Ultimate Strawberry Pie

$- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon butter, diced - Whipped cream for serving (optional) When preparing your strawberries, make sure to wash them well. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Remove the green tops, known as hulls, and cut each berry in half. This helps release their juices during baking. For the cornstarch, ensure it is fresh. Old cornstarch may not thicken the filling properly. If you want to mix it up, you can use other fruits. Blueberries or raspberries can work well. You can also try using honey instead of sugar. For a gluten-free crust, almond flour or gluten-free baking mixes are great options. If you want a vegan pie, use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free whipped cream. These swaps keep the pie delicious while catering to different diets. To start, you need to hull and halve your strawberries. Use a small knife to remove the green tops. Then, slice each berry in half. This process will help the strawberries mix well with the other ingredients. Let the halved strawberries rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This time allows them to release their sweet juices. The flavor will be richer and brighter in your pie when you do this. Now, it’s time to combine the ingredients. In a bowl, mix the halved strawberries with ¾ cup of sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined. This mixture is the heart of your pie. Next, pour the strawberry mixture into your prepared pie crust. Make sure to spread it evenly across the crust. This helps every slice have a good balance of filling and crust. Don’t forget to dot the top with diced butter for extra flavor. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help the pie crust start baking perfectly. Bake the pie for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for another 30 minutes. This step is key for a golden crust and bubbling filling. When done, let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling time helps the filling set. Afterward, you can serve your delicious pie. For a nice touch, top each slice with whipped cream if you like. Check out the Full Recipe for complete details. For the best pie crust, you can choose between homemade and store-bought. Homemade crusts offer fresh taste and texture. They also let you control the ingredients. Store-bought crusts save time and work well too. Just pick a good brand for better results. To avoid a soggy bottom, blind bake your crust. This means you bake it for a short time before adding the filling. Use pie weights or dried beans to hold it down. This keeps it firm and crisp. You can add spices or extracts for an extra twist. A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth. A dash of almond extract gives a nutty taste. Experiment to find your favorite mix. Lemon juice plays a key role in balancing sweetness. It cuts through the sugar and adds brightness. A tablespoon is enough to brighten the pie without making it sour. If your filling is too runny, don’t fret. You can thicken it by cooking it on the stove. Mix a little cornstarch with water, then stir it in. Cook until it thickens, then pour it back into the crust. For overbaked crusts, brush it with a little melted butter. This can help restore some moisture. You can also cover it with whipped cream when serving to mask any dryness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the strawberries for mixed berries. Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries all work well. They each add their own twist. Try combining them for a berry medley. Seasonal fruits can also shine in this pie. Peaches in summer or apples in fall can create new flavors. Each fruit brings its own sweetness and tartness. If you need a gluten-free crust, try almond flour or oats. Both make tasty options for your pie base. You can also find gluten-free pie crusts in stores. For vegan choices, use coconut oil instead of butter. Maple syrup or agave can replace sugar to keep it plant-based. For toppings, use coconut whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative. These swaps keep the pie delicious while catering to dietary needs. To keep your leftover pie fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent the pie from drying out. You can also cover it with plastic wrap. Store the pie at room temperature for one day. If you want it to last longer, place it in the fridge. In the fridge, it can stay good for up to four days. When you want to enjoy a slice again, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet. Warm it for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy and the filling warm. Avoid using a microwave, as it may make the crust soggy. You can freeze the pie before or after baking. To freeze it before baking, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. This helps keep out air. You can bake it straight from the freezer. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool first. Then wrap it tightly and freeze. When you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best taste and texture. The ultimate strawberry pie lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. If left out, the pie can spoil in just a few hours, especially in warm weather. Yes, you can make the pie ahead of time. It is best to bake the pie a day or two before serving. This way, the flavors can develop, and the pie will have time to cool properly. Serve the pie with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh mint leaves can add a nice touch too. You can also slice fresh strawberries on top for extra flavor and color. Yes, this recipe is great for beginners. The steps are simple and easy to follow. Just take your time, and you will create a beautiful pie that everyone will love. You know the pie is done when the filling bubbles and the crust turns golden brown. A good sign is when you see the juices from the strawberries bubbling up through the crust. This means it is ready to come out of the oven. For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Strawberry Pie 🥧 section. The ultimate strawberry pie is a treat you can easily make at home. You learned how to prepare fresh strawberries, mix ingredients, and bake to perfection. Don't forget the tips for the best crust and flavor. You can even try different fruits or make it gluten-free or vegan. Store leftovers correctly for the best taste. Remember, making pie should be fun, so get creative! Enjoy each slice, and share the joy with others. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the sweet taste of summer with this ultimate strawberry pie recipe! Bursting with fresh strawberries and a buttery crust, this pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t miss out on this delightful treat; click through to uncover the full recipe and make your very own ultimate strawberry pie today!

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon butter, diced

Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a medium bowl, combine the halved strawberries with ¾ cup of the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and let sit for 10-15 minutes for the strawberries to release their juices.

Pour the strawberry mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with diced butter.

Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sugar evenly over the strawberry filling.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly.

Serve slices of the pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time) | Servings: 8 slices