This traditional Finnish dessert, more commonly known as Mustikkapiirakka, gains popularity during the summer months when the forests and nearby lakes are abundant with bilberries (a smaller type of blueberry, common in Scandinavia). It is often also referred to as the "summer cottage pie" because it holds a special place in the hearts of Finns who often indulge in this dessert while spending time at their summer retreats. Mustikkapiirakka can be enjoyed straight out of the oven or served cold, accompanied by whipped cream or a side of ice cream. In Finland it is often also enjoyed as a summer breakfast. Sounds yummy! Let’s make it!
All you need is: 100 g butter, 100 g sugar, 2 egg, 100 g graham flour, 200 g wheat flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 400 g bilberries or blueberries, 200 ml sour cream, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp vanilla sugar, 1 tsp freshly ground cardamom
1. Preheat the oven to 175 C. To make the crust, whisk together the sugar with the butter until fluffy. Add the egg and mix until combined, then add the flour and the baking powder. At this point, the dough should be sticky, almost like a cookie dough.
2. Spread the dough into a pie tin 26-28 cm in diameter and create a raised edge around the dish using your fingers.
3. To make the filling, combine the sour cream, honey, egg, vanilla sugar and cardamom. Pour the filling over the blueberries, then add it into the dish on top of your crust.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is almost set. Don’t worry if the filling in the centre jiggles a little, it will set once the pie cools.
5. Serve your Mustikkapiirakka warm or cold together with cream. On the first day, the crust will be a crunch contrast to the smooth filling, while on subsequent days, it will have a more cheesecake-like texture.