How to Make Strawberry Pie

Strawberry pie is a classic dessert that brings the essence of summer into every bite. With its vibrant red filling and flaky crust, this pie is both visually stunning and deliciously sweet. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a comforting dessert, this easy strawberry pie recipe is perfect for any occasion. It combines fresh strawberries with a simple pie crust and a touch of lemon for a balanced flavor that everyone will love. Making strawberry pie from scratch might seem daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll find it’s quite manageable. Let’s dive into creating a pie that will be the star of your dessert table.

Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)

How to Make Easy Strawberry Pie

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix gently until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. Chilling the dough helps to relax the gluten and makes it easier to roll out.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to coat the strawberries evenly with the sugar and cornstarch.
2. Cook the Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it cooks.
3. Add Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the small pieces of butter until melted and fully incorporated. Allow the filling to cool slightly while you prepare the crust.

3. Assemble the Pie:

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
2. Add the Filling: Pour the slightly cooled strawberry filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
3. Prepare the Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough to the same size as the first. You can either place it directly on top of the filling for a traditional pie or cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern. If using a lattice, weave the strips over the filling and press the ends into the bottom crust to seal.
4. Trim and Crimp Edges: Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp with a fork or your fingers to seal. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden, sweet finish.

4. Bake the Pie:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This will give the filling time to set and make it easier to slice.

5. Serve:

1. Enjoy: Serve the pie at room temperature or slightly chilled. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

About the Main Ingredients

Fresh Strawberries: Strawberries are the star of this pie. They provide a natural sweetness and a burst of flavor that defines the dessert. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best taste.

Granulated Sugar: Sugar is essential for sweetening the strawberry filling. It helps to balance the tartness of the strawberries and enhances the overall flavor of the pie.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the pie filling. It helps to achieve the perfect consistency, ensuring the filling is not too runny.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that brightens the flavor of the strawberries. It also helps to balance the sweetness and adds depth to the filling.

Butter: Butter adds richness and a glossy finish to the filling. It also enhances the overall flavor and contributes to a smooth texture.

Pie Crust Ingredients: The combination of flour, butter, sugar, and ice water creates a flaky, tender pie crust. The cold butter and chilled dough are key to achieving a perfect crust that holds up well under the fruit filling.

With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious strawberry pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process and the delightful results of your homemade dessert!