Blueberry Ice-Box Pie
A refreshing blueberry ice-box pie with a creamy filling and vibrant blueberry topping, perfect for summer gatherings and fruit lovers seeking a cool, delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and cornstarch.
- Gradually stir in 1/8 cup water.
- Add blueberries and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Cool the blueberry filling.
- In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups sugar until creamy.
- Slice bananas and layer them at the bottom of the baked pie shell.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bananas.
- Top with the blueberry filling.
- Refrigerate and serve with ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese for a lighter version. If fresh blueberries are unavailable, frozen blueberries can work as well, just ensure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Blueberry Ice-Box Pie chilled, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing salad or a slice of the Coconut Chiffon Pie for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pie can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, but if you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blueberry Ice-Box Pie contains roughly 386 calories, with 3g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add any toppings like whipped cream right before serving to keep them fresh.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative if you're looking for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, consider brushing the baked pie shell with a thin layer of melted chocolate or white chocolate before adding the filling. This acts as a barrier and helps maintain the crust's crispiness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).