What is comfort food? Remember those summer days when the sun was blazing, and the only thing that sounded good was water? What are some cool and sweet things? What was my grandmother’s strawberry pie? Is it better than any store bought dessert? Is it easier than making a cobbler? This pie isn’t just a dessert, it’s … A slice of pure happiness. When I crave nostalgia, this is the recipe I turn to. I’m sharing my secrets with you! What’s the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!
What is strawberry pie?
Strawberry pie is a celebration of fresh strawberries. Think of it as sunshine in a crust. What is essentially a sweet, flaky pie crust filled to the brim with plump, juicy strawberries held together with whipped cream? What are the benefits of a luscious glaze? Unlike strawberry shortcake, which often features whipped cream and biscuits, this pie focuses on a different flavor. purely on the strawberries. What makes a simple berry glistening dessert irresistible? The pie crust itself provides a buttery, slightly salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit. Is this recipe easy to make?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? You get that burst of fresh strawberry sweetness, balanced by the buttery, flaky crust. Isn’t the “pie” part intimidating? I’ve made this recipe with my kids, and even they can’t mess it up! What are some of the best ingredients to whip up this dish? What is cost-effective? What I love about this strawberry pie is its versatility. Can you serve it for a fancy brunch, an informal afternoon snack, or as dessert? Is it good to serve it warm or cold? Dollop of whipped cream. Is it possible to go wrong? Is it a crowd pleaser? What do you think of this one?
How do I make strawberry pie?
Quick Overview
How do you make a strawberry pie? How do I make my favorite pie crust? How do you make a glaze to bind strawberries together? If you want to bake a crust, layer everything into it, bake until golden brown, and let it cool. What is the key to using fresh, ripe strawberries and not overbaking the crust? I promise, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this! The best part? What makes strawberry a perfect summer dessert?
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust: What is the recipe?
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (I like to use unbleached, but regular is fine too). ) 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes * 1/4 cup ice water Is it ice cold outside? (It makes a difference.) * 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash to brush over the crust)* Optional: 1 tablespoon of sugar (to sprinkle on top of the crust) ..
For the Strawberry Filling:
* 6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (About 2 lbs, depending on the size of your berries.) The fresher, the better! * 3/4 cup granulated sugar (Adjust to your sweetness preference. If your berries are super sweet, you might want to use less. ) * 1/4 cup cornstarch (This helps thicken the glaze.) Can you substitute cornstarch for tapioca starch? ) * 1/4 cup water * 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Freshly squeezed is best! It adds a nice tang. * 1/4 teaspoon salt (Just a pinch! It enhances the flavors.)
For the Glaze:
* 1/2 cup water * 1/4 cup granulated sugar * 2 tablespoons cornstarch * 1 tablespoon strawberry Gelatin (Optional, but it gives the glaze that beautiful red color and extra strawberry flavor!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9-inch pie plate. I always use a glass pie plate – it seems to bake more evenly. Set it aside. How do I make a pie crust? If you are making your own, now is the time to roll out your pie crust to fit the pie plate. Press it gently into the bottom and up the sides, crimping the edges for a nice decorative finish. I always prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Is this a crucial step?
Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust
Pie crust: Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. How do you keep a crust from sticking out during baking? Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy. The crust is also golden brown. What is the best way to make crust before adding the filling?
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon, and salt. Set aside. What are the juices, salt and Toss everything together until the strawberries are evenly coated. Be gentle! You don’t want to crush the berries. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release some of their juices. What is the best way to make a thicker glaze?
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While strawberries are sitting, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the water, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
How do I make a strawberry pie crust? Pour the strawberry filling into the cooled crust, arranging the slices nicely. Then, pour the glaze over the strawberries, making sure to cover all the berries. I like to use a spoon to distribute the glaze and make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Do you want the crust to burn? If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Step 7: Cool Completely
This is the hardest part, but it’s crucial! If you want to serve a pie, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on the wire rack. How do I make a glaze? I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it is worth the wait! I usually pop mine in the fridge to cool completely to speed up the process and I think it tastes good. What makes a cold better than
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Once the pie is completely cooled, slice and serve! I love to top mine with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What is your Grandma’s famous strawberry pie?
What should I serve it with?
This strawberry pie is incredibly versatile! For breakfast, a slice pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or a latte. It’s a delightful way to start the day, especially on a sunny morning. For brunch, serve it alongside a mimosa or a glass of iced tea. It’s a show-stopping addition to any brunch spread. As dessert, it’s amazing on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to get fancy, drizzle it with a little bit of balsamic glaze. The tanginess of the balsamic complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. For cozy snacks, serve a slice with a glass of milk or a cup of herbal tea. It’s the perfect comfort food on a chilly evening. My family always has it at summer picnics. It’s practically a tradition at this point!
How do I make a perfect strawberry pie?
What are some tips for making strawberry pie?Strawberry Prep: WhatAlways use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. I find that locally sourced strawberries are the sweetest. How do you wash and hull them gently, then slice them evenly so they cook uniformly. If your strawberries are particularly juicy, you can pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to your salad. Is it possible to fill a container with them How do you prevent a soggy pie?Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the strawberry filling! When you over mix strawberries, you will get a watery pie. Just gently toss the strawberries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt until they’re all coated.Glaze Customization:What makes this pie shine? If you prefer a tangier glaze, add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice. For a deeper strawberry flavor, use strawberry gelatin.Ingredient Swaps:If you’re out of cornstarch, you can substitute it with tapioca starch or arrowroot powder. If you are short on time, just use the same amount. You can also use store-bought pie crust.Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the pie while it’s baking. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. Crust Care:Don’t forget to prick the bottom of the crust with a fork! I always make a mistake!
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
So, you’ve made this amazing strawberry pie, but you somehow have leftovers (unlikely, I know!). How do you store data?Room Temperature:Can you store a pie at room temperature for up to 2 days? Plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.Refrigerator Storage: HowFor longer storage, refrigerate the pie in an airtight container for up to 4 days. How do you keep a fresh strawberry crust from getting soggy?How do I useIf you want to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Is it safe to eat a banana overnight in the refrigerator? The crust might not be as crisp after freezing, but it will still taste delicious!Glaze Timing Advice: I always add the glaze right before serving, especially if I’m planning on freezing the pie. This helps keep the glaze from becoming too sticky or runny. I also find that if you cool the pie in the fridge the glaze firms up nicely and the texture of the strawberries remain more intact!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – Grandma’s Famous Strawberry Pie! It’s a slice of summer, a taste of nostalgia, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m so excited to share it with you. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pie recipes, like my classic apple pie or my decadent chocolate pecan pie. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them with me!
Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups fresh strawberries
- 0.75 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Roll out one pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie plate.
- Pour strawberry mixture into the pie crust.
- Top with the second pie crust, crimping the edges to seal.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely before serving.
