Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! I’m so excited to share with you my absolute favorite strawberry pie recipe. There’s just something magical about a fresh strawberry pie that takes me right back to my childhood summers. I remember running around my grandma’s garden, plucking ripe strawberries and waiting for her to whip up this sweet, glossy masterpiece that would cool in the fridge, sending my taste buds into overdrive!
What I love most about this pie is how incredibly simple it is to make while being oh-so-delicious. The bright red strawberries basking in their sugary syrup, nestled in a flaky pie crust, just scream “summer,” don’t you think? Plus, you can make it ahead of time, so it’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply a cozy dessert at home. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
What’s in Strawberry Pie?
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! You’ll want to use the ripest, juiciest strawberries you can find. If they’re in season, even better! I usually pick mine up from a local farmer’s market for optimum freshness.
Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way. The sugar works its magic, bringing out the natural flavor of the strawberries.
Pie Crust: You can totally go homemade if you’re feeling ambitious, but honestly, a store-bought crust saves so much time. I love using a pre-made graham cracker crust for a bit of flair, but go with your favorite!
Cornstarch: This is the thickening agent that helps create that luscious, glossy glaze. It’s key for achieving that perfect pie consistency!
Lemon Juice: Just a splash adds a zesty brightness, balancing out the sweetness beautifully. Fresh is always best, but bottled works too if you’re in a pinch.
Is Strawberry Pie Good for You?
Let’s be honest, we’re not winning any health awards here, but there are certainly some redeeming qualities!
Strawberries: Packed full of vitamins, especially vitamin C, strawberries are also a good source of antioxidants. They boost your immune system and promote heart health, so at least we’re indulging a little bit healthily!
Sugar: Okay, here’s where things go south. While sugar adds sweetness, it can be a little sneaky when it comes to calories. Moderation is key, and maybe serve it with some light whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy!
Pie Crust: Depending on the type of crust you use, this can add some calories and refined carbs. Opt for a whole wheat crust if you want to keep it a tad healthier.
Ingredients List
– 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (about 2 lbs)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 (9-inch) pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
– Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, perfect for sharing—if you want to!
How to Make Strawberry Pie?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** If you’re using a homemade crust, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the crust according to package instructions or your recipe.
2. **Prepare the Strawberries:** In a large bowl, toss the hulled and halved strawberries with 1/2 cup of the sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out their juices.
3. **Make the Filling:** In a small saucepan, combine the remaining sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble—about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat.
4. **Combine Totals:** Pour the thickened mixture over the macerated strawberries and gently toss to combine, ensuring all those juicy strawberries are well coated.
5. **Fill the Crust:** Once your pie crust is ready (and cooled if homemade), pour the strawberry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
6. **Chill:** Cover your pie and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or until it’s set. This chilling time allows the filling to thicken even more!
7. **Serve:** Slice up your beautiful pie, and if you’re feeling indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy that first bite as the flavors dance on your tongue!
Sweet Suggestions & Variations
– If you’re feeling adventurous, add a bit of fresh basil or mint to the strawberry mixture for an unexpected twist!
– The addition of a dash of vanilla extract in the filling can bring up the flavor notes too.
– Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option—seriously, you won’t regret it!
There you have it—a delightful, irresistible strawberry pie that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl and let the sweet strawberry goodness melt in your mouth. Do let me know how it turns out and your own little tweaks; I can’t wait to hear about your delicious adventures in the kitchen! Enjoy!
