Fresh Strawberry Pie

There’s nothing quite like a homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie. It’s the perfect dessert for a warm summer day, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat any time you crave it. The combination of a flaky, buttery crust and sweet, juicy strawberries is simply irresistible. This Fresh Strawberry Pie recipe is a family favorite, passed down from my grandma, and it always brings smiles all around. If you’re looking for other delicious pie recipes, you might enjoy this blueberry cobbler recipe guide.

Why this Fresh Strawberry Pie is Special

This Fresh Strawberry Pie isn’t just any strawberry pie. My secret? A touch of lemon zest in the crust adds a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s a small detail, but it makes all the difference! You’ll be amazed at how this simple addition elevates the entire pie to a new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Fresh Strawberry Pie recipe is made with simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to gather before you begin:

For the Crust

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (You can also use pastry flour for an even more tender crust)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
• ¼ cup ice water
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (This is my secret ingredient!)

For the Filling

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (The fresher the berries, the better the pie!)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Making the Perfect Pie Crust

The crust is the foundation of a great pie, and this recipe will guide you through making a flaky, buttery crust that’s perfect for your Fresh Strawberry Pie. For more tips on working with pie crusts, check out this guide on making cheese danish pastries.

Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and lemon zest. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This creates pockets of butter that will result in a flaky crust. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix!

Rolling and Shaping

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll. Once chilled, roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the dough into the plate and trim the edges, crimping them decoratively.

Blind Baking the Crust

Blind baking is essential for a Fresh Strawberry Pie because it prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This will keep the crust from puffing up during baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling. Looking for savory crust ideas? Try this brisket, jalapeno, and cheese pot pie recipe.

Creating the Luscious Strawberry Filling

The star of this Fresh Strawberry Pie is, of course, the strawberry filling! This recipe creates a luscious, sweet, and perfectly thickened filling that complements the flaky crust beautifully. For some health benefits of strawberries, check out this article: Strawberries 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.

Macerating the Strawberries

Macerating the strawberries is a simple but important step that helps to draw out their juices and intensify their flavor. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with ½ cup of the granulated sugar and the lemon juice. Gently toss to coat and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This process softens the berries and creates a delicious syrup.

Thickening the Filling

While the strawberries are macerating, prepare the thickening agent.

In a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of sugar and the cornstarch. Gradually whisk in the water until smooth.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until clear and bubbly.

You can use tapioca starch or flour as a thickener instead of cornstarch. If using tapioca starch, use the same amount. If using flour, use twice the amount of cornstarch.

Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and gently fold in the macerated strawberries and their accumulated juices. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. If you enjoy fruit fillings, you might like this baked apple fritters recipe.

Assembling and Baking Your Fresh Strawberry Pie

Now comes the exciting part – putting it all together! Assembling the pie is easy, and with a few simple tips, you can achieve a beautiful, bakery-worthy presentation. For another great dessert option, consider these apple cheesecake tacos.

Assembling the Pie

Pour the strawberry filling into the cooled pie crust. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed. For an extra touch of elegance, you can arrange some of the prettiest strawberry slices decoratively on top of the filling. This not only looks beautiful but also gives a little preview of the deliciousness inside.

Baking and Cooling

Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.

Once baked, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial because it allows the filling to set properly. Cooling also prevents a runny pie.

A warm pie might look tempting, but patience is key to achieving the perfect slice. Aim for at least 2-3 hours of cooling time, or even better, chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

For helpful tips on baking, see this article from Healthline: 7 Clever Substitutions for Baking Ingredients.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Fresh Strawberry Pie:

How do you keep a strawberry pie from being runny?

A runny strawberry pie is often the result of insufficient thickening or not allowing the pie to cool completely. Make sure to use enough cornstarch (or your preferred thickener) and macerate the strawberries to release some of their juices before baking. Cooling the pie completely allows the filling to set properly.

What do I need for strawberry pie?

For a delicious strawberry pie, you’ll need ingredients for the crust (flour, butter, salt, ice water) and the filling (fresh strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt). A touch of lemon zest in the crust adds a special touch.

How do you thicken fresh fruit for a pie?

Cornstarch, tapioca starch, and flour are common thickeners for fruit pies. Cornstarch is a classic choice, tapioca starch creates a glossy finish, and flour offers a more traditional approach. Each thickener requires slightly different measurements, so follow the recipe carefully.

What happens to fruit fillings in a pie when they are baked?

During baking, the fruit softens and releases its juices. The heat activates the thickener, causing it to absorb the fruit juices and create a gel-like consistency. This is why proper thickening is essential for a well-set pie filling.

Serving and Storing Your Fresh Strawberry Pie

Your beautiful Fresh Strawberry Pie is ready to be enjoyed! Here are some tips for serving and storing it:

Serving Suggestions

A slice of Fresh Strawberry Pie is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt. A sprig of mint adds a touch of freshness. You can also get creative with variations like adding a layer of rhubarb to the filling or using a gluten-free crust. Try serving it with a chocolate vanilla swirl for an extra treat!

Storage Advice

Store leftover Fresh Strawberry Pie in the refrigerator, loosely covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. While the texture might change slightly after freezing, the flavor will remain delicious.

Conclusion

Making a Fresh Strawberry Pie from scratch is a rewarding experience. The aroma of the baking crust and the sweet taste of fresh strawberries create a truly memorable dessert. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and bake a Fresh Strawberry Pie that’s bursting with flavor and homemade goodness. You won’t regret it!

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