What To Know
- Strawberries, in particular, are a delicious treat, and what better way to enjoy them than in a homemade pie.
- Add the chilled butter pieces to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and thickened.
The warm weather is here, and with it comes the bounty of fresh summer fruits. Strawberries, in particular, are a delicious treat, and what better way to enjoy them than in a homemade pie? But how do you make fresh strawberry pie? It’s actually easier than you might think, and the results are well worth the effort.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a classic strawberry pie:
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the filling:
- 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Prepare the Crust
The first step is to make the pie crust. This is a simple process, but it’s important to keep everything cold to prevent the butter from melting too much.
1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter pieces to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Form the dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough is chilled, it’s time to roll it out. This is where you’ll need a little patience and a lightly floured surface.
1. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
2. Transfer to the pie plate: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the plate, making sure there are no gaps or tears.
3. Trim and crimp the edges: Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to create a decorative finish.
4. Chill the crust: Place the pie plate in the refrigerator for another 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Now that the crust is ready, it’s time to make the filling. This is the part where the fresh strawberries shine.
1. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Stir gently to coat the strawberries.
2. Let the strawberries macerate: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices. This will help create a thicker, more flavorful filling.
Assemble and Bake the Pie
Now that the crust and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble and bake the pie.
1. Pour the filling into the crust: Pour the strawberry mixture into the chilled pie crust.
2. Bake the pie: Bake the pie in a preheated 425°F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and thickened.
3. Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. If desired, you can serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Pie
- Use ripe strawberries: Choose strawberries that are ripe and juicy for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the crust dough: Overmixing will make the crust tough.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: Chilling the dough will help prevent the butter from melting too much and will make it easier to roll out.
- Don’t overbake the pie: Overbaking will dry out the filling.
- Let the pie cool completely: This will allow the filling to set properly and prevent it from being runny.
Strawberry Pie Variations
While a classic strawberry pie is always a crowd-pleaser, you can also experiment with different variations. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a crumb topping: For a more decadent pie, sprinkle a streusel topping over the filling before baking.
- Use a different crust: Try a graham cracker crust or a sugar cookie crust for a different flavor profile.
- Add a touch of spice: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Use frozen strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw them completely before using them in the filling.
Strawberry Pie: A Taste of Summer
Making a fresh strawberry pie is a rewarding experience. The aroma of baking pie filling and the taste of fresh, juicy strawberries will transport you to a summer paradise. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake a pie that will wow your friends and family.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: How long does strawberry pie last?
A: A freshly baked strawberry pie will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It’s best to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Q: Can I freeze strawberry pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze strawberry pie. To freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the pie in the refrigerator overnight.
Q: What can I do with leftover strawberry filling?
A: Leftover strawberry filling can be used in a variety of other desserts, such as muffins, cupcakes, or even ice cream. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Q: What are some other pie fillings I can try?
A: There are endless possibilities when it comes to pie fillings. Some other popular options include apple, blueberry, cherry, peach, and pumpkin. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of fruits and flavors.
