Can’t Find Hostess Blueberry Fruit Pies? Let’s Make Them At Home

Can’t Find Hostess Blueberry Fruit Pies? Let’s Make Them At Home

America’s adored Hostess blueberry fruit pies can be quite elusive to find. But that’s where we’ve got you. This delightful homemade version lets you enjoy the same scrumptious treat from scratch. Moreover, the recipe draws inspiration from the nostalgia of these classic pies. Recreating a store-bought-like pie without resorting to industrial ingredients and artificial flavors might seem challenging. However, this will help you master the art so you don’t have to spend countless hours in the kitchen.

It is time to cook a delectable blueberry pie filling encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust. Once the pies are baked to the perfect golden color, a tangy glaze is drizzled on top. Further, it will add a finishing touch that harkens back to the appeal of the original.

What’s The Key To Make It Similar To The Original One?

​​The resemblance to a Hostess Fruit Pie lies in two fundamental aspects.

  • Firstly, crafting a flaky crust that’s light as air. Achieving this texture requires using minimal ingredients and keeping the preparation method straightforward.
  • Secondly, focus on creating a filling that’s lusciously gooey and silky. Moreover, people sometimes criticize Hostess fruit pies for being too sweet and having too much cinnamon spice. To capture the essence without going overboard, aim for the perfect balance in sweetness and opt for a cinnamon level that suits your taste preferences.

Recipe | Step-by-step Guide

To whip up these delightful Hostess-inspired blueberry fruit pies, gather the following ingredients:

For The Pies

  • 3 cups of fresh blueberries, thoroughly washed
  • ½ cup of granulated white sugar
  • 3 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 3 sheets of frozen puff pastry, fully thawed
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons of milk

For The Glaze:

  • 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ¼ to ⅓ cup of water

Start With The Berries

Work To Soften The Blueberries

Begin crafting these delightful pies by preparing and cooling the blueberry filling. Make sure the filling reaches room temperature before use. To achieve this;

  • Take a medium to large saucepan and combine the fresh blueberries with sugar.
  • Now, set the pan over medium heat and gently bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • As the berries soften and the sugar dissolves, you’ll notice the delightful aroma filling the air.
  • Once the blueberries begin to burst and release their juices, give the mixture a good stir.

Thicken And Cool

Further, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice until it forms a thick slurry. It is time to mix this slurry into the blueberry-sugar mixture and blend thoroughly. Don’t forget to add the delightful lemon zest and a touch of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.

Further, place the saucepan over medium heat, bringing the filling to a gentle boil while occasionally stirring. Also, this process usually takes 3 to 5 minutes to achieve the desired thickness. Once the filling has thickened to perfection, remove it from the heat source. Transfer it to another heat-proof container and let it cool completely at room temperature.

  • If you plan to make the filling in advance, store it inside the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
  • Remember to bring the filling back to room temperature when preparing the pies for optimal results.

Thanks to this heavenly blueberry filling, your pies will be bursting with deliciousness!

Get The Pastry Ready

  • Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and position the rack in the middle.
  • Take two cookie sheets and line them with non-stick baking paper. Keep them aside for later use.
  • Further, unfold the puff pastry sheets, ensuring they are completely thawed.
  • Take each sheet and roll it out into a 10-inch square shape. If desired, lightly dust the surface with some cake flour to prevent sticking.
  • Besides, proceed to cut each 10-inch square into four smaller squares, resulting in four 5×5-inch squares per sheet.

By the end, you’ll have 12 small pastry squares perfectly sized for your mouth watering pies.

Put Together The Pies

  • Whisk together the beaten egg and milk to form a smooth egg wash.
  • Now, take a cooled blueberry filling and spoon between 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons onto the center of each pastry square.
  • Moreover, brush the edges of the square with the prepared egg wash.
  • Time to gently fold one half of the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges together firmly to create a neat rectangular shape.
  • Ensure the edges are securely sealed by crimping them with your fingers.
  • Next, place the finished pies onto the lined baking tray, and continue the process until all your pies are beautifully assembled.

Now, your pies are all set for the oven!

Time To Bake

Start by brushing each pie with the prepared egg wash on both sides so they get a nice coating.

Bake the pies in the oven for approximately 20-22 minutes or until they achieve a mesmerizing golden brown hue and crispiness. You better keep an eye on them during baking to see if they don’t overcook.

Once the pies are done to perfection, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool down. Besides, this will help retain their crispy texture while allowing the taste to settle and intensify.

Prepare The Delectable Glaze

While the pies are in the oven, create the glaze by whisking them together:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Vanilla extract

Achieve the desired consistency by adjusting it with a little water. Once the pies are baked and cooled down, it’s time to work magic with the glaze. Drizzle generously over each pastry, allowing it to cascade gracefully over the edges. Further, leave the glazed pastries undisturbed to dry completely.

Properly storing your Hostess fruit pies

For the best experience, consuming the pies on the same day they are made when their flavors and textures are at their peak is ideal. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness for up to 3 days.

Alternatively, you can freeze the pies if you wish to keep them longer. Moreover, properly wrapped and sealed, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Some Extra Tips

Flexibility in Size:

Feel free to customize the portion sizes according to your preference. You can make them bigger or smaller as desired.

Perfecting the Filling:

If your blueberry filling is still a bit runny after cooling, don’t worry. You can easily fix it by adding more cornstarch.

  • Create a slurry by whisking some juice with cornstarch in a small bowl.
  • Mix it into the blueberry filling while whisking in a good amount.
  • Bring the filling to a gentle boil again.
  • Let it cool completely for a thicker consistency.

Air-Free Fold:

As you fold the pastry over the filling, take care to press out any air pockets that might form. Also, a tight seal without excess air will prevent the pies from bursting open during baking.

Ending Notes

Your very own homemade Hostess-inspired blueberry fruit pies to satisfy your cravings without having to wait at all!

Homemade pies offer the advantage of complete control over the ingredients. Also, they fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of freshly baked pastries, making the experience even more rewarding. So, your homemade Hostess blueberry fruit pies will be ready to impress and delight everyone.

Whether it’s a cozy evening at home, a family get-together, or any occasion that calls for a delicious treat.

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