Okay, picture this: It’s a warm summer evening, the fireflies are just starting to come out, and you’re craving something sweet, refreshing, and utterly delightful. That’s when this strawberry pie recipe comes to the rescue! It’s easier than making a batch of Chocolate Chip cookies, and it tastes like pure sunshine. Honestly, if you’re looking for a no-bake dessert that’s just as impressive as it is simple, you’ve got to try it. It’s way less fussy than a fancy fruit tart, yet it has that same bright, beautiful presentation. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and it never fails to impress.
What is strawberry pie?
What exactly is it?strawberry pie? Think of it as the ultimate celebration of fresh strawberries, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust and topped with a luscious, glistening glaze. It’s essentially a no-bake marvel where the strawberries really get to shine. It’s light, it’s fruity, and it’s incredibly satisfying. The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the slightly tart glaze, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, it’s just so darn pretty! I mean, who can resist a slice of vibrant red strawberries arranged so perfectly inside a golden crust? No one, that’s who.
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I start?strawberry pie is a true winner in so many ways.
- The Flavor:Is it bursting with strawberry flavor? Imagine sweet, juicy strawberries perfectly balanced with a slightly tangy glaze and buttery finish. What is it like to have a symphony of tastes in summer?
- The Simplicity:What is the easiest dessert you’ve ever made? Is there a recipe for using store-bought bread? What is the best way to do a project in minutes? What is a lifesaver?
- Cost-EfficiencyStrawberries are usually pretty affordable, especially when they’re in season. What are some pantry staples that you already have on hand? How do you make a delicious pie without spending 500 or more on it?
- The Versatility: You can customize this strawberry pieIn so many ways! What are some ideas for adding a hint of lemon or orange zest to your recipe? What are the possibilities?
What I love most about this recipe is how it manages to be both incredibly simple and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. And, if you’re a fan of fresh, fruity desserts like a classic blueberry pie, I promise you’ll fall head-over-heels for this strawberry pie. It’s the perfect dessert for summer gatherings.
How do I make strawberry pie?
Quick Overview
Making this strawberry pie is a breeze! You’ll start with a pre-made or homemade pie crust (your choice!). Then, you’ll create a simple glaze using gelatin, sugar, and water. Arrange the fresh strawberries in the baked crust, pour the glaze over them, and let it chill in the fridge until set. Seriously, that’s it! The hardest part is waiting for it to chill. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, and it’s guaranteed to impress even the most seasoned cooks.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) pre-baked pie crust, or your favorite homemade pie crust recipe. If you’re using store-bought, make sure it’s a good quality one! It makes a big difference in the overall taste of the pie.
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced. Choose ripe, red strawberries for the best flavor. I always like to sample a few before I start slicing to make sure they’re sweet enough.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Feel free to adjust this to your taste, depending on how sweet your strawberries are.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O). What gives the glaze that beautiful color and extra strawberry flavor?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
If you’re using a pre-made crust, make sure it’s pre-baked and cooled completely. If you’re making your own crust, follow your favorite recipe and bake it until golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling. I usually bake my crust the day before to save time.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and hull the strawberries. Slice them evenly so they’ll lay nicely in the crust. I like to slice some of the strawberries in half and others in quarters to create a more interesting texture and visual appeal.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan, whisk together the water, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture is clear and thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until it’s completely dissolved. Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the strawberries.
Step 4: Arrange the Strawberries in the Crust
Arrange the sliced strawberries in the pre-baked pie crust in a decorative pattern. You can start from the outside and work your way in, or create any design you like. I like to make it look like a beautiful strawberry mosaic!
Step 5: Pour the Glaze over the Strawberries
Is it necessary to pour a glaze over strawberries? Use a spoon to spread the glaze into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 6: Chill the Pie
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until the glaze is set. Completely set. This is the hardest part, I swear! But trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the strawberry pieWhen the cheese is set, slice it into wedges and serve immediately. What are some ways to garnish this dish with whipped cream?
What should I serve it with?
This strawberry pieIs it good to eat all on its own?
For Breakfast:What is the best way to serve a slice ofstrawberry pie with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s the perfect way to start a summer morning.
For Brunch: Add a slice of strawberry pieWhat’s the best way to serve brunch with quiche, croissants, and mimosas? What is the best way to add a touch of elegance to your next brunch gathering?
As Dessert:Serve it after a light summer meal like grilled chicken or fish. What is the perfect dessert to end a warm evening?
For Cozy Snacks:What is a slice of heaven?strawberry pie with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream and a cup of herbal tea. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in.
Growing up, my grandma always served this pie with a big scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. It’s a tradition I still carry on to this day. It really just takes the pie to another level. I also sometimes add a little drizzle of balsamic glaze if I’m feeling fancy.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Pie
Want to make sure your strawberry pie is absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my top tips:
Strawberry Prep: Make sure your strawberries are dry before adding them to the crust. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy. I always pat them dry with a paper towel after washing them.
Glaze Consistency: Keep a close eye on the glaze as it cooks. You want it to be thick enough to coat the strawberries, but not so thick that it’s gloppy. I find that 1-2 minutes of boiling is usually perfect.
Strawberry Arrangement: Take your time when arranging the strawberries in the crust. The more care you put into it, the more beautiful the pie will be. I like to experiment with different patterns and designs.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have strawberry gelatin, you can use another flavor like raspberry or cherry. Just make sure it complements the flavor of the strawberries. I’ve even used unflavored gelatin with a splash of strawberry juice before and it worked great!
Baking Tips: If you’re making your own crust, be sure to blind bake it properly to prevent it from getting soggy. This means pre-baking the crust with pie weights or dried beans to keep it from puffing up.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the saucepan along with the water, sugar, and cornstarch. It adds a lovely sheen and a subtle buttery flavor. I tested this recipe once with a little bit of lemon zest in the glaze, and it gave it the perfect zing!
One time, I accidentally added too much cornstarch to the glaze, and it turned out way too thick. I salvaged it by adding a little extra water and stirring it until it was smooth again. So, don’t be afraid to experiment! Cooking is all about learning and having fun.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make this strawberry pie ahead of time? Here’s how to store it properly:
Room Temperature: You can leave the strawberry pie at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to prevent spoilage.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the strawberry pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing the finished pie, as the texture of the strawberries and glaze can change. The crust can get a bit soggy as well.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to add the glaze just before serving to keep the strawberries looking fresh and glossy. If you add the glaze too far in advance, it can start to break down and become watery.
I’ve found that the pie tastes best when it’s chilled for at least 3 hours. This allows the glaze to set properly and the flavors to meld together. I usually make it in the morning so it’s ready to go for dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to strawberry pie recipe that’s been a family favorite for generations. It’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert for a summer gathering or just a sweet treat to enjoy on a cozy night in, this pie is sure to hit the spot. This recipe is especially special to me because it reminds me of baking with my grandma in the summertime. The smell of the strawberries and the warmth of the kitchen always bring back such happy memories.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorite Dessert Recipes, like my classic blueberry muffins or my decadent chocolate brownies. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your strawberry pie turned out! I can’t wait to hear from you. Happy baking!
strawberry pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Pour strawberry mixture into pie crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until filling is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
- Let cool completely before serving.
