Finnish Bilberry Pie with Spiced Rye Crust

Name: Finnish Bilberry Pie with Spiced Rye Crust
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups rye flour; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 pinch of salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water; 2 cups fresh or frozen bilberries (or wild blueberries); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Juice of half a lemon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon rye flour; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon milk

A traditional Nordic dessert with a delightful twist

This Finnish Bilberry Pie combines tart bilberries with a subtly spiced rye crust, offering a unique and flavorful dessert experience.

1 h 30 min
8
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Spiced Rye Crust

1 1/4 cups rye flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1 pinch of salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

For the Bilberry Filling

2 cups fresh or frozen bilberries (or wild blueberries)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Juice of half a lemon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon rye flour

For the Egg Wash

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon milk

Preparation

Making the Spiced Rye Crust

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the rye flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.

Incorporate Butter

Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Form Dough

Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Bilberry Filling

Mix Berries

In a medium bowl, combine the bilberries, sugar, and cornstarch.

Add Flavorings

Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract, then gently stir to combine.

If using frozen bilberries, thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy pie.

Rest Filling

Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking Process

Roll the Dough

Roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.

Ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled before rolling to prevent sticking.

Fill the Pie

Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, trimming and crimping the edges as desired. Pour in the bilberry filling.

Add the Topping

Mix the melted butter, sugar, and rye flour, then sprinkle the mixture over the filling.

Plating & Serving