Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie: Summer’s Most Refreshing Dessert!
Get ready to celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season with this incredible Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie! This dessert is the epitome of summer in every bite: sweet, juicy strawberries suspended in a silky, glistening glaze, all nestled within a perfectly golden, flaky crust. It’s cool, refreshing, and utterly irresistible – truly summer’s most delightful treat!
Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, ripe strawberries, their natural sweetness enhanced by a vibrant, fruit-filled glaze, offering a stunning contrast to the crisp, buttery crust. This pie isn’t just delicious; its beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper for any gathering, from casual backyard barbecues to festive picnics. And the best part? It’s wonderfully simple to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying those sunny days!
Ingredients:
- 1 frozen pie crust (9-inch, deep-dish recommended)
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1¼ cups water
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 2 lbs), plus extra for garnish if desired
- Optional: 1-2 drops red food coloring (for a more vibrant glaze)
- Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Large mixing bowl
- 9-inch pie plate
- Spatula or spoon
Instructions:
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Bake the Pie Crust: Follow the package directions to bake your frozen pie crust until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. This usually takes around 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven. Once baked, let the crust cool completely on a wire rack. A cool crust is essential to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy when you add the filling.
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Prepare the Silky Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Whisk them together until there are no lumps. Gradually whisk in the water until the mixture is smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes, or until the glaze thickens and becomes clear and glossy. If desired, stir in 1-2 drops of red food coloring for a more intense strawberry hue. Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow it to thicken further.
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Combine Strawberries and Glaze: While the glaze is cooling, ensure your fresh strawberries are hulled and sliced. In a large mixing bowl, gently add the sliced strawberries. Pour the slightly cooled, thickened glaze over the strawberries. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the strawberries into the glaze until they are all evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the strawberries.
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Fill and Chill the Pie: Pour the strawberry mixture into the cooled, baked pie crust, spreading it evenly. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the glaze to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully. This chilling time is crucial for neat, clean slices.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once fully chilled and set, slice the Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie with a sharp knife (wiping the knife between slices for cleaner cuts). Serve chilled, optionally topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips & Variations:
- Peak Season Strawberries: The success of this pie truly hinges on the quality of your strawberries. Use fresh, ripe, in-season berries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Homemade Crust: For an even more “from scratch” feel, use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe. Just ensure it’s fully baked and cooled before filling.
- Other Berries: While strawberries are the star, you can experiment with mixing in a cup of fresh raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for a mixed berry pie variation.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar in the glaze to your preference. If your strawberries are very sweet, you might reduce the sugar slightly. If they are tart, you might add a touch more.
- Garnish Ideas: Beyond whipped cream, consider a sprig of fresh mint or a few whole strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation.
This Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie is truly summer’s most refreshing dessert—sweet, juicy strawberries in a silky glaze over a golden, flaky crust that screams warm weather in every delicious bite!