Having a can of blueberry pie filling stashed away in the pantry can be lifesaving! Yet canned pie fillings might save time and effort; they don’t quite taste the same as homemade…until now! Keep reading to learn how to make canned blueberry pie filling taste better with some of our easy and clever hacks.
How to Make Canned Blueberry Pie Filling Taste Better
Adjust Sweetness
When using canned blueberry pie filling, you may find it too sweet or not sweet enough. Adjusting the sweetness can make a huge difference in the overall flavor of your pie.
To reduce sweetness, you can:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice
- Sprinkle in a pinch of salt
- Mix in unsweetened berries, fresh or frozen
On the other hand, to increase sweetness, you can:
- Add granulated sugar, one teaspoon at a time
- Use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Stir in a fruit preserve, such as blueberry or mixed berry
Remember to taste the filling after each adjustment and continue making small changes until the desired sweetness is achieved. This will ensure that your blueberry pie filling is tailored to your unique tastes.
Enhance Flavors
I think we all can agree that canned blueberry pie filling can be delicious, but sometimes it needs a little boost to make it taste even better. By using a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can enhance the flavors of your canned filling to create a scrumptious dessert.
Add Some Citrus
Start by adding a bit of citrus to your blueberry filling. The combination of sweet blueberries and tangy citrus can take the taste of your blueberry pie filling to a new level. Stir in the zest of one lemon or orange to your canned filling:
- Choose lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor
- Use orange zest for a sweeter, citrus note
Spice It Up
Warm spices can also enhance the flavor of your canned blueberry pie filling. Add a pinch of cinnamon or a touch of nutmeg to bring out the natural sweetness and depth of the berries. Here are a few spice options to consider:
- Cinnamon adds a warm and slightly sweet taste and smells great
- Nutmeg is a sweet spice that smells amazing
- Cardamon is slightly spicy with a delicious scent
Try swapping out some of the syrup in the canned filling with a high-quality fruit preserve or jam. This can add a richer fruit flavor and help balance the sweetness of the canned filling. Choose a flavor that complements blueberries, such as raspberry or blackberry.
Add Texture
Try mixing in additional ingredients to complement the blueberries and create a more complex texture:
- Chopped nuts: Adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can add a nice crunch to the filling. Be sure to toast the nuts before mixing them in for the best flavor.
- Coconut: Mixing in shredded, unsweetened coconut can bring a new dimension to the texture of the filling while also contributing a subtle, complementary flavor.
- Oats: Using rolled oats can add a rustic, hearty texture to the pie filling. If you choose this option, we recommend combining the oats with a little bit of melted butter and brown sugar.
Have Fun Experimenting
One of the best ways to make canned blueberry pie filling taste better is to experiment with different ingredients and combinations. Try adding:
- Almond extract: A few drops of almond extract add a subtle nutty undertone that complements the blueberries.
- Browned butter: Stirring in a little browned butter can give the filling a richer, more complex taste.
- A different flavor of fruit filling: Apple pie filling adds a crisp and slightly tart contrast to the sweet blueberries. Strawberries add a natural sweetness that compliments the blueberries without overpowering them.
Upgrade the Crust
A homemade crust can take any type of canned pie filling to a new level. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making your own pie crust.
- Butter: Use cold, unsalted butter in your crust recipe for a tender and flaky result.
- Flour: Opt for all-purpose flour, or try using pastry flour for a more delicate texture.
- Shortening: A combination of butter and shortening can provide both flavor and flakiness.
- Spices: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for added warmth and depth.
- Sugar: Include a small amount of sugar for a slightly sweet crust.
When rolling out the dough, ensure to maintain an even thickness and avoid overworking it. This will prevent a tough crust.
Try Some Cool Crust Designs
- Lattice: Create a weaving pattern of dough strips on top of the pie filling, which allows the filling to show through.
- Braided: Braid thin strips of dough and place them around the edge of the pie for an elegant finish.
- Leaf Cutouts: Use a cookie cutter to make leaf shapes and arrange them on top of the filling for a decorative touch.
FAQs
Should blueberry pie be refrigerated?
Yes, it is best to refrigerate your blueberry pie. Refrigerating your blueberry pie helps to preserve its taste and texture for up to 4-5 days.
What to make with blueberry pie filling
There are numerous recipes you can make with blueberry pie filling. Some popular options include:
- Blueberry pie bars: Layer pie filling between a shortbread-style crust and topping.
- Blueberry turnovers: Wrap pie filling in puff pastry and bake until golden brown.
- Blueberry crumble: Alternate layers of pie filling and a crumbly topping made with oats, sugar, and butter.
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Can you freeze blueberry pie filling?
Yes, you can freeze blueberry pie filling for up to six months in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Press out any excess air and label the container or bag with the date and type of filling.
What is the tastiest crust type for a blueberry pie?
The best crust type for a blueberry pie depends on personal preferences. However, some popular crust types include:
- Classic pie crust: A simple, flaky, and tender crust made with flour, cold butter, ice water, and a touch of salt.
- Graham cracker crust: A sweet and crunchy crust made from graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar.
- Pâte sucrée: A sweet and crumbly French-style crust made with butter, sugar, flour, and eggs.