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Homemade strawberry pie, with its juicy, vibrant filling encased in a buttery homemade crust, captures the essence of summer in every bite, offering a personal touch of warmth and sweetness.
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We add lots of tips in our recipe – so you can make this dish, understand why it works and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help home cooks of any skill level better understand the processes we use and why!
Table of Contents
Summer Strawberry Pie
Homemade strawberry pie is a labor of love, combining ripe, juicy strawberries with a dash of sugar and a thickener, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust made from scratch. The process of preparing the pie, from slicing fresh strawberries to weaving the crust, infuses the dessert with a personal touch that store-bought versions simply can’t replicate. Served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, each slice is a celebration of homemade comfort and the simple, yet profound, pleasures of baking.
This pie is a summer delight since it is a no-bake pie and packed with super fresh strawberry. When it is strawberry u-pick season I love to take my kids to the you pick farm, we make jam with some of the strawberries and I make this easy pie as a special treat! If you have a summer sweet tooth like I do you can also try my Butterfinger pie and banana cream pie recipes!
How to Make Easy Strawberry Pie
First assemble the following ingredients:
- 9” Pie Crust (1) – The pie crust serves as the buttery, flaky foundation that holds the sweet and vibrant strawberry filling.
- Strawberries (2 cup) – Fresh strawberries, with their juicy sweetness and slight tartness, are the star ingredient that gives the pie its characteristic flavor and appealing color.
- Cornstarch (2 1/2 tbsp) – Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the strawberry filling is set and not too runny, providing a perfect texture.
- Sugar (1 1/2 cup) – Sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries, balancing their tartness and contributing to the filling’s syrupy consistency.
- Water (1 1/2 cup) – Water is used to dissolve the sugar and gelatin, helping to create a smooth and cohesive filling that envelops the strawberries.
- Strawberry Gelatin, jell-o mix (3 oz) – Strawberry gelatin mix adds additional strawberry flavor and helps solidify the filling, giving it a firm yet tender texture that slices cleanly.
- Whipped Cream (8 oz) – A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy, light, and slightly sweet finish that perfectly complements the lush and fruity strawberry pie.
Use this Method
Prepare Crust. Blind bake your pie crust and allow the crust to cool completely.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tip
To blind bake a crust, first line the unbaked pie shell with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice. Bake in a preheated oven at the temperature specified by your recipe, typically around 375°F to 425°F, for about 15-20 minutes to set the edges. Remove the weights and lining, and then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the bottom of the crust is golden and fully cooked.
Assemble. Once the pie crust is cool, layer bottom with the sliced strawberries
Make Glaze. Stir together water, sugar, and cornstarch and bring to a boil. Simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, add Jell-O and stir until dissolved.
Assemble and Set. Pour mixture over strawberries. Refrigerate until set. Decorate with whipped cream and serve.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Strawberry Fresh Pie
Select the Right Strawberries: Choose fresh, ripe strawberries for your pie. They should be bright red, firm, and without any soft spots or bruising. The flavor of the pie heavily depends on the quality of the strawberries.
Pre-bake the Crust: To avoid a soggy bottom, pre-bake (blind bake) your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This step will help the crust maintain its texture.
Thicken the Filling: Strawberries can be quite juicy, which might make your pie filling too runny. Use a thickener like cornstarch, tapioca, or flour to help the filling set properly. Mix the thickener with a little sugar before combining it with the strawberries to ensure it distributes evenly.
Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest to the strawberry filling to enhance the berries’ natural flavors. A small amount of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can also add depth to the taste.
Avoid a Soggy Crust: Besides pre-baking the crust, spreading a thin layer of melted chocolate or egg white over the crust before adding the filling can create a barrier that prevents sogginess.
Let It Cool: After baking, let the pie cool completely before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to set, making it easier to cut and serve neatly.
Glaze for Gloss: For a shiny, appealing finish, brush the top of your pie with a simple glaze made from strawberry jam thinned out with a little water. Heat the mixture until it’s liquid, then brush it over the top of the finished pie.
Decorate with Fresh Strawberries: For an extra touch of elegance, decorate the top of your pie with fresh strawberry slices or whole berries after it has cooled. This not only adds to the presentation but also gives a burst of fresh berry flavor.
Serve with Cream: Strawberry pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the acidity of the strawberries for a balanced flavor profile.
Store Properly: If you’re not serving the pie immediately, store it in the refrigerator to keep the filling set and the crust crisp. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
FAQs
Fresh, ripe, and sweet strawberries are the best for making strawberry pie. Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and free of blemishes or mold. Smaller berries often have more flavor than the larger ones.
To prevent a soggy crust, you can pre-bake (blind bake) the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Additionally, brushing the crust with a beaten egg white before pre-baking can create a barrier that prevents sogginess.
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but the pie might be a bit more watery than if you used fresh strawberries. If using frozen berries, let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before using, and consider adding a bit more thickener to compensate for the extra moisture.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or some lemon zest to the filling. These additions can complement the sweetness of the strawberries without overpowering them.
A runny filling can result from not using enough thickener, not baking the pie long enough for the filling to set, or slicing the pie before it has completely cooled, which allows the filling to run.
Yes, strawberry pie can be frozen. Cool the pie completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator and then bring to room temperature or warm slightly in the oven before serving.
Leftover strawberry pie should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. It will usually keep for up to 4 days. For the best texture, let it come to room temperature before serving.
What to Enjoy with Strawberry Pie
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of or alongside a slice of strawberry pie adds a luxurious creaminess that balances the acidity of the strawberries. The light and airy texture of whipped cream contrasts beautifully with the dense fruitiness of the pie.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving strawberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic combo. The cool, smooth ice cream not only contrasts with the warm pie if served fresh from the oven but also complements the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Vanilla’s subtle flavor enhances rather than overpowers the taste of the pie.
Fresh Mint: A few fresh mint leaves can add a burst of freshness and a slight peppery taste, which cuts through the sweetness of the pie, providing a refreshing flavor contrast.
Cheese: Surprisingly, cheese, especially mild, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or fresh goat cheese, can be an excellent accompaniment to strawberry pie. The tanginess of the cheese contrasts with the sweetness of the pie, creating a sophisticated flavor palette.
Coffee: A strong, aromatic coffee can provide a robust contrast to the sweetness of strawberry pie. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweet and tart flavors of the strawberries, making for a satisfying end to a meal.
Sparkling Wine or Champagne: If you’re celebrating, a glass of sparkling wine or champagne pairs wonderfully with strawberry pie. The bubbles and the slight acidity of the wine complement the sweet and fruity flavors of the pie, making each bite and sip a celebration.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a little chocolate sauce over your strawberry pie or on the plate can introduce a rich depth of flavor. Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven, with the bitterness of the chocolate enhancing the sweetness of the strawberries.
Almond Slices or Crushed Nuts: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle almond slices or crushed nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the pie. This adds a textural contrast and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the fruitiness of the pie.
Try these other dessert recipes next:
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Homemade Strawberry Pie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated 9” Pie Crust
- 2 cup sliced Strawberries
- 2 ½ tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 ½ cup Sugar
- 1 ½ cup Water
- 3 oz box Strawberry Gelatin, jell-o mix
- 8 oz Whipped Cream
Instructions
- Blind bake your pie crust and allow the crust to cool completely.
- Once the pie crust is cool, layer bottom with the sliced strawberries
- Stir together water, sugar, and cornstarch and bring to a boil.
- Simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, add Jell-O and stir until dissolved.
- Pour mixture over strawberries.
- Refrigerate until set.
- Decorate with whipped cream and serve.
Yummy!
Delicious!