Discover the irresistible charm of Strawberry Cream Angel Pie, a light, fluffy dessert that wins hearts with every sweet, creamy bite. This enchanting pie combines airy meringue, luscious whipped cream, and juicy strawberries in a perfect harmony that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weekend treat, Strawberry Cream Angel Pie offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully Light Texture: The fluffy meringue base gives the pie an airy feel that makes it easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy.
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Juicy, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- Creamy Balance: Smooth, whipped cream adds just the right amount of richness to complement the tartness of the berries.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this pie is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Its visually stunning appearance and heavenly taste make it ideal for family dinners, parties, or holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Strawberry Cream Angel Pie is thoughtfully chosen to create the ideal combination of flavor, texture, and color. These simple pantry staples come together to craft a dessert that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
- Egg Whites: Fresh egg whites are whipped into stiff peaks to create the lightweight meringue foundation.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the meringue, ensuring that delicate balance between fluffy and sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the natural flavors of the pie.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped until fluffy, this provides the creamy layer that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced ripe strawberries add freshness, juiciness, and a touch of vibrant color.
- Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusted over the whipped cream for an added hint of sweetness and a delicate finish.
Variations for Strawberry Cream Angel Pie
One of the best things about Strawberry Cream Angel Pie is its flexibility. Feel free to tailor it to suit your dietary needs or personal taste by swapping ingredients or adding your own creative twist.
- Mixed Berry Medley: Replace or combine strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful fruit mix.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the whipped cream for extra richness.
- Gluten-Free Crust Option: Use almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies as a base for those avoiding gluten.
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap egg whites with aquafaba and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly version.
- Mint Infusion: Stir chopped fresh mint leaves into the whipped cream for a refreshing, aromatic touch.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Angel Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Meringue Base
Start by whisking egg whites at room temperature until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and stiff. Fold in vanilla extract gently and shape the meringue on a parchment-lined baking sheet into a round pie base. Bake at a low temperature until crisp on the outside yet soft inside, then allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for about 15 minutes to make whipping easier. Pour heavy whipping cream into the bowl, then whip on high speed. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form—smooth, luscious, and ready to spread.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Carefully spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled meringue base. Arrange freshly sliced strawberries artfully on top of the whipped cream, layering them for visual appeal and taste balance.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Place the assembled pie into the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set slightly. Serve chilled for that perfect, refreshing bite.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cream Angel Pie
- Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: This makes whipping easier and yields a higher volume of meringue.
- Beat Sugar Gradually: Adding sugar slowly ensures a silky, stable meringue without graininess.
- Don’t Overbake the Meringue: Bake until crisp on the outside but still soft inside to keep a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Chill Bowls for Whipping: Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape better.
- Fresh Strawberries Matter: Choose ripe but firm strawberries for the best sweetness and texture.
- Assemble Before Serving: To prevent sogginess, add whipped cream and berries just before serving whenever possible.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Angel Pie
Garnishes
Enhance the visual and flavor appeal by sprinkling fresh mint leaves, a dusting of powdered sugar, or small shards of white chocolate on top of the pie. These little touches elevate the dessert without overwhelming its natural simplicity.
Side Dishes
Serve your Strawberry Cream Angel Pie alongside a light herbal tea, fresh fruit salad, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful, well-rounded dessert experience perfect for warm weather or anytime you want something refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the pie into generous wedges and place atop pretty dessert plates, or create individual mini pies using meringue nests. You can also serve deconstructed versions with dollops of whipped cream and strawberry slices elegantly arranged on small plates for a refined touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Strawberry Cream Angel Pie refrigerated, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two days. Keep in mind that the meringue base may soften slightly as it sits with the cream and berries.
Freezing
This pie is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the baked meringue base separately for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a foil layer to prevent moisture absorption. Whipped cream and fresh strawberries are best added after thawing the meringue before serving.
Reheating
Because Strawberry Cream Angel Pie is served chilled, reheating is not recommended. If the meringue becomes too soft, refreshing it in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) for a few minutes before assembling can restore some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Cream Angel Pie?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if thawed and drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could sog the pie.
Is it safe to use raw egg whites in the meringue?
Yes, raw egg whites are typically safe in baked meringue; however, if you have concerns, look for pasteurized egg whites to reduce any risk.
How long does Strawberry Cream Angel Pie keep in the fridge?
The pie stays fresh for about two days when refrigerated, but the meringue base may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Can I make Strawberry Cream Angel Pie vegan?
Absolutely! Use aquafaba as an egg white substitute for meringue and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make a vegan-friendly version.
What are good alternatives to heavy whipping cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, try whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt for different but equally delicious creamy flavors.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cream Angel Pie is a true showstopper that blends airy meringue, velvety whipped cream, and fresh strawberries into an unforgettable dessert experience. Its simplicity paired with elegance makes it a recipe worth trying anytime you want to treat yourself or impress your guests. Go ahead, whip up this classic gem and let it win your heart just like it has won so many others.
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Strawberry Cream Angel Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Strawberry Cream Angel Pie is a light and fluffy dessert featuring a crisp yet soft meringue base topped with smooth whipped cream and fresh, juicy strawberries. This elegant and refreshing pie blends airy textures with natural sweetness, making it perfect for any occasion from casual gatherings to celebratory dinners.
Ingredients
Meringue Base
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Layer
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Topping
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Meringue Base: Start by whisking the room temperature egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture becomes glossy and stiff. Gently fold in the vanilla extract. Spread the meringue mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping it into a round pie base. Bake at 275°F (135°C) until the exterior is crisp but the inside remains soft, then allow to cool completely.
- Whip the Cream: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for about 15 minutes to ease whipping. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the bowl and whip on high speed. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until soft peaks form, resulting in a smooth and luscious cream ready for spreading.
- Assemble the Pie: Carefully spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled meringue base. Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries nicely atop the whipped cream, layering them for both aesthetic appeal and balanced flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the cream set slightly. Serve chilled for a refreshing, delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites to achieve better volume when whipping.
- Add sugar gradually to create a silky and stable meringue without graininess.
- Do not overbake the meringue – aim for a crisp outside and soft inside.
- Chilling bowls and beaters helps the cream whip faster and maintain its shape.
- Choose ripe but firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Assemble the pie shortly before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
