Strawberry Pie

Introduction

Strawberry Pie is a classic dessert that celebrates the sweet, juicy flavors of fresh strawberries in a buttery, flaky crust. This pie is the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer treat or a delightful dessert to impress your guests, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant red filling, made with fresh strawberries and a light glaze, ensures each bite is bursting with natural sweetness and fruity goodness.

I remember making this pie for the first time on a warm afternoon, eager to capture the bright flavors of ripe strawberries. As the pie chilled, the glossy glaze set beautifully over the fresh berries, and when I finally sliced into it, the balance of flaky crust and sweet filling was pure perfection. It was an instant favorite, bringing a taste of summer to every bite.

What makes this pie so special is its versatility. You can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice all to yourself, this strawberry pie is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress!

Perfect for:

• Summer gatherings
• Family desserts
• Picnics and barbecues
• Holiday celebrations
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pie

Here’s why Strawberry Pie will become a favorite in your recipe collection:

• Fresh and Fruity: The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries shines through in every bite.
• Light and Refreshing: Unlike heavier pies, this strawberry pie has a fresh, fruity filling that’s not overly rich.
• Flaky and Buttery Crust: A homemade or store-bought crust provides the perfect base for the luscious strawberry filling.
• Simple Yet Elegant: This pie looks stunning on the table with its glossy, ruby-red topping.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this pie comes together quickly for a delicious homemade dessert.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Pie:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: The key ingredient, providing natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the flavor and prevents the strawberries from becoming overly sweet.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to complement the strawberries.
• Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery crust serves as the perfect base for the fresh strawberry filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Crust: Roll out the pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess and crimp the edges as desired.
3. Blind Bake the Crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, line it with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
4. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

5. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns translucent (about 5 minutes).
6. Add Flavoring: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and butter (if using). Let cool slightly.
7. Prepare the Strawberries: Arrange half of the sliced strawberries in the cooled pie crust.
8. Combine with Glaze: Pour the glaze over the strawberries, ensuring they are evenly coated. Gently fold in the remaining fresh strawberries.
9. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

How to Serve Strawberry Pie

Strawberry Pie is best served chilled and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the sweet strawberries.
• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Garnished with Mint: A few fresh mint leaves add a refreshing touch.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: A light drizzle of melted chocolate makes for an elegant presentation.
• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Pie

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Pie turns out perfectly:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Ripe, in-season strawberries yield the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Glaze: The glaze should be thick but still pourable. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water.
• Let the Pie Chill Completely: This helps the filling set properly and makes slicing easier.
• Try a Graham Cracker Crust: For a different twist, use a graham cracker or cookie crust instead of a traditional pie crust.
• Make It Ahead: This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Keep the Crust Crisp: If you prefer a crunchier crust, brush it with a beaten egg white before baking.
• Adjust Sweetness: If your strawberries are extra sweet, reduce the sugar slightly.
• Store Properly: Cover and refrigerate leftovers to keep them fresh.
• Cool the Pie Before Slicing – Let the pie set completely before cutting to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Brush the Crust for a Golden Finish – If using a top crust, brush it with plant-based milk or aquafaba for a golden, shiny appearance.
• Add a Flavor Boost – A splash of lemon juice, vanilla extract, or a pinch of cinnamon enhances the strawberry flavor.
• Chill for a No-Bake Version – For a no-bake pie, use a graham cracker or cookie crust and a gelatin-free strawberry filling that sets in the fridge.
• Top with Whipped Topping or Ice Cream – Vegan coconut whipped cream or vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with strawberry pie for extra indulgence.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Pie

Here are 10 variations to try for Strawberry Pie:

• Strawberry Cream Pie: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese or custard beneath the strawberries.
• Strawberry Rhubarb Pie: Mix in chopped rhubarb for a tangy-sweet flavor contrast.
• Chocolate Strawberry Pie: Spread a layer of melted chocolate over the crust before adding the filling.
• Strawberry Shortcake Pie: Use a biscuit-style crust for a fun twist.
• No-Bake Strawberry Pie: Skip the oven and use a graham cracker crust with a chilled filling.
• Strawberry Coconut Pie: Add shredded coconut to the filling or crust for a tropical flair.
• Glazed Strawberry Tart: Make individual tartlets with the same filling.
• Strawberry Lemon Pie: Add extra lemon zest and juice for a bright citrus twist.
• Strawberry Almond Pie: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top for a nutty crunch.
• Vegan Strawberry Pie: Use a vegan pie crust and substitute agar-agar for cornstarch.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Pie

• Freezing: This pie is best enjoyed fresh, but the crust can be baked and frozen in advance. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Cover the pie to prevent it from drying out.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Pie

Here are some special equipment items that will help you prepare your Strawberry Pie:

• Pie Pan: A 9-inch pie pan is ideal for baking this dessert.
• Rolling Pin: If making homemade crust, a rolling pin helps achieve an even thickness.
• Pastry Cutter: Useful for mixing homemade pie dough.
• Saucepan: For cooking the glaze.
• Cooling Rack: Helps the pie crust cool evenly before adding the filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Essential for stirring the glaze smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Pie

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Fresh strawberries are best, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them first.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
   Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
   Blind bake the crust and let it cool completely before adding the filling.
4. Can I use a store-bought glaze?
   Yes, but homemade glaze has a fresher taste.
5. Can I make this pie sugar-free?
   Yes, substitute a sugar alternative in the glaze.

Print

Conclusion

Strawberry Pie is a delightful, fresh, and fruity dessert that’s bursting with sweet, juicy flavor in every bite. With its luscious filling and buttery, flaky crust, this pie is both simple to make and impressive to serve.

Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations, this classic treat is sure to bring smiles all around. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

I’d love to see your take on Strawberry Pie! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Happy baking!