Best Ever, Easy Strawberry Pie Recipe

What’s better than a juicy and delicious strawberry pie on a warm and sunny day? Nothing. Spring and summer are the perfect seasons for light and refreshing desserts, and one of the best desserts to enjoy during this time of year is a fresh strawberry pie. Made with a buttery crust and fresh, juicy strawberries, this dessert is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a family gathering. Today I’m sharing my favorite easy strawberry pie recipe that you can make in no time.

There’s just something special about the combination of sweet strawberries and a flaky crust that makes it the perfect dessert for warm weather. This year, my daughter Laura’s boyfriend came to spend Easter weekend with us and I asked him to request a special dessert. He asked for this easy strawberry pie!

There are a few key things that contribute to the simplicity and deliciousness of this easy strawberry pie recipe. One is the use of only a handful of simple ingredients, which makes it easy to shop for and prepare. The crust requires just flour, salt, fat, and ice water, while the filling is made with fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.

In addition, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, taking only a few minutes to mix and roll out the dough, and a short time to prepare the filling. This means you can have a delicious, homemade pie ready to bake in no time.

But what really sets this pie apart is the combination of the buttery, flaky crust and the sweet, juicy strawberries. The two work together perfectly to create a dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings and picnics.

The simplicity and ease of preparation, combined with the mouthwatering flavor and texture of the pie, make it a standout dessert that’s sure to impress any crowd.

Making a strawberry pie isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and traditions with your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this easy recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a sweet and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer. So, grab your family or friends, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some delicious memories together!

Pie is, after all, a treat everyone loves.

New York Times, 1902
“It is utterly insufficient (to eat pie only twice a week), as anyone who knows the secret of our strength as a nation and the foundation of our industrial supremacy must admit. Pie is the American synonym of prosperity, and its varying contents the calendar of the changing seasons. Pie is the food of the heroic. No pie-eating people can ever be permanently vanquished.”

In response to an Englishman’s suggestion that Americans should reduce their daily pie eating to two days per week.

Easy Strawberry Pie Recipe

Are you ready for a sweet and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer?

Ingredient’s You’ll Need

For the crust:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
10 tbsp vegetable shortening, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup ice water, plus more if needed

For the filling:

6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
3/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp all-purpose flour

How to Make This Easy Strawberry Pie

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 1. To make the crust, combine flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine. Add the cubed butter and shortening to the bowl, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2. Gradually add the ice water, pulsing until the dough comes together in a ball. Add a little more water if necessary. Wrap dough ball in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 3. Divide dough in half, and roll out each half on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick or big enough to fit into your pie crust.

Step 4. Transfer crust to a 9-inch pie dish by gently folding it in fourths. Be gentle so you don’t tear it. If your crust tears, simply press the torn edges together.

Step 5. To make the filling, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and all-purpose flour in a large bowl. Mix well. Pour filling into prepared crust.

Step 6. Cover the filling with the second crust, and crimp the edges together to seal the pie.

Step 7. Use a sharp knife to cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Alternatively, you can make a lattice pie crust like I did – instructions below.

Step 8. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You may want to wrap the edges of your pie crust with aluminum foil to keep it from browning too much.

Step 9. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack to room temperature before serving.

How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust with a Fluted Edge

Creating a lattice pie crust with a fluted edge is a beautiful and impressive way to finish off any pie. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create this classic crust:

1. Roll out your pie dough and fit it into the pie dish. Trim the edges so that there’s about 1 inch of overhang.
2. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter. The strips should be about 1/2 inch wide.
3. Lay half of the strips on top of the pie, spaced evenly apart. Fold back every other strip halfway.
4. Lay one of the remaining strips across the pie perpendicular to the first set of strips, just above the folded-back strips. Unfold the folded strips over the new strip.
5. Fold back the other set of strips that you did not fold back previously, and lay another strip across the pie, parallel to the first one, just above the folded-back strips. Unfold the folded strips over the new strip.
6. Continue this process, alternating the direction of the strips, until the lattice is complete.
7. Trim the edges of the strips so that they are flush with the edge of the pie dish.
8. To create a fluted edge, hold your index finger and thumb against the edge of the crust and use your other index finger to press the dough between your fingers. Move your fingers around the edge of the crust, creating a decorative edge.

You’ll be able to create a beautiful lattice pie crust with a fluted edge that will impress all your guests.

Tips

• A good pie crust butters it’s own pie plate.
• Using a mixture of shortening and butter gives you the best of both worlds. The shortening makes the crust flaky and tender and butter gives it that delectable flavor.
• Don’t over work your pie dough or you’ll end up with a tough and chewy pie crust.

Baking and Serving

To make sure your strawberry pie comes out perfectly, here are some tips for baking and serving:

• Be sure to chill the butter and ice water before using them in the crust.
• Roll out the crust on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to transfer it to the pie dish.
• To prevent the crust from getting soggy, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour on the bottom of the crust before adding the filling.
• Serve the pie at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations

If you want to switch up the filling, here are some ideas:

• Add other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to the filling.
• Add some lemon juice or zest to give the filling a zingy flavor.
• Make a crumb topping for the pie by mixing together flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly, and sprinkle it on top of the filling before baking.
• Brush the crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with raw sugar.

When to Serve Easy Strawberry Pie

Homemade strawberry pie is the perfect dessert for many occasions, from intimate family dinners to large backyard barbecues. With its sweet, juicy strawberries and flaky crust, this pie is sure to be a hit no matter where you serve it.

One of the best occasions to serve homemade strawberry pie is during the spring and summer months, when fresh strawberries are in season. This makes it a perfect dessert for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any outdoor gathering where you want to celebrate the season.

Homemade strawberry pie is also a great option for picnics and potlucks. It’s easy to transport, and you can make it ahead of time so that you have one less thing to worry about on the day of the event. Plus, there’s something special about bringing a homemade pie to share with others – it shows that you put time and effort into creating something delicious and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

A: Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe.

Q: Can I make the crust ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the crust ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to use it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q: How long will the pie keep?

A: The pie will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Now that you have this easy strawberry pie recipe, you can make a delicious dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or having a family dinner, this pie is sure to be a hit with everyone. And because it’s so simple to make, you can whip it up anytime you’re in the mood for something sweet and refreshing.

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe!