Strawberry Pie Recipe

Let me introduce you to a dessert that captures the very essence of summer in each glorious, jewel-bright slice: Strawberry Pie. This recipe is a celebration of ripe berries, tender crust, and that irresistible sweetness that signals sunny afternoons and backyard gatherings. Whether you make it for a family picnic or to treat yourself after a long day, you’ll love how the fresh strawberries shine through, making every forkful a taste of sunshine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Strawberry Pie is how the simple, fresh ingredients partner up to create pure magic. Each component plays a starring role, adding sweetness, tartness, texture, and color to the final pie. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start:

• Pie crust: Your favorite homemade or store-bought crust becomes the buttery foundation for all the luscious fruit—make sure it’s baked and cooled so it stays crisp.
• Fresh strawberries (2½ pounds): The soul of our Strawberry Pie—choose the ripest, juiciest berries you can find for vibrant flavor and that spectacular red.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): This sweetens the filling just enough to enhance the natural berry flavor without overwhelming it.
• Cornstarch (5 tablespoons): The magic thickener that helps the pie filling set beautifully so every slice holds its shape.
• Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a pop of brightness to balance the sweetness and bring out the strawberry notes.
• Water (½ cup): Used to dissolve the cornstarch and help everything simmer together smoothly.
• Sweetened whipped cream (for serving): A fluffy, creamy finishing touch that’s basically a hug for your pie slice.

How to Make Strawberry Pie

Step 1: Prepare and Cool the Pie Crust

Start by baking your crust according to the package or your favorite recipe. Let it cool completely—this is crucial to keeping your crust crisp and sturdy once the gorgeous strawberry filling goes in. While your kitchen fills with that buttery smell, gather your berries and other filling ingredients so everything’s ready to go.

Step 2: Prep the Strawberries

Hull all the strawberries (that means removing those little green tops) and slice them in half. Set aside half of the berries in a large bowl—these will remain fresh and give the pie its juicy, classic look. The other half will be cooked down into a jammy filling, so keep them at the ready!

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling

Pile the other half of the strawberries into a medium saucepan, and stir in the sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and lemon juice. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them until chunky—think rustic, not puree. Bring this sweet, fragrant mix to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally as the berries release their juices and transform into the base of your filling.

Step 4: Thicken the Mixture

Dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining 1/4 cup of water until smooth, then slowly pour this slurry into your bubbling strawberry mix. Lower the heat to medium-low and continue stirring frequently. As the filling simmers, it’ll turn glossy and thick after about 5 minutes—it’s like watching alchemy happen in real time! Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. This will help it set up nicely once combined with the fresh berries.

Step 5: Combine and Fill the Pie

Pour the slightly cooled cooked filling over your bowl of reserved fresh strawberries. Gently stir to coat each berry—this creates that irresistible blend of textures between jammy and fresh. Transfer the mixture into your chilled pie crust, gently moving the berries around and jiggling the crust so the filling settles evenly and fills any gaps. Smooth the top with a spatula, admiring that glossy, vibrant red.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Pop the pie in the fridge, uncovered, for at least 3 hours to set. Chill time is essential for achieving clean, picture-perfect slices. To serve, cut generous wedges and crown each with a billowy mound of sweetened whipped cream—honestly, it’s as dreamy as it gets!

How to Serve Strawberry Pie

Garnishes

A Strawberry Pie practically begs for a dollop of sweetened whipped cream, but you can really get creative. Try fresh mint leaves for a pop of color, a grate of lemon zest to echo the filling’s brightness, or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Each touch makes the pie feel even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Pie with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche for a touch of tang. If you’re serving a crowd, a fresh fruit salad or a platter of shortbread cookies can round out the spread beautifully, adding more textures and flavors without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to pie slices! You can spoon warm pie filling over pancakes or waffles for a decadent brunch, or even serve individual mini pies in mason jars for a picnic-ready treat. Want to go elegant? Cut the pie into smaller squares and serve on a wooden board for a rustic, shareable dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Strawberry Pie left, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh (and sliceable) for up to three days. The crust may absorb a little moisture from the filling, but the flavor stays fabulous.

Freezing

While Strawberry Pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze slices if needed. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then wrap each slice in plastic and foil before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture of the berries may soften, but it’ll still taste great.

Reheating

This pie is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do want to gently warm a slice, use short bursts in the microwave and top with freshly whipped cream just before serving for the best contrast of temperatures.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Pie?

You can, but be aware that frozen strawberries tend to release more liquid, which may make the filling softer. For best results, thaw and drain them well before using, and consider adding a bit more cornstarch for a firmer set.

How do I keep my pie crust from getting soggy?

Make sure your crust is completely cool before adding the filling, and let the filling itself cool as well. Baking the crust until it’s golden and crisp provides a sturdy barrier. Some bakers even brush the cooled crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white for extra protection.

Can I make Strawberry Pie a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the pie overnight can make slicing easier and allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Just cover the pie without pressing down to avoid marring the surface.

Is there a gluten-free version of this pie?

Definitely! Simply swap in a gluten-free pie crust from the store or your own recipe. The filling is naturally gluten-free, thanks to cornstarch as a thickener.

What else can I add to the filling for a twist?

Feel free to toss in a handful of blueberries or raspberries to complement the strawberries, or add a pinch of finely chopped basil or black pepper for a subtle savory note. You can even drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a fancy finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the first sweet, tangy bite of homemade Strawberry Pie—it brings out smiles, sparks conversation, and leaves you wanting just one more sliver. Give this recipe a try and experience just how extraordinary simple ingredients can be when they’re lovingly combined. I can’t wait for you to share it with your friends and family!

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