Fresh Strawberry Pie

Introduction

This Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for summer. With its sweet, juicy strawberries and a deliciously flaky crust, it’s sure to impress your guests. This recipe is simple to follow and will result in a beautiful, refreshing pie that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream

Instructions

For the Pie Crust:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll Out Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork.
4. Bake Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-20 minutes, remove the weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool completely.

For the Filling:

1. Prepare Strawberries: In a large bowl, toss the hulled and halved strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.
2. Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar and cornstarch. Add the water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes clear. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
3. Combine with Strawberries: Add the strawberries to the saucepan with the glaze and gently stir to coat them evenly.

Assemble the Pie:

1. Fill Crust: Pour the strawberry mixture into the cooled pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

For the Topping:

1. Whipped Cream: Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making your Fresh Strawberry Pie! This pie is a perfect combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and a flaky crust. Serve it chilled and topped with whipped cream for a refreshing summer dessert. Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends!