How to Serve Blueberry Pie: Hot or Cold? [Reheating Tips Included]
There are few things as blissful as a big slice of blueberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The flaky crust, juicy blueberry, and chilled ice cream – all of it come together to make for a truly delightful experience. The question is, should the blueberry pie be hot or cold to get the most out of it?
You can serve blueberry pie either warm or cold as the choice is entirely a matter of personal preference. Just don’t serve it too hot because it can collapse. Fresh blueberry pie has a warm, flaky texture and the filling is oozing. In contrast, cold pie is more compact and less fragile, meaning you can enjoy all the layers distinctly.
In this article, we are going to explore the delicious world of blueberries and blueberry pies and the benefits of serving them hot and cold. Plus, we will go over all the fun ways you can serve blueberry, be it hot or cold.
Should Blueberry Pie Be Served Hot or Cold?
The debate over serving pies hot or cold can be fierce. Fortunately, you can enjoy blueberry pie at whatever temperatures you prefer. There really is no clear winner here.
One is sure: never cut and try to serve blueberry pie fresh from the oven, while it’s still hot. Since you didn’t give it enough time to set, blueberry pie filling can easily be runny and the crust too crumbly and dry.
However, some people like to enjoy the pie warm. This ensures that the crumbs and crust are still flaky, but not too dry. And the filling remains gooey without running all over the place. What is more, warm ingredients will intensify the flavors of the pie.
And another benefit of eating the pie while it is still hot is that you do not have to wait too long to satisfy your taste buds!
But equally, you can enjoy the decadence of blueberry pie when the heat has dissipated. Cold blueberry pie ensures that the filling is entirely set and there is no chance of a runny pie. Some also like the firmer texture of a cold pie.
Eating blueberry pie cold is a whole other experience. Flavors are not that strong, but refreshing, just like the dessert taste should be. Plus, there is zero chance of you burning your tongue trying to bite into a steaming hot pie.
Giving your pie enough time, you ensure that the flavors are blended and the crust is perfectly moist.
Chilled blueberry pie can be especially enjoyable if you are serving it with ice cream or whipped cream. This will make for a superb summertime dessert. Plus, with cold pie, you do not have to worry about heating it. You can enjoy it whenever and however you want to and it will still taste good.
What to Serve With Blueberry Pie?
Blueberry pie is perfectly enjoyable on its own, which is how many people prefer to eat it. But there are more than a few who want to take their pies to the next level, add some extra dimensions to their taste.
And for those pie lovers, here are some suggestions on the various ways you can serve a slice of blueberry pies.
Vanilla Ice Cream
The combination of ice cream on top of the cold blueberry pie is a summertime classic. Fruits have always been a prestigious companion for ice cream. And that applies seamlessly with fruit pies, especially blueberry.
The smooth, creamy texture of vanilla elegantly complements the slightly tart sweetness of the blueberries.
Of course, you can try your favorite flavor of ice cream. But the traditional method is to place a large scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a big slice of blueberry pie. You can do this with both hot and cold blueberry pies. It is a perfect choice for dessert to cool down during the summer heat.
Vanilla Instant Pudding
As I said, nothing fits best with a blueberry pie flavor as vanilla does. That’s why I suggest trying a slice of warm blueberry pie with vanilla instant pudding.
For this serving idea, you need to add more milk to the pudding mix than it is written on the packaging. You will get a nice, rich sauce to pour on your pie.
Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is another way to give your cold blueberry pie a sweet and creamy texture. Warm blueberry pie enhances the sweetness of the pie, so I prefer the sweet whipping cream with the cold slice of pie, rather than a warm slice.
You can make the cream at home if you have the time. You can do this while the pie is baking in the oven. Alternatively, you can apply store-bought whipped cream. Let the pie cool down after baking and then top it off with a generous amount of cream.
Chopped Nuts
If you are looking for a bit of crunch in your blueberry pie, chopped nuts are the way to go. Pecans, walnuts, almonds, are some of the more popular choices for toppings. But you can mix and match any type of nuts you desire to give your pie a crunchy exterior.
Roast the nuts in a pan. This will bring out the nutty flavor more. Then chop the nuts into smaller pieces or you can use them whole. Garnish the nuts over the finished pie as soon as it is out of the oven.
Coconut Crumble Topping
Just like with apple pie, a crumble topping goes deliciously with blueberry pie. And to add some more flavor to the crumble, add some coconutty flavor to the mix.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, shredded coconut, and sugar. You can also add a pinch of kosher salt if you like. Separately, beat butter until it gains light and smooth consistency. It is best to use unsalted butter in this case. Now add the flour mixture into the butter and turn it into flaky crumbles.
Add the crumble over the filling right before you put the pie in the oven. Then bake the pie for as long as the recipe calls for, and enjoy the pie either warm or cold.
Lemon Meringue
If the natural tartness of the blueberry is not doing it for you, you can enhance that flavor with a lemon meringue.
And the process is very simple. Whisk together egg whites and sugar in a bowl. Place the bowl on top of another pan or bowl that has simmering water. Make sure the bowl of meringue is not touching the water directly.
Now stir until the sugar completely dissolves in the whites. Take the bowl off the heat. Now add a generous dose of lemon juice or lemon zest into the mix. With the help of an electrical beater, whisk the mixture until you get a fluffy and soft texture. This will usually not take more than 5 minutes. Then place the meringue into a piping bag or scoop it directly onto the pie.
How to Reheat Blueberry Pie?
Now, let’s say that you are someone who likes their blueberry pie hot. You have leftover blueberry pie in the fridge and plan on having it for breakfast. Here is how you can reheat the pie simply and quickly.
Reheat the Blueberry Pie in the Oven
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300-350 degrees. If the blueberry pie is cold due to refrigerating, taking it out earlier will speed up the reheating process.
Step 2: Cover the Pie With Foil
Place the leftover pie on a baking tray. Cover the pie with cooking foil. Then put it in the oven. Depending on the size and thickness of the pie, you may need to keep it in the oven for 10-20 minutes.
Step 3: Check if the Temperature Is Right
Check to see if the pie has heated all the way through. A good way of doing this would be to bring the pie out of the oven, take a knife and pierce the center. Then carefully test the temperature with either your fingertip or the tip of your tongue. If it is not hot enough, cover with foil and put it back in for an additional couple of minutes.
Heat It in a Microwave
Alternatively, you can heat your pie in a microwave. Put a slice of pie in a microwave-safe bowl (never use a metal pan or tray) or dish and heat it in the oven for 4-5 minutes. The best way to do so would be to heat it in 90-second intervals for 3-4 times or until you feel the pie is hot enough.
Of course, if you are planning on preserving the taste and texture of the pie as much as possible, reheating it in the oven is a much better option than the microwave.
Do You Have to Refrigerate Blueberry Pie?
If you are going to eat the pie in a couple of days, there is no need to refrigerate the pie. The pie can safely last for that period and you can keep it covered and store it in your pantry. But if you have not finished the pie even after that period, you should consider refrigerating it.
Fruit pies like blueberry can last naturally for a substantial period. But eventually, it will start deteriorating. And eating rotten pie is pretty sure of getting food poisoning.
Now, if you particularly like the taste of chilled blueberry pie, refrigerating it is a good idea. After you bring the pie out of the oven, let it cool down naturally first. It is never a good idea to place a hot pie in the fridge. After it cools down, place it in the fridge for an hour or two before you start gorging on it.
This method will also ensure that the pie lasts a few days longer.
You can also prepare the filling for blueberry pie a few days in advance in anticipation of any upcoming event. Then you simply store the filling in a bowl and cover it up with foil and put it in the fridge. This will ensure that the filling stays nice and fresh while saving you a lot of time when the schedule becomes hectic.
How Long Does Homemade Blueberry Pie Last?
According to the USDA, fruit pies such as apple or blueberry can remain safe for consumption for up to 2 days without refrigeration. Fruits like blueberry and cherry have a naturally high level of sugar and acid content. These factors keep the risk of bacterial growth low. So, they do not perish as quickly or easily as products such as milk or cheese. [1]
It is the same reason you can keep fruits out in the open for days without worrying about bacterial contamination. And most of the additional ingredients in a blueberry pie are not prone to contamination either.
But do remember to keep the pie covered properly and store it someplace dry and cool. You can wrap the pie with foil and place it in the pantry and it will comfortably stay safe for a couple of days.
But if you are planning on keeping the pie for any longer, you should put it in the fridge. A blueberry pie will last for at least a week if you store it in a refrigerator.
Now, if you want to preserve the pie for even longer, your best viable option is to freeze it in a freezer. This method can keep your pie safe for months. Then when you get the craving, bring it out and thaw it first. Then reheat with the method we have already discussed and the pie should be ready to be devoured.
What Is Blueberry Pie Good For?
Of all the types of pies out there, fruit pies are generally considered to be the healthiest choice. And blueberry pie stands out among its compatriots as the fruits play the central role with very little support. Eating blueberries can lead to many potential health benefits. Here we highlight some of them. [2] [3]
Low in Calorie
Blueberries themselves contain very few calories. And most blueberry pie recipes do not call for much added sugar as the fruit brings its natural sweetness. So, a blueberry pie is an excellent choice for pie lovers who also want to keep the calorie count as low as possible.
Vast Storehouse of Antioxidant
Our bodies produce free radicals as a by-product when performing many vital functions. Antioxidants protect our bodies from the inside by trapping these radicals. And blueberries are some of the best natural sources of antioxidants available. This activity can help maintain normal heart and brain function.
Potential Benefit Against Cancer and Aging
One of the worst things that free radicals do in our bodies is damage our DNA. This damage, in turn, will lead to aging effects and may potentially cause cancer or a similar type of cellular mutation.
Blueberries, thanks to their high antioxidant level, can potentially reduce this damage significantly, as several studies have shown.
Good for Your Heart
When cholesterol accumulates in your blood vessels and starts to oxidize, it can spiral into severe conditions such as heart failure or stroke. Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of blueberries can prevent this from happening and may even play a role in keeping blood cholesterol levels manageable.
May Help Against Diabetes
One of the ways people get affected by diabetes is tissue insensitivity to insulin, which is a hormone that controls your blood sugar levels. Studies have suggested that regularly eating blueberry can improve tissue sensitivity towards insulin in both men and women who are obese.
Can Help in Managing High Blood Pressure
Multiple studies have found that regularly eating blueberries have a significant benefit in people suffering from high blood pressure complications. This problem can be life-threatening if left unchecked. And blueberries can have a positive impact in reducing high blood pressure and keeping it in a more manageable range.
Improved Memory
Oxidative damage is one of the main ways your brain slowly loses its functioning power. As you age, the damage accumulates and causes poor memory, slow cerebration, etc.
Once again, the antioxidative property of blueberries can come into play. By decreasing oxidative damage, blueberries can slow down the aging process in your brain. While more studies have to be done on this particular topic, early indications have been very encouraging.
To conclude, be it hot or cold, a proper blueberry pie is a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you are enjoying it with ice cream or meringue or simply on its own, you are sure to have a blissful time with some potentially huge health benefits.
