A Delightful Strawberry Pie Recipe: Sweet Success in Every Slice
Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that will leave your taste buds singing? This recipe for a delectable strawberry pie is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's a classic dessert that's always a crowd-pleaser, and with this guide, you'll achieve a perfectly balanced sweet and tart pie that's bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible treat!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is broken down into two main components: the pie crust and the strawberry filling. Let's gather the ingredients for both:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Making the Perfect Pie Crust:
A flaky, buttery crust is the foundation of any great pie. Here's how to achieve that:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
- Roll and Bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. You can pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the filling, or bake it blind with pie weights for a crispier crust.
Creating the Sensational Strawberry Filling:
The star of the show – the luscious strawberry filling! Here's how to make it:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Cook the Filling: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the filling has thickened.
- Cool Down: Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before pouring it into the pie crust.
Assembling and Baking Your Strawberry Pie:
- Fill the Crust: Once the filling is cool, gently pour it into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for Strawberry Pie Success:
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries: The flavor of your pie depends heavily on the quality of your strawberries.
- Don't overmix the pie dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for a flaky crust.
- Let the filling cool completely: This prevents a soggy bottom.
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor! Don't forget to share your baking masterpieces with us – we'd love to see your stunning strawberry pies! Happy baking!
