Strawberry Pie: A Comforting Recipe

Let’s talk about a dessert that brings back some sweet memories: Strawberry Pie. I remember the first time I attempted one, my youngest declared it tasted like summer in a bite. It became a household hit, and honestly, it’s a sanity-saving comfort food for those days when you need a win in the kitchen.

I’ve tweaked it over the years, learning what works best for my family and my sanity (because let’s be real, we all need that!). What I love most is that it’s a recipe that welcomes improvisation. Join me, fellow comfort seekers, and let’s get baking this delightful treat together! I’m here to share all my secrets with you so you can make your own delicious Strawberry Pie!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, let’s gather our ingredients! Trust me, this Strawberry Pie ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Find these in the fresh produce section!
• 1 pre-made pie crust: For a homemade touch that is a little faster, you could use pre-made pie crusts.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store
• 1/4 cup cornstarch: This Strawberry Pie proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.
• 1 cup water: Tap water will do just fine.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Bottled is fine or grab a lemon from the produce section.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a touch of richness
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
• Optional: Whipped cream, for serving: For extra comfort, add a dollop of whipped cream

No worries if you don’t have lemon juice – I sometimes use a splash of orange juice for extra brightness in my Strawberry Pie. It adds a little twist and the kids love it. My family gets extra comfort when I add a tiny bit of vanilla extract to the filling. It just elevates the flavor profile a little bit.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Strawberry Pie – learn from my experience!

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your pre-made pie crust in a pie dish. Crimp the edges for a pretty look (or just press them with a fork – no judgment here!).
2. Bake the Crust: Blind bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. You can use pie weights or dried beans to prevent it from puffing up. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Strawberry Pie usually takes around 45 minutes from start to finish.
3. Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water until smooth. It’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
4. Cook the Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes clear. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Your Strawberry Pie should smell amazing by now!
5. Add Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and butter until the butter is melted. Here’s a Strawberry Pie comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I melt the butter in a separate bowl and then add it.
6. Combine and Chill: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries. Pour the mixture into the baked pie crust. Don’t worry if your Strawberry Pie looks a little uneven – it’s homemade!
7. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the filling is set. While your Strawberry Pie is chilling, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!

How We Love to Eat This!

Now for the best part: serving! The kids devour this comforting Strawberry Pie when I serve it with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm pie and cold ice cream. My kids also love it with a dollop of whipped cream.

This Strawberry Pie is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also amazing for summer picnics or potlucks. I like to slice it into smaller pieces for easier serving. For presentation, I like to arrange the strawberries nicely on top before chilling.

For leftovers, I usually cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It’s just as delicious the next day! In the fall, I sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the Strawberry Pie filling for a warmer flavor. I made this for my friend’s baby shower once, and she said it was the best pie she’d ever had!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Let’s tackle some common questions about making this delicious Strawberry Pie.

• Is this Strawberry Pie really filling enough for growing kids?

  Absolutely! The strawberries and the crust provide some substance. I usually serve it with a side of fruit or yogurt to make it a complete treat. My kids think it is a great meal!

• What if my picky eater won’t try this Strawberry Pie?

  Ah, the picky eater challenge! Sometimes, I’ll let my picky eater help with making the Strawberry Pie. They might be more inclined to try something they helped create. I also cut a very small piece to introduce a new food!

• Can I meal prep this Strawberry Pie for busy weeks ahead?

  You can definitely prep parts of this! The crust can be baked a day ahead. The Strawberry Pie filling is best when made fresh, but you can slice the strawberries ahead of time.

• Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

  Fresh strawberries really do make the best filling, but you can substitute frozen if that is all you have. Be sure to thaw and drain them really well.

• What if my filling isn’t thickening properly?

  Make sure you are whisking the ingredients constantly. You may have to add a tiny bit more cornstarch to the filling mixture.

• How long will the Strawberry Pie last in the fridge?

  This dessert should last 3-4 days in the fridge. After that, it might get a little soggy. I doubt it will last that long because it is so delicious.

• Can I make this recipe with a gluten-free crust?

  Yes, you definitely can. Make sure that you get a crust that is made to hold a filling, as some gluten-free crusts can crumble.

Final Thoughts:

Making this Strawberry Pie isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a little moment of comfort for your family. If you’re looking for more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.

Here are my Strawberry Pie Comfort Hacks:

• Always taste the filling before adding the strawberries to adjust sweetness
• Use a store-bought crust when you are short on time
• Add a touch of vanilla or almond extract to make it extra special

Here are some variations we’ve tried:

• Chocolate Strawberry Pie: Adding a layer of chocolate ganache to the bottom of the crust. My oldest loves this version!
• Strawberry Rhubarb Pie: Combining strawberries with rhubarb for a tangy twist.
• No-Bake Strawberry Pie: Using a graham cracker crust and a no-bake filling.

Remember, fellow moms, there’s no right or wrong way to make this. Make it your own, add your own twist, and enjoy the cozy chaos of creating something special for your family! I hope this brings some sunshine and sweetness to your table. Try this satisfying Strawberry Pie and make it a new family favorite!

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Strawberry Pie

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This classic Strawberry Pie is bursting with fresh, juicy strawberries in a sweet and flaky crust. It’s the perfect dessert for summer gatherings or any time you crave a taste of sunshine.

• Author: Beatriz
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 prepared pie crust (9-inch)
• 6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, gently toss strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
3. Pour strawberry mixture into the prepared pie crust.
4. Dot the top of the strawberry filling with butter pieces.
5. Bake 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 foil.
6. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
7. Optional: Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a pinch of salt to the strawberry filling. You can also brush the crust with an egg wash before baking for a glossy finish.