Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare a delicious Fresh Strawberry Pie:
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
a. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
b. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
c. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. You should be able to pinch it and have it hold together.
d. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
a. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness.
b. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge.
4. Bake the Crust:
a. Prick the bottom of the pie crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
b. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
c. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Filling:
a. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes clear.
b. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
c. Let the sugar mixture cool for a few minutes, then add the halved strawberries and gently toss to coat them in the glaze.
6. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the strawberry filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
7. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours or until it’s set.
8. Serve:
Slice and serve your Fresh Strawberry Pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie! It’s perfect for a summer dessert or any time you’re craving a fruity treat.
