Old-fashioned strawberry pie is a beloved dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With its fresh, juicy strawberries, sweet glaze, and buttery pie crust, this pie is the ultimate treat for strawberry lovers. It’s a dessert that evokes nostalgic memories of family gatherings and summer picnics, making it a perfect addition to any special occasion or just an everyday indulgence.

The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity—fresh strawberries are the star of the show, paired with a luscious glaze that brings out their natural sweetness. The result is a pie that’s bursting with flavor, and the crisp, flaky pie crust adds a comforting texture that perfectly complements the juicy filling. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this strawberry pie is sure to be a hit at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh and Flavorful

The combination of ripe, fresh strawberries and a sweet glaze creates an irresistible flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

2. Simple Ingredients

Made with just a few simple ingredients, this pie is easy to prepare and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

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3. Perfect for Summer

This strawberry pie celebrates the peak of strawberry season, making it a great dessert for summer gatherings or special occasions.

4. Versatile Toppings

Top this pie with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence or keep it simple for a more classic presentation.

5. Make-Ahead Option

You can easily prepare this pie ahead of time, making it a great option for busy days when you need a delicious dessert ready to go.

Ingredients

For the Pie:

9-inch deep-dish pie crust (baked)
Fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
Sugar
Cornstarch
Cold water
Salt
Red food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)

For Serving:

Whipped cream (optional)
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Variations

Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Berry Mix: Incorporate other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to create a mixed berry pie.
Almond Flavor: Add a few drops of almond extract to the filling for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the strawberries.
Graham Cracker Crust: Swap the traditional pie crust for a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by baking your pie crust if you haven’t already done so. You can use a store-bought or homemade pie crust. Be sure to bake it according to the package directions or until golden and fully cooked. Allow the crust to cool before adding the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Hull and halve the fresh strawberries. Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of strawberries to be used for the filling, and save the rest for the topping.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the cold water, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens and becomes clear, about 2-3 minutes. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the red food coloring, if using, for a more vibrant glaze.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Place the whole strawberries (reserving a few for garnish) into the cooled pie crust. Pour the thickened glaze over the strawberries, making sure they are evenly coated. Use a spoon to gently spread the glaze over the strawberries, ensuring they are all covered.

Step 5: Chill the Pie

Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or until the filling has set and the glaze is firm.

Step 6: Serve

Once the pie has set, slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra sweetness. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe as they provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using.
Let the Pie Set: Be patient and allow the pie to chill for a few hours to ensure the filling sets properly. This will help the pie hold its shape when slicing.
For a Glossier Finish: If you want a shiny, glossy finish on your pie, the red food coloring can help achieve that, though it’s optional.
Keep the Pie Crust Crisp: To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, you can brush the inside of the baked pie crust with a thin layer of melted white chocolate before filling it.

How to Serve

This Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie is delicious served chilled, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a sweet, refreshing dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover strawberry pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.

Freezing

This pie is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh fruit and glaze, which may not maintain their texture when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed chilled and does not need to be reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

2. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, a store-bought pie crust works perfectly in this recipe if you’re looking for a quick and easy option.

3. Can I make this pie with a graham cracker crust?

Yes, you can substitute a graham cracker crust for the traditional pie crust for a different texture and flavor.

4. Do I need to bake the pie crust before filling?

Yes, the pie crust should be pre-baked to ensure it’s fully cooked and doesn’t become soggy from the filling.

5. Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, the food coloring is entirely optional and only used to enhance the color of the glaze. It does not affect the flavor of the pie.

6. Can I add whipped cream directly into the pie filling?

While whipped cream can be added as a topping, it should not be mixed into the filling, as it may cause the pie to lose its structure and texture.

7. How long does it take for the pie to set?

The pie needs to chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours to allow the glaze to set properly.

8. Can I make this pie the night before?

Yes, you can make the pie a day ahead and store it in the fridge overnight. Just be sure to let it chill completely before serving.

9. Can I use other fruit in this pie?

While the recipe is specifically for strawberries, you can use other berries or fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a delicious twist.

10. How do I know if the glaze has thickened properly?

The glaze should become thick and clear once it’s cooked for 2-3 minutes. If it’s still too thin, continue cooking and stirring until it thickens.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Strawberry Pie is a timeless dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a glossy glaze and a flaky crust. It’s a dessert that’s easy to make, but it’s sure to impress your guests with its bright, fresh flavors. Whether enjoyed during a summer celebration or as a sweet treat any time of the year, this strawberry pie is bound to become a family favorite.

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