Introduction:
Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that showcases the sweet and juicy flavors of fresh strawberries. This classic pie features a flaky crust filled with a luscious strawberry filling, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, Strawberry Pie is a delicious treat that is perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Origin and Popularity:
The exact origin of Strawberry Pie is uncertain, but it has been a beloved dessert in American cuisine for generations. With its simple yet irresistible combination of fresh strawberries, sugar, and a flaky pastry crust, Strawberry Pie is a staple on dessert menus at diners, bakeries, and homes across the country. It’s especially popular during the spring and summer months when strawberries are in season and at their peak of freshness.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
- Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out the Pie Crust:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a circle large enough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess overhang.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss until the strawberries are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the strawberry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and thickened.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature before serving.
- Serve slices of Strawberry Pie on their own or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Tips:
- For a glossy finish, you can brush the top crust of the pie with a beaten egg before baking.
- If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly during baking, you can cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling according to the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Pie is a classic dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer with its fresh and fruity flavors. Whether enjoyed as a sweet ending to a meal or as a special treat on its own, Strawberry Pie is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a smile to your face with every bite. With its simple yet irresistible charm, this pie is a timeless favorite that is perfect for any occasion.
Recommendation:
Serve slices of Strawberry Pie alongside glasses of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing and satisfying dessert experience. Enjoy the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the buttery flakiness of the crust, and savor the simple pleasures of a homemade pie made with love.