This Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that combines a buttery, lemon-scented crust with a rich and creamy strawberry filling. Topped with a light and fluffy Italian meringue, this pie is both refreshing and indulgent. The sweet and tangy flavor of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and the crisp crust, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This:
You’ll love this Strawberry Pie because it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy. The homemade crust is tender and buttery, while the filling is rich with the natural flavor of fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon. The Italian meringue adds a light, airy finish that makes each bite irresistible. This pie is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a great choice for special gatherings or a simple treat to enjoy at home.
Perfect Occasion:
This Strawberry Pie is ideal for spring and summer gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a refreshing dessert after a meal. It’s also perfect for serving at family dinners, brunches, or whenever you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat. The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy filling makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit at any event.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra special presentation, consider decorating the top of the pie with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry syrup. You can also use a piping bag to create decorative swirls with the Italian meringue, then lightly toast the meringue with a kitchen torch for a beautiful golden finish. The bright red of the strawberries against the white meringue creates a striking contrast that will make your pie the star of any dessert table.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 125 grams softened butter (at room temperature)
- 100 grams sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 200 grams all-purpose flour (use the finest flour you have)
- 50 grams cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Filling:
- 2 cans (approx. 700 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 500 grams fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
For the Italian Meringue:
- 200 grams sugar
- 50 grams extra sugar
- 100 ml water
- 4 large egg whites
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Beat for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Add the egg and beat for an additional 2 minutes until well combined.
- Sift together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, folding with a spatula until a dough forms. The dough will be thick, but it will absorb the flour.
- Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Pre-bake the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 20 cm (8-inch) tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess. Line the crust with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Cover the crust with aluminum foil, pressing the edges to prevent the crust from shrinking. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the foil, and allow the crust to cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, pureed strawberries, eggs, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-baked crust and bake for 40 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Prepare the Italian Meringue:
- In a small saucepan, combine 200 grams of sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until the syrup reaches 118°C (245°F).
- While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites with the remaining 50 grams of sugar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually pour the hot syrup into the egg whites, beating constantly until the meringue is thick, glossy, and cooled to room temperature.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Allow the pie to cool completely before decorating with the Italian meringue.
- Spread or pipe the meringue over the cooled pie. Optionally, toast the meringue with a kitchen torch for a golden finish.
Enjoy!