What To Know
- Add the chilled butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Let the filling sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices and the flavors to meld.
- Bake the pie in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
The warm weather is here, and with it comes the abundance of fresh, juicy strawberries. What better way to celebrate this seasonal bounty than with a homemade strawberry pie? This classic dessert is bursting with flavor and always a crowd-pleaser. But if you’ve never made a pie before, the process can seem daunting. Don’t worry! This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a delicious and beautiful strawberry pie.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need:
- 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 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
Prepare the Crust
The crust is the foundation of your pie, so it’s important to get it right. Here’s how to make a flaky and delicious pie crust:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Add the Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Don’t add too much water, as this can make the crust tough.
4. Shape and Chill: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Filling
While the crust is chilling, prepare the strawberry filling:
1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, flour, salt, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the strawberries evenly.
2. Let the Filling Macerate: Let the filling sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices and the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Pie
Now that your crust and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble the pie:
1. Roll Out the Crust: Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate.
2. Crimp the Edges: Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to create a decorative finish.
3. Pour in the Filling: Pour the macerated strawberry filling into the pie crust.
4. Top with the Other Crust: Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the filling. You can also use a top crust if you prefer.
5. Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk or cream. Brush the egg wash over the top crust.
6. Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let the Pie Cool
Once the pie is baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack. This will allow the filling to set and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Serving and Enjoying Your Strawberry Pie
Once the pie has cooled, you can slice it and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Time to Share Your Creation
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making strawberry pie, share it with your loved ones! It’s a perfect dessert for picnics, potlucks, or a simple summer evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the filling.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
A: To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, make sure to bake the pie for the recommended time and let it cool completely before serving. You can also blind bake the crust (pre-bake it with pie weights) before adding the filling.
Q: Can I make the pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.
Q: What are some variations on the basic strawberry pie recipe?
A: You can add other fruits to the filling, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling. For a fun twist, try using a different type of crust, like a graham cracker crust or a cookie crust.
