Name: Strawberry Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 whole All Butter Pie Crust (pre-baked and cooled); 2-3 pounds Fresh Strawberries ((buy 3 lbs to be safe)); 1 cup Granulated Sugar ((200g)); ⅓ cup Water ((79 ml)); 3 tablespoons Cornstarch ((24g)); to taste Whipped Cream (for garnish)

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There’s something truly magical about a fresh Strawberry Pie on a warm spring day. I remember when I first tasted it at a friend’s picnic, the sweetness of ripe strawberries bursting with flavor, all nestled in a buttery crust. It was love at first bite! Each year, as soon as those plump strawberries start popping up at the market, I can hardly resist making this pie. It’s become a tradition in my home; friends and family eagerly await this sweet treat. The best part? It’s simple to make and perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy evening indoors.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Large Pot, Wooden Spoon, Frying Pan

What You’ll Enjoy About This Strawberry Pie

Freshness at Its Best

One of the things I absolutely adore about Strawberry Pie is its reliance on fresh ingredients. When you use fresh strawberries, the flavor is unparalleled. You can’t replicate that taste with frozen berries. Each bite bursts with the essence of spring, reminding us of warm days and sunshine.

Easy to Make

Don’t let the word ‘pie’ intimidate you! The beauty of Strawberry Pie lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes. I love how quick it is to assemble, especially when I already have my crust pre-baked. This is a recipe that anyone can master!

Perfect for Celebrations

Celebrations call for something special, and this pie fits the bill perfectly. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, or just a sunny weekend, serving a Strawberry Pie adds a festive touch to any occasion. It also opens up conversations around the table, as everyone shares their favorite pie memories.

Flexibility in Flavor

One of the best things about Strawberry Pie is the opportunity to customize it. Want a little zing? You can easily add some lemon juice or zest to the filling. Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry pie. The possibilities are endless!

Visual Appeal

Let’s be honest: we eat with our eyes first! The vibrant red of the strawberries against the golden crust is a sight to behold. A well-made Strawberry Pie is truly a centerpiece at any gathering. It’s a dessert that invites people to dig in and enjoy.

What Goes Into Strawberry Pie

When it comes to creating the perfect Strawberry Pie, the ingredients play a crucial role. They come together in a harmonious blend that celebrates the natural sweetness of strawberries. Each element contributes to the overall texture and flavor, making every bite a delight.

All Butter Pie Crust – This buttery crust serves as the perfect base for our filling, adding a rich flavor and flaky texture.
Fresh Strawberries – Ripe strawberries are the star of the show, providing sweetness and a beautiful color.
Granulated Sugar – A little sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries, balancing the flavors.
Water – Used to help cook down the filling and create a delicious syrupy consistency.
Cornstarch – This thickening agent helps set the pie filling, ensuring it holds together perfectly once chilled.
Whipped Cream – A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds an irresistible creamy element to each slice.

How to Cook Strawberry Pie

Making a Strawberry Pie is a delightful experience that brings the joy of baking right into your kitchen. Let’s dive into the steps that will transform those gorgeous strawberries into a stunning dessert that everyone will love. Follow along for the best results!

First, start by blind baking your all butter pie crust according to the package directions or your own recipe. This ensures a crisp base that won’t get soggy from the filling. The crust should be golden brown and fully cooked. Allow it to cool before adding the filling.
Next, measure out about 2 to 3 cups of fresh strawberries. Hull and slice them in half, then measure out 2 cups (approximately 300g). Don’t worry about being exact; just aim for a little more than you think you’ll need, as they shrink during cooking. Crush the sliced strawberries using a potato masher until you have a chunky puree.
In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed strawberries, granulated sugar, water, and cornstarch. Stir well until everything is combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until it reaches a gentle boil. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
Once it starts boiling, allow the mixture to boil for exactly one minute. This will activate the cornstarch and help thicken the filling. After one minute, remove it from heat and let it cool completely before proceeding. This step is crucial because it ensures that the filling is thick and not runny.
To assemble your pie, hull and slice the remaining strawberries into a bowl. Pour the cooled strawberry filling over the top and gently stir to combine. This mixture should be thick but not overly jam-like; it should still have some texture.
Now, carefully spoon the strawberry mixture into the cooled pie crust, making sure to distribute it evenly. You can use a spatula to smooth the top if desired. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least two hours, allowing it to set properly.
Finally, when you’re ready to serve the pie, top it with fresh whipped cream. This adds a delightful creaminess that complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Pie!

Things Worth Knowing

Blind Baking: Always blind bake your crust to prevent sogginess. This involves pre-baking it before adding the filling.
Freshness Matters: Use the ripest, freshest strawberries you can find. They make all the difference in flavor.
Cooling Time: Never rush the cooling process. Let your filling cool completely to ensure the pie sets correctly.
Serving Style: Serve your Strawberry Pie the same day for best taste. It’s at its peak freshness and flavor!

Helpful Hints

When making a Strawberry Pie, a few tips can elevate your baking game! Keep these in mind for a perfect pie.

Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the crust from getting soggy. It’s best enjoyed within the first day or two.
Freezing: You can freeze the filling before assembling the pie. Just thaw it in the fridge the day before you plan to bake.
Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. The cold creaminess pairs wonderfully with the sweet pie.
Crust Options: Feel free to use a refrigerated or frozen pie crust if you’re short on time. They can be just as delicious!
Berry Variations: Mix other berries with your strawberries for a mixed berry pie. Just adjust the sugar levels based on the sweetness of the berries.
Ingredient Check: Always check your ingredients are fresh before starting, as this is key to a delicious pie.
Presentation: Garnish with mint leaves for a beautiful presentation when serving.

What to Serve Alongside Strawberry Pie

Pairing dishes with your Strawberry Pie can enhance the overall dining experience. Here’s a list of delightful options that complement this fresh dessert.

Light Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the sweetness of the pie, creating a balanced meal.
Grilled Chicken: For a heartier option, serve alongside grilled chicken breasts seasoned with herbs. The savory flavors contrast beautifully with the sweet pie.
Cheese Platter: Offer a cheese platter featuring cream cheese, brie, or goat cheese, which can enhance the flavors of the pie.
Drinks: Consider serving iced tea or lemonade to keep things refreshing and light.
Seasonal Variations: In spring, serve alongside fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Occasions: This pie is perfect for summer picnics, garden parties, or even a sweet treat after a barbecue.

FAQ

To make your filling thicker, make sure to use enough cornstarch. The cornstarch needs to be mixed with the sugar and water and cooked until it reaches a boil. Once it’s boiling, let it simmer for at least one minute to activate its thickening properties. If your pie filling is still too runny after assembling, you can add more cornstarch while cooking, but be sure to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.

While fresh strawberries are best for Strawberry Pie, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be aware that the frozen berries will release more moisture, which can affect the texture of your filling. To counter this, you may want to increase the amount of cornstarch slightly and cook the filling longer. Thaw the strawberries and drain excess liquid before using them to minimize the impact on texture.

If your pie crust turns out soggy, it may not have been blind baked long enough. To prevent this, make sure to bake your pie crust until it is golden and fully cooked before adding the filling. You can also brush the crust with an egg wash before baking to help create a barrier. If it’s already soggy, you can try to crisp it up in the oven at a low temperature, but it may not fully return to its original state.

To store leftover Strawberry Pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within a few days for optimal freshness. If you notice the crust getting too soggy, you can separate the filling from the crust and store them separately to maintain their textures. Enjoy within three days for the best flavor!

Conclusion

The Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that brings a taste of summer to your table. Its fresh strawberries, creamy filling, and flaky crust make it a favorite among many. I encourage you to try making it for your next gathering! You won’t regret it; it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Strawberry Pie

The ultimate summer dessert, Strawberry Pie features fresh strawberries in a buttery crust, creating a sweet treat that everyone will love. With a luscious filling and topped with whipped cream, it's perfect for any occasion. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Baking Sheet
Chef's Knife
Large Pot
Wooden Spoon
Frying Pan

Ingredients

1 whole All Butter Pie Crust pre-baked and cooled
2-3 pounds Fresh Strawberries (buy 3 lbs to be safe)
1 cup Granulated Sugar (200g)
⅓ cup Water (79 ml)
3 tablespoons Cornstarch (24g)
to taste Whipped Cream for garnish

Instructions

Blind bake your crust according to package or recipe directions.
Measure out about 2-3 cups of strawberries, hull and slice them in half, then measure out 2 cups (approximately 300g). Crush them using a potato masher.
Add the crushed strawberries, granulated sugar, water, and cornstarch to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until it boils. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Cool completely before continuing.
To assemble the pie, hull and slice the remaining strawberries and place them in a bowl. Pour the cooled strawberry filling over the top and stir. Place in pie crust. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving. Top with fresh whipped cream before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: Feel free to use a refrigerated or frozen pie crust instead of my recipe.
Tip 2: You can make the filling (without the added in fresh berries) 24 hours in advance.
Tip 3: Buy 3 pounds of strawberries to be safe – not all strawberries are created equal.
Tip 4: The mixture should be cold before you add the berries or the pie will weep.
Tip 5: Since this pie is not a gelatin pie recipe, the texture will be different than that of one made with gelatin.