Sweet & Simple Strawberry Pie Recipe Using Fresh Strawberries
This strawberry pie recipe keeps things straightforward, focusing on the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries. The filling is made with a mix of mashed and whole strawberries, which gives the pie a satisfying texture and a burst of berry goodness in every bite. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this pie is perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to create something delicious and impressive without a lot of fuss.
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade, pre-baked)
- 1 ½ pound fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
- Sweetened whipped cream (optional, for serving)
- Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven according to the instructions for your pie crust. If you're using a homemade crust, follow your recipe’s instructions for pre-baking. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.
- Prepare the Strawberries
Halve fresh strawberries and set aside half in a large bowl. This will be the fresh fruit that gives your pie its lovely texture.
- Cook the Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining strawberries, granulated sugar, ¼ cup of water, and fresh lemon juice. Stir to mix, then mash the strawberries slightly with a fork or potato masher until chunky.
- Simmer the Mixture
Bring the saucepan to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Dissolve 5 tablespoons of cornstarch in the remaining ¼ cup of water and stir this mixture into the saucepan.
- Thicken the Filling
Simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Combine and Fill
Pour the thickened filling over the reserved fresh strawberries in the bowl, gently stirring to coat them evenly. Spoon this mixture into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill the Pie
Refrigerate the pie, uncovered, for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set properly.
- Serve
Before serving, top each slice with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream if desired.
- Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you might need to adjust the amount of sugar. Taste the filling before pouring it into the crust to ensure it’s just right.
- To help prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy, you can brush the bottom of the baked crust with a thin layer of melted white chocolate or apricot jam before adding the filling.
- For a bit of extra texture and visual appeal, consider adding a few whole or sliced strawberries on top of the filling before chilling.
Have Fun Baking!