Oh, how I adore strawberry pie! It brings back the sweetest memories of sunny afternoons spent in my grandma’s kitchen, her apron dusted with flour as we prepared this delightful dessert together. The smell of fresh strawberries mingling with sugar and a flaky crust is simply unbeatable, is it not? There’s something about the vibrant red of the strawberries glistening with that sugary glaze that just makes my heart sing. This recipe is a treasure in my family, and I can’t wait to share it with you because it’s a slice of summer, no matter the season!
This pie is not just any dessert; it’s a celebration! Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply to brighten up a weeknight dinner, this strawberry pie is sure to impress everyone. The luscious, juicy filling combined with the buttery, flaky crust will have everyone coming back for seconds!
What’s in Strawberry Pie?
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose bright red, ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor. If they’re in season, they’re divine, but you can opt for frozen if necessary—just make sure they’re thawed properly!
Sugar: A little sprinkle of sugar enhances the flavor of the strawberries and creates that delicious glaze. I usually go for around ¾ cup, but adjust based on your berry sweetness.
Cornstarch: This magic ingredient thickens our fruity filling to avoid that soupy disaster. Trust me; it’s worth the little extra step!
Lemon Juice: A tad of acidity elevates the sweetness of the strawberries and balances the flavors beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warm complexity to the pie filling and makes it oh-so-delicious!
Pie Crust: A homemade or store-bought crust will do the trick. I love making my own for that buttery, flaky goodness, but don’t shy away from convenience if that’s your jam!
Is Strawberry Pie Good for You?
You bet! Here’s why this treat can be a guilt-free indulgence:
Strawberries: These juicy gems are not just yummy; they’re packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Plus, they’re low in calories and high in fiber!
Sugar: While we do use sugar, you can easily reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet pie. You can even substitute with honey or agave syrup for a healthier twist!
The pie crust, especially if made from a whole grain flour, can also give you some added nutritional benefits. Overall, it’s about enjoying this delicacy in moderation, and when you do, savor every bite!
Ingredients List
– 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for dotting on top)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought, enough for a 9-inch pie)
This recipe will serve about 8 generous slices and is perfect for sharing!
How to Make Strawberry Pie?
1. **Preheat your oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). It’s important to have a hot oven for a perfectly baked crust.
2. **Prepare the pie crust:** If you’re making your own crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess and make a decorative edge if you like!
3. **Mix strawberries and sugar:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the sugar. This lets them macerate beautifully, creating that delicious sauce as the sugar pulls out their juices. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
4. **Create the filling:** Add cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla to the strawberry mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
5. **Fill the pie crust:** Pour the strawberry filling into the prepared pie crust. If you’d like, dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
6. **Top it off:** If you have extra pie dough, you can create a lattice pattern on top for added flair, or simply leave it open-faced!
7. **Bake the pie:** Bake for about 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
8. **Cool it down:** Let the pie cool completely at room temperature. This helps the filling set up nicely. Patience is key here!
9. **Serve and enjoy:** Slice it up, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch the smiles appear!
Tips for Strawberry Pie Perfection!
– **Choosing strawberries:** Always taste your berries before using them. The sweeter the berries, the less sugar you’ll need!
– **Make-ahead:** This pie is great for making a day ahead. Just wait until serving to add any whipped cream or ice cream.
– **Storage:** Store leftover pie in the fridge covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. But let’s be honest, you probably won’t have leftovers!
I hope you dive into this recipe and create a pie that will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and your heart with joy. Trust me; there’s nothing quite like a homemade strawberry pie to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Let me know how yours turns out; I’d love to hear about your sweet experience! Happy baking!
