The Easiest Fresh Strawberry Pie
Pie can get a bad rap…it takes too long, it’s too finicky, it’s too hard… So I’m here to let you in on a little secret. Fresh Strawberry Pie is EASY. I promise you can bake it up, serve it on a warm summer evening and wow yourself with how simple it was to create! I’m going to give you the full recipe to make even the pie crust from scratch, just know that you can skip making home made crust and have this pie assembled in no time!
Here’s the run down of what you’re going to do:
bake the pie crust
while the crust is baking, wash and slice the strawberries. Set them on a towel in a single layer to dry
once you pull the pie crust out of the oven set it to the side to cool
now make the ‘filling’, let it cool for 10 min then assemble : pie crust, pile in the berries, pour filling sauce evenly over the berries
serve!
this pie is fresh and light and goes great with a dollop of whipping cream or vanilla ice cream
Pie Crust
**here’s a easy way to make this pie quicker. Check the freezer section at your grocery store for ready made pie crusts! You can either purchase them to be rolled out and baked in your own pan, or you can find them already in pans ready to go.
But of course homemade crust is so much tastier! My favorite easy way to make pie crust is with a food processor. No joke, it cuts the butter and shortening in so easily and makes quick work of making the dough. Here’s the how to:
3 cups all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 sticks cold salted butter (3/4 cup), cut into pieces
6 Tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup ice water
Preheat Oven to 375
Pulse the flour, sugar and salt till combine. Add in the cold butter and shortening and pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Slowly add in the ice water (don’t add the ice, you just want it in the water to keep the water extra cold!). Once the mixture binds together as dough stop processing. Remove the blade from the food processor, then divide the dough into 2 balls.
Roll out one ball of the dough to 1/4 inch thickness, transfer to your 9 inch pie pan. Make sure to prick the dough several times with a fork to help it bake without forming bubbles. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is toasted brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Now make the filling!
This recipe makes enough dough for 2 single-crust pies, or 1 double crust.
The dough freezes well! Wrap in plastic wrap and store in an air tight container or bag. To use, allow it to come to a workable temperature. Roll out and use as wanted!
Strawberry Pie Filling
6 cups of fresh berries; no need to only use strawberries! Get creative and add in raspberries or blueberries… just make sure to use fresh. Frozen berries do not work for this recipe.
Filling Sauce:
1/2 cup water
1 cup crushed berries or rhubarb!
3/4 cup sugar : this is a personal preference! If you want it more tart start with 1/2 and add in more to taste.
3 Tablespoons Corn Starch
While the pie crust is baking, wash the strawberries. Remove the stems and cut in half or fourths depending on the size of the berry. If smaller berries are available I love using those whole! Lay the berries on a towel in a single layer to dry.
Once you’ve removed the pie crust from the oven start making the filling sauce.
In a large saucepan, blend the water, sugar and cornstarch until fully dissolved. Then turn on the heat to medium and add the mixed berries or Rhubarb and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1 minute, or until thickened, then remove from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Now you’re ready to assemble your pie! Place the strawberries in the baked pie shell, creating a heaping pile. Then evenly ladle the filling over the berries. Now it’s ready to serve with fresh whipping cream or vanilla ice cream!
The crust will be the flakiest if enjoyed the same day it is made - so try to assemble it as close to party time as possible.
Happy Summer entertaining! If you need more summer hosting inspiration be sure to check out our book Dinner Changes Everything and definitely hit up the blog for lots more tips, tricks and recipes!
