week my dear!
My sweet tooth is coming into full gear with your posts lately!! I LOVE IT!! And this pie looks absolutely amazing! Stunning pictures Kelsie! Happy Monday!!
Thank you so much Megan! Happy Monday to you too, and have a great week!
You are nailing the summer desserts, my friend! And this blueberry pie is a definite favorite! My favorite thing about summer? That’s a tough one but I’d have to say the easy going pace of it. Walking outside in the morning without having to throw on a sweater. Pies like this! Thanks for sharing!! Pinned!
Thank you Annie! Not needing a sweater to walk outside is definitely high on my list too :). Have a great week!
I have a love-hate relationship with the 4th of July. I love it, because fireworks and BBQ’s, but I hate it because my birthday is 2 days later, so growing up I was always forced to celebrate my birthday on the 4th of July… and no kid wants to share their birthday with a holiday. 😉 Now that I’m older I obviously don’t care, but the little kid in me holds resentment! hahahaha. Anyways, this pie is so fun, girlie!! LOVE LOVE LOVE your star pie crust cut outs on top! Festive and gorgeous! Plus blueberries pies are just delicious! cheers, dear!
OMG Chey, we’re almost birthday buddies. My bday is two days before the 4th! I think if it was after I’d have resented it too, because instead of excitement building for the holiday, you’re in the let-down phase and nobody needs that on their birthday, least of all a kid :). Thank you, girl! I hope you have a great week!
Gotta have pie and ice cream for the 4th:)! Already looks gorgeous without food coloring and I am sure it is delicious. Didn’t expect to see cinnamon among the filling ingredients, never had blueberries and cinnamon together, have to try the combo! People here in Colorado do the same about fireworks – they are legal in Wyoming and before you even get close to the state line you see huge billboard advertising businesses that sell them:)
Thank you Milena! It just wouldn’t be the 4th without pie and ice cream right? And fireworks (bought illegally if necessary) of course :). Have a great week, my friend!
Those blueberries are gorgeous ! Love me some pie and vanilla ice cream!
Oh my gosh those little stars are adorable! I love this! I love the BBQs for summer, too and the flexibility in schedules – mostly because I just love that you don’t need a reason to get together and share food with people you love. It’s a Thursday? Sure, let’s have a cookout! It’s summer! Let’s do it every day!
Thank you so much, Melissa! YES! I love any opportunity to share food with loved ones–cooking is a way to take care of my people without being too obvious :). Can we just make summer last forever? Happy Monday!
You’re killing it with the 4th of July recipes!! This looks SO perfect! I’m so excited for so much summer pie 🙂
Sues
Thank you, Sues! I think pie tastes best in summer :). Have a great week, my friend!
Perfectly festive for the 4th Kelsie! I LOVE blueberry pie!
Thank you Mary Ann! Blueberry pie is definitely one of my favorites! Happy Monday 🙂
My Mr adores blueberries! A big slice of this gorgeous pie would make hime very happy!
Thank you Deb! I wish I could send him some 🙂
Well hello blueberry pie. I follow a lot of food blogs but you are the only one that makes me want to bake. You are dangerous to my diet and I love it. Blueberry pie screams SUMMERTIME!! Thank you so much for not making me make my own crust, that’s pretty darn scary. I love all the little star cut out, pretty darn adorable Kelsie.
Thank you so much Mary! You’re the sweetest! Hahaha–making my own crust has never been my favorite part of making pies either :). Hope you’re having a great week my dear!
Adorable, delicious, classic… and did I mention delicious? Love love love this pretty little pie!
Thank you so much Karly! I hope you’re having a great week!
You are too cute. I think it would still be perfectly acceptable to wear your swimsuit to dinner, just saying. I’ve totally ruined a dinner or two with pre-dinner ice cream….but that’s what summer is for, no!? Cheers to this amazing looking pie and great job with the little stars. I fear mine would not turn out so pretty!!
Hahaha! I’m a grown-up now so I can wear anything I want, right? Oh those pre-dinner ice creams. So delicious, so unhealthy :). Thank you Katherine! Have a great week and ENJOY YOUR TRIP!
OMG you are the sweetest! Thank you Kelsie for the surprise shout-out and kind words, you’re awesome girl! I saw your wonderful pie on IG earlier but hadn’t had a chance to read your post yet.
Your pie turned out absolutely gorgeous!! I LOVE how you did the stars and the delectable berry filling showing through. I want to dig right in! I am with you on the eating straight from the pie pan thing, why bother cutting another piece if you can just eat it all there haha! I have been to the US a few times for your holiday and reallly enjoyed all the festivities. You guys know how to celebrate it right! I was at a campsite somewhere in Montana once for the 4th and met a few campers who invited us to sit around their bonfire with a drink and eat S’mores. I love that and the BBQs too, of course for our Canada Day. So casual and fun and always a fun way to catch up with family and friends. ESPECIALLY if we get a pie like this one…I know I would eat it all if you let me! hehe
Such a cute story about your dad and the rocket, too That would explain your fear, maybe? Fortunately you don’t remember much and your dad DIDN’T burn the house down haha. He clearly LOVES his fireworks, so cute and funny.
Thanks again for the mention and hope you have a GREAT week, lovely! 🙂
Awwww thank YOU Dana! I so appreciate your help in working out my pie ideas! Someday I’m going to get around to dyeing the crust. . .just not quite yet :). I would definitely let you eat as much pie as you wanted! Because now that you mention s’mores I’m thinking they need to make an appearance at my 4th of July celebration. Hope you’re having a great day, my friend!
This pie is just gorgeous, Kelsie! So perfect for the 4th and all summer barbecues!
Thank you so much, Kelly! I just can’t even wait for 4th of July BBQs!
Beautiful. I need to get more creative wit pies. Hell, I need to bake pies!!!
Haha! Thank you Mimi!
So gorgeous and festive Kelsie! That crust is perfect!
Thank you so much Lindsay! Happy Wednesday!
Is it possible we share some DNA? Ice cream appetizer followed by pie and ice cream dessert sounds like a perfect 4th of July to me!
I think we might. We have very similar eating habits! Who needs real food when there’s pie and ice cream around? Hope you’re having a great week, Carlee!
What a fun way to jazz up a pie for the 4th of July! My hubby loves blueberry pie and I’m sure he’ll be dropping hints for me to bake one before the summer is over!!
Thank you Liz! Blueberry pie is one of my favorites, too :). Hope your week is going well!
This is good old fashioned home baked greatness!! This pie is making me hungry and it’s just beautiful!! Take care.
Thank you Stacey! Have a great rest of your week!
Your pie is so pretty!! I have fond memories of 4th of July celebrations growing up as a kid 🙂 This pie looks delicious! And I totally love the cute star cut outs!! Xoxo
Thank you so much Kelly! The Fourth is always so much fun isn’t it? Have a great rest of your week!
my favorite thing about summer is all the fruit!! and i can’t remember the last time i had blueberry pie (my family is very into strawberry and cherry), so i think it’s time to make one (;
YES! You just can’t beat the fruit this time of year! Happy Wednesday, Heather!
Fruit pies, crisps, and cobblers are my favorite desserts in the summer especially, and I’m loving this gorgeous blueberry pie! I love the 4th of July too — all the stars and red white and blue! This pie is the perfect dessert for such a great occasion — you did such a great job!
Thank you so much, Marcie! Hope you’re having a great week, my friend!
I never baked a pie! don’t know why? And every time I look at a gorgeous like the one you shared, I get so excited to bake one 🙂
Oooohhh definitely try your hand at pie! It really is easier than you’d think, especially if you buy your crust :). Thank you Kankana, and happy Wednesday!
Who doesn’t like pie? Or love it, really? At this time of the year fruit pie is a must, and blueberries are a wonderful choice. Good stuff — thanks.
Thank you John! Pie is definitely a must around here :). Hope you’re having a great week!
This is one beautiful pie Kelsie. I love making and eating them but have never tried a blueberry. Perfect for the fourth.
Thank you so much Julie! I’m totally into blueberry pies right now–they’re so perfectly summer-y!
We are such a blueberry-loving family! I love this simple recipe, too! They are just starting to be “in-season” here’s so I’m pinning this recipe to use later! Thanks!
Thank you Laura! YAY for blueberry season 🙂
Gosh there’s nothing like a pie!! So American and so delicious!!
Right? Pie is just too good :). Happy Saturday, Zainab!
i always have to use something stronger than flour (usually tapioca) in my blueberry pie fillings, but you’ve nailed it! bravo!
The flour worked here, but I’m usually a tapioca girl too. Thank you, Grace! Happy Monday, my friend!