A simple and beautiful 4th of July dessert idea that packs a major wow factor. Star shaped cookie cutters take this classic blueberry pie recipe to a festive new level.
As far as I can remember, there hasn’t been a single summer that has passed without me enjoying at least one homemade blueberry pie. I was raised on this pie and it’s ingrained in my soul.
I’ve written about my history with blueberry pie before, and it’s still one of my favorite foods of all time.
It’s also one of the few recipes that was passed down to me from my Grandma.
The women in my life never put much emphasis on cooking. While there was always a hot meal on the table, my mom and grandma’s energies always leaned more towards outdoor activities.
As a girl it was a great way to grow up, but it also left a lot to be desired in the “family recipe” area.
I never thought much of this until I married The Hubs who is from the deep south. His mother is bursting with hand me down, foolproof recipes that she can make from memory.
Talk about impressive!
As I hope to learn all of my mother in law’s family recipes one day, I already have one memorized from my side of the family.
Blueberry pie.
Here’s a little secret though, even the best blueberry pie can stand some adjusting occasionally. For this particular pie, I switched out the lemon juice and zest that my classic recipe calls for with grapefruit zest and juice.
What?!?!? I know, I’m so crazy sometimes, but I had a grapefruit in my CSA box so I thought, “why the heck not?”
It gave this pie an awesome tanginess that no one could exactly put their finger on.
Star Shaped Dessert
I also made this crazy adorable star crust in lieu of my usual full double crust. 4th of July recipe inspiration was on my mind with the holiday coming up, so I went a little festive.
There are 2 things I will NEVER change from my grandma’s recipe.
The first is using shortening for the dough.
The second is brushing the top with an egg wash and sprinkling it with sugar before baking. It makes for the perfect golden brown crust.
I was sure to save a piece for my brother who also lives for blueberry pie in the summers just like me.
Get the basic 4th of July dessert recipe for blueberry pie here
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Sheryl says
Where’s the recipe? ???
betsy says
You have to click on the link where it says “classic blueberry pie”
Wendy says
Classic recipe?
betsy says
Whoops! Sorry, I mean “history with blueberry pie”
Larry Tillman says
Perfect for this upcoming 4th of July. I’ve requested my wife to bake it according to your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Angelique Marquez says
How did u make tbe stars on the pie?
Kell says
Where’s the recipe???
betsy says
There’s bold text that links to the classic recipe
Megan says
Looks super cute!! I also am wondering how to do the stars on the crust…thanks!
betsy says
I used a linzer cookie cutter
Patty says
Hi, I love the way you presented the crust. It is so cute and festive. Did you use a cookie cutter? If so, what size and did you need to do anything to apply the cutouts to the top of the crust? Can this be made the day before and re-fridgerated until serving the next day?
betsy says
I used a 1 inch star shaped cookie cutter. I egg washed the entire “holey” crust and then stuck the cutouts onto the egg wash, then egg washed over the top of the cutouts. You can prepare and refrigerate the day before and bake the day of, or you can bake the day before and refrigerate until ready to serve.