A Sweet Success: The Ultimate Strawberry Pie Recipe
Are you ready to bake a pie that's as beautiful as it is delicious? This recipe for a classic strawberry pie will guide you through creating a dessert that's sure to impress. From the flaky crust to the vibrant strawberry filling, every bite is a burst of summery goodness. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon 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
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water Gradually: Slowly add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to 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 optionally pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the filling.
Making the Strawberry Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and the sugar to dissolve slightly. This helps prevent a watery filling.
- Cook the Filling (Optional): For a thicker filling, you can gently cook the strawberry mixture on the stovetop over medium heat until it thickens slightly. Stir frequently to prevent burning. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it yields a more set filling.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Pour Filling into Crust: Pour the strawberry filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Cool Completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Pie:
- Use Fresh Strawberries: The flavor of fresh strawberries is unbeatable! Choose ripe, but not overripe, berries.
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the pie crust dough will result in a tough crust.
- Blind Baking (Optional): Pre-baking the crust helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the pie to cool completely ensures a set filling and prevents a messy slice.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious strawberry pie chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. Remember to share your baking masterpieces with friends and family – it's the sweetest part!
