Mustikkapiirakka (Finnish Blueberry Pie)
In short: A buttery shortcrust base holds a thick layer of blueberries, topped with a light egg and cream custard that sets around the fruit as it bakes. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 430 kcal
Mustikkapiirakka is the pie Finns bake when wild blueberries are in season in July and August, though frozen berries make it good all year. A buttery shortcrust base holds a thick layer of berries, and a light custard of egg and cream is poured over before baking, so it sets around the fruit. Serve it warm or cold with vanilla ice cream or cream.
Instructions
- Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Rub in the butter until the mixture looks like crumbs, then add the egg and mix to a dough. Press it into a 24 cm (9.5 in) pie dish, up the sides, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Prick the base with a fork and bake for 10 minutes, until set and lightly colored.
- Toss the blueberries with the sugar and starch. Do not thaw frozen berries first. Spread them over the baked base.
- Whisk the eggs, cream, sugar and vanilla until smooth and pour the custard over the berries.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the custard is set and the edge of the pastry is golden.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or cold with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Use frozen berries straight from the freezer. Tossed with starch, they keep their shape and the pie stays juicy rather than watery.
- Wild bilberries, if you can find them, are smaller and more intense than cultivated blueberries. Use the same weight.
Questions and answers
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes. Use them straight from the freezer, tossed with the starch, and add about 5 minutes to the final bake.
Can I make mustikkapiirakka ahead?
Yes. Bake it a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Serve at room temperature or warm for 10 minutes at 160°C (325°F).
How do I stop the pastry base getting soggy?
Pre-bake the base for 10 minutes, as in the recipe, and toss the berries with starch so their juice thickens rather than soaking into the crust.
How long does it take to make Mustikkapiirakka (Finnish Blueberry Pie)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mustikkapiirakka (Finnish Blueberry Pie)?
About 430 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 54 g of carbohydrates and 21 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 430 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
