If you are craving a dessert that bursts with fresh, juicy flavor and looks almost too beautiful to eat, this Strawberry Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. The perfect balance of sweet strawberries nestled in a glossy glaze atop a flaky, buttery crust makes every bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a sunny weekend treat, this Strawberry Pie Recipe brings that iconic taste of summer right to your table, making every moment feel special and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this stunning pie. Each one plays a crucial role—from the rich, tender crust to the vibrant filling that sings with bright strawberry flavor and a hint of vanilla and lemon to round it all out.
- Refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie crust: Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds the filling perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust edge and the juicy strawberry filling for balanced sweetness.
- Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient, hulled and halved for that fresh, bold fruit flavor and inviting texture.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener to ensure the filling sets beautifully without being runny.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the overall flavors and blend them harmoniously.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and cornstarch mixture, creating the perfect glossy glaze base.
- Lemon juice: Adds a subtle zing and brightness that elevates the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, comforting depth that complements the fruit wonderfully.
- Strawberry jam or jelly: Used for the glaze, it gives the pie that irresistible shine and an extra burst of strawberry goodness.
How to Make Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crusts and gently press one into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for an inviting, decorative touch. If you like a touch of sweetness on the crust, sprinkle a tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly on top before baking.
Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust
Using a fork, prick the bottom of the crust to prevent puffing up during baking. Place it in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns a light golden color. This pre-baking step ensures your pie crust stays crisp and holds up against the juicy filling.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly pour in the water, stirring until all the dry ingredients have dissolved. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes glossy—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract to infuse the filling with layers of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Strawberries and Filling
Transfer the halved strawberries to a large bowl, then gently pour the slightly cooled sugar mixture over them. Toss carefully to coat every berry without bruising, ensuring that every slice is bursting with the luscious glaze that makes this Strawberry Pie Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Glaze the Pie
Pour the strawberry filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly across the surface. To finish, warm the strawberry jam with a bit of water in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds until smooth. Brush this glaze over the berries to give your pie a shiny, professional finish that catches the light and invites you to dive in.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Pop the pie into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3 hours, or until the filling has fully set. This chilling step is key to achieving the perfect sliceable consistency that makes this Strawberry Pie Recipe a real crowd-pleaser when served.
How to Serve Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple and elegant by adding a few fresh strawberry halves or a sprig of fresh mint on top—this adds a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness. A dusting of powdered sugar can also make your pie look like you borrowed it from a bakery window.
Side Dishes
Serve this pie alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Both balance the tartness of the strawberries with a smooth, mellow coolness that enhances every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try individual mini strawberry pies in ramekins or use a lattice crust on top for a classic rustic look. You can also layer the filling with whipped cream in clear glass dishes for an eye-catching parfait-style dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover strawberry pie keeps best when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, retaining its fresh flavor and the lovely texture of the filling and crust.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze unbaked assembled pies. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. However, freezing once baked can change the texture of the filling, so it’s not generally recommended.
Reheating
Since this pie is served chilled, reheating is usually unnecessary. If you prefer the crust warm, you can pop a slice in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes; just avoid overheating so you don’t melt the glaze or soften the filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Pie Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are preferred for this recipe because they maintain their texture and bright flavor better. However, if frozen strawberries are your only option, thaw and drain them completely to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
How can I make the crust extra flaky?
Using cold butter or shortening and handling the dough as little as possible when making the crust helps create a tender, flaky texture. Also, brushing the crust edges with egg wash before baking adds a lovely golden finish.
Is there a way to make this pie less sweet?
Absolutely. You can reduce the granulated sugar in the filling by a couple of tablespoons depending on your taste. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries often means you don’t need as much added sugar.
Can I make the Strawberry Pie Recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan pie crust and substitute the strawberry jam for one without animal products. Make sure to skip any egg wash on the crust or replace it with almond milk or maple syrup for a golden crust.
What’s the best way to slice this pie cleanly?
For neat slices, chill the pie thoroughly before serving and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping the blade clean between each cut to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and freshness of this Strawberry Pie Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels special without being complicated, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, I bet this pie will become one of your new favorites, bringing sweet smiles and bright, juicy bites at every gathering.
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Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Strawberry Pie features a flaky baked crust filled with fresh strawberries coated in a sweet, glossy glaze made from sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry jam. Perfectly chilled and set, this dessert is refreshing and ideal for warm weather or any occasion requiring a light, fruity treat.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling on the crust)
For the filling:
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or jelly
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crusts and fit them into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and crimp to form a decorative border. If desired, sprinkle a bit of sugar on the crust for added sweetness.
- Bake the crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make the filling base: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the water, whisking until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Toss strawberries with filling: In a large bowl, gently toss the halved strawberries with the cooled sugar mixture, ensuring all the strawberries are evenly coated.
- Fill the crust: Pour the strawberry filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading the berries evenly across the pie.
- Prepare and apply glaze: In a small bowl, microwave the strawberry jam with the water for 20-30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Brush the glaze over the strawberries to create a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or until set. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries.
- You can substitute homemade pie crust for a more personalized flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the filling mixture to prevent it from becoming too thick.
- The glaze not only adds shine but helps seal in the freshness of the strawberries.
- This pie is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
