This Strawberry Pie is a celebration of fresh, juicy strawberries encased in a buttery, flaky crust. The filling, sweetened with sugar and infused with a hint of vanilla and lemon, is perfectly balanced and richly satisfying. Topped with a beautiful lattice crust, this pie is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll fall in love with this Strawberry Pie because it offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The buttery crust is tender yet crisp, providing the ideal contrast to the soft, sweet-tart strawberry filling. The added touch of vanilla and lemon enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries, making each bite a burst of flavor. This pie is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round, especially during strawberry season.
Perfect Occasion:
This pie is perfect for any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert. It’s ideal for family celebrations, holiday dinners, or as a delightful treat on a summer afternoon. Whether served warm or chilled, this pie is sure to be a hit. It also makes a wonderful gift for loved ones, as it embodies the comfort and love of home baking.
Decoration Tips:
To elevate the presentation of your Strawberry Pie, consider brushing the lattice crust with an egg wash mixed with a little water before baking. This will give the crust a shiny, golden finish. For a rustic touch, sprinkle demerara or turbinado sugar over the top before baking. You can also garnish the baked pie with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for a pop of color. If serving with whipped cream, add a swirl of cream to each slice just before serving for an elegant touch.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 380 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g cold butter, cubed
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons cold water (approximately)
For the Filling:
- 750 g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 180 g granulated sugar (demerara sugar can be used for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 50 g cornstarch
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
You can prepare the dough using a stand mixer as shown in the video, or by hand following these instructions. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix on low speed, or use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. - Add the Egg and Water:
Lightly beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture along with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix on medium speed or by hand until the dough comes together. If the dough seems too dry, add the remaining water a little at a time. The dough should be cohesive but not overly wet. - Chill the Dough:
Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This resting time allows the dough to firm up and the butter to chill, resulting in a flakier crust. - Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is chilling, prepare the strawberry filling. In a large bowl, mix together the strawberries, sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the strawberries to release their juices. - Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit the bottom and sides of a 21 cm (8.5-inch) diameter, 5 cm (2-inch) deep pie dish. Press the dough gently into the dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly. - Fill the Pie:
Drain the strawberry mixture, reserving only 1/3 cup of the liquid. Spread the strawberries evenly over the dough in the pie dish, discarding the excess liquid or using it for another purpose. - Create the Lattice Top:
Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern over the strawberries. Lay the strips over the filling, alternating them to form a woven pattern. Brush the lattice with a beaten egg mixed with a little water and sprinkle with granulated or demerara sugar for extra crunch and sweetness. - Bake the Pie:
Preheat your oven to 160-180°C (320-350°F). Bake the pie for approximately 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on the pie in the last 10 minutes to ensure the crust doesn’t overbrown. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing, as this will help the filling set. Serve with sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Enjoy!
This Strawberry Pie is a delightful treat that captures the essence of homemade goodness, perfect for any occasion where a touch of sweetness is needed.