Easy and Delicious Strawberry Pie Recipe
Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a fresh strawberry pie. This vibrant dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with a touch of elderflower liqueur, creating a beautifully balanced flavor. Nestled in a flaky crust, each bite is pure bliss.
The filling is a luscious blend of jammy, slow-cooked strawberries and macerated berries, ensuring a perfect mix of texture and taste. Topped with a stunning arrangement of fresh slices, this pie is as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it the ideal showstopper for any gathering.
Finished with a generous dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream, this strawberry pie is a true celebration of the season. Whether served at a summer picnic or a cozy dinner, its bright flavors and delicate sweetness are guaranteed to impress.
Strawberry Pie Ingredients: A Symphony of Fresh Flavors
Strawberries – The heart of this pie, delivering natural sweetness and a vibrant, juicy bite in every layer.
Elderflower Liqueur – A delicate floral note that enhances the berries’ natural fragrance, adding an elegant depth to the filling.
Strawberry Jam – Intensifies the fruitiness while creating a luscious, jammy texture that holds the filling together beautifully.
Pie Crust – A crisp, buttery foundation that provides the perfect contrast to the soft, fruit-filled center.
Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream – Light and airy, this sweet, aromatic topping balances the tartness of the berries with a smooth, velvety finish.
The Ultimate Strawberry Pie Guide: Tips, Pairings & FAQs
This strawberry pie is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors, combining sweet, jammy berries with a crisp crust and airy vanilla bean whipped cream. To help you perfect this dessert, here are some essential tips, ideal pairings, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Strawberries
For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries. They should be bright red, firm, and fragrant. If your berries are slightly tart, you can balance the sweetness by adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling. Avoid overripe strawberries, as they can make the filling too watery. - Prevent a Soggy Crust
A crisp crust is key to a perfect strawberry pie. To prevent sogginess, ensure your crust is fully baked before adding the filling. For extra protection, brush the baked crust with a thin layer of melted white chocolate or egg wash before chilling. This creates a barrier that keeps moisture from seeping into the crust. - Achieve the Perfect Set
The filling needs time to firm up properly. Allow the pie to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours—overnight is even better. If the filling seems runny, ensure you’ve cooked the strawberry mixture long enough to activate the cornstarch, which thickens the filling.
What to Serve with Strawberry Pie
- Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the sweet, slightly tart strawberries. The cold, velvety texture melts into the warm flavors of the pie, creating a delightful contrast. - Lemonade or Sparkling Wine
A refreshing glass of homemade lemonade or a crisp sparkling wine enhances the pie’s fruit-forward flavors. The citrusy brightness of lemonade complements the sweetness, while the effervescence of sparkling wine adds a celebratory touch. - Dark Chocolate Drizzle
For an indulgent twist, drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the top of each slice before serving. The richness of the chocolate balances the fruity sweetness, creating a gourmet dessert experience.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but they must be thawed and drained well before use. Frozen strawberries release extra moisture, which can make the filling too runny. If using frozen berries, increase the cornstarch slightly to help thicken the filling.
2. How long does strawberry pie last?
This pie stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store it loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil to maintain its texture. The whipped cream is best added just before serving.
3. Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Assemble and chill the pie overnight, then garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream just before serving for the best presentation.
4. How can I make this pie gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free pie crust, either homemade or store-bought. Ensure all other ingredients, especially cornstarch, are certified gluten-free. The filling and whipped cream are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
This strawberry pie is a timeless dessert, perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to something sweet. With these expert tips and serving ideas, you’ll create a pie that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Enjoy!
Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought pie crust baked according to package instructions, or 1 homemade pie crust, blind baked
- 3 pounds fresh strawberries stems removed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon for maceration
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon elderflower liqueur
- 3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- A pinch of kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Take 2 pounds of strawberries and quarter them, setting them aside. Dice half of the remaining strawberries and thinly slice the rest.
- In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in the elderflower liqueur. Toss the diced strawberries in this mixture and allow them to macerate at room temperature.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quartered strawberries with the strawberry jam, cornstarch, lemon juice, kosher salt, and the remaining 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, fold in the macerated strawberries.
- Pour the prepared filling into the pre-baked pie crust, ensuring an even spread. Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and allow it to set for a minimum of 3 hours.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top in an overlapping circular pattern for an elegant presentation. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean paste, and cream of tartar until medium-stiff peaks form. Serve alongside the chilled strawberry pie.
