Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

This Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, especially during strawberry season. It combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with a smooth, slightly tangy filling that is set in a crisp, buttery pie crust. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike, and it can be prepared in a short amount of time with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a special celebration, or just craving a sweet treat, this strawberry pie will certainly impress. The bright, vibrant color of the strawberries alongside the glossy, flavorful filling will make this pie the star of your dessert table. Plus, the fresh fruit gives it a lightness that balances out the richness of the pie crust, making each bite refreshing and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks as if it came from a high-end bakery, all in the comfort of your own kitchen. Read on for how to make this delightful pie and tips for storing it, as well as variations you can try to customize it to your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

This Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie is not only quick and easy to make, but it also bursts with flavor and is incredibly versatile. The fresh strawberries are the star of the show, offering a natural sweetness that’s complemented by a smooth, slightly tart filling. It’s a dessert that doesn’t rely on heavy ingredients, which makes it feel light and refreshing—perfect for warmer weather or any time you want a simple, yet elegant dessert. The buttery pie crust adds the perfect balance of texture, while the cornstarch and Sure-Jell help to create a stable filling that holds its shape without being too thick. This pie is also great for customizing to suit different preferences, whether you prefer a sweeter filling or a tangier kick. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as simple as it is impressive, this strawberry pie is sure to become a staple.

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Ingredients

For the Crust

• Pillsbury pie crust

For the Filling

• Fresh strawberries, gently rinsed and dried, hulled
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Sure-Jell for low-sugar recipes (the pink box)
• Pinch of salt
• Lemon juice

Variations

While this Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking:

• Add a touch of vanilla: For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling.
• Use a graham cracker crust: Swap the traditional pie crust for a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor.
• Mix in other fruits: You can combine strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry pie.
• Make it with a crumb topping: Instead of a full pie crust, you could use a crumble topping made with butter, flour, and sugar.
• Use a sugar substitute: For a lower-sugar option, substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

How to Make the Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Place the Pillsbury pie crust into a pie dish and bake according to package instructions until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Gently rinse and dry the fresh strawberries, then hull them and cut them in half. Reserve some whole strawberries for decoration if desired.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, Sure-Jell, and a pinch of salt. Add the lemon juice and stir. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Combine the Strawberries and Filling

Once the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat. Add the halved strawberries to the saucepan and stir gently to coat them with the filling.

Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust

Carefully spoon the strawberry mixture into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly. Arrange any remaining whole strawberries on top for decoration.

Step 6: Chill the Pie

Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or until the filling is set. This will help it firm up and become easy to slice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Be sure to gently hull the strawberries to avoid crushing them. A strawberry huller or a small knife works best for this task.
• If you want a smoother filling, you can mash some of the strawberries before adding them to the pie crust.
• If you prefer a sweeter pie, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling according to your taste.
• Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the pie set properly, ensuring the filling won’t be runny.

How to Serve

This Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie is best served chilled. Slice it into wedges and top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. It can also be served as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover strawberry pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Although this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pie before chilling. After assembling, place the pie in the freezer and let it set for a few hours. Once the filling has firmed up, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 1-2 months. To serve, thaw the pie in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

This pie is meant to be served chilled and does not need reheating. Simply remove from the fridge and allow it to come to a slightly cooler temperature before serving if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?

Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, as they provide the desired texture and flavor. However, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary; just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

2. Can I make the pie without Sure-Jell?

Yes, you can use regular pectin or omit it, though the pie may not hold together as well without it.

3. How do I know when the filling is ready?

The filling will thicken and become glossy once it’s heated properly. It should coat the back of a spoon.

4. Can I use a homemade pie crust?

Absolutely! You can use any pie crust of your choice, whether store-bought or homemade.

5. Can I make this pie the day before?

Yes, this pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight.

6. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Be sure to bake the crust until golden and fully cooked before adding the filling. You can also brush the crust with a thin layer of melted butter to create a barrier.

7. What if my pie filling is too runny?

If your pie filling turns out too runny, you can thicken it by adding a bit more cornstarch or letting it cook a little longer.

8. Can I use a different kind of fruit in this pie?

Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches.

9. How can I make the pie crust extra flaky?

For a flakier crust, make sure to handle the dough as little as possible, and consider chilling the dough before rolling it out.

10. Can I freeze the pie crust before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the pie crust before baking. Simply place it in the dish, freeze for 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s a treat that showcases the best of fresh strawberries while offering a light, refreshing flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny day or sharing it with friends and family, this pie is sure to be a hit. Customize it to your liking with different fruits or crust variations, and don’t forget the tips for making the perfect pie every time.

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