Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate celebration of peak season berries, look no further—this Fresh Strawberry Pie is pure joy in dessert form. Imagine a flaky, golden crust piled high with fresh strawberries coated in luscious, homemade glaze and crowned with billowy clouds of whipped cream. Every bite captures the sun-ripened flavors of summer and provides the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy. Whether you’re toasting with friends or treating yourself, Fresh Strawberry Pie brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Fresh Strawberry Pie is how a handful of simple ingredients can shine so brightly. Each one is essential, enhancing the taste, texture, and vibrant color of the pie—so don’t skip any, and use the best strawberries you can find!

• Chilled pie dough: The base of your Fresh Strawberry Pie, so use a flaky, all-butter crust for the dreamiest texture and flavor.
• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star—choose ones that are deeply red and smell irresistibly sweet.
• Sugar: Adjust according to your strawberries’ sweetness; it draws out the natural juices and gives the glaze its irresistible sheen.
• Cornstarch: This ensures your filling thickens just enough to slice, while still feeling juicy and fresh.
• Vanilla extract: Just a dash lifts the whole pie with sweet warmth and depth.
• Almond extract: A little goes a long way here—it adds that mysterious “bakery magic” aroma.
• Lemon juice: For brightness and a pop of tartness that keeps things lively, not cloying.
• Salt: Don’t skip it! The smallest amount sharpens every flavor and makes the berries pop.
• Egg yolk: Whisked into an egg wash, this gives your crust a gorgeous, golden shine.
• Cream: Paired with the egg yolk, it creates a rich and glossy finish to the pre-baked crust.
• Homemade whipped cream or whipped coconut cream: This finishing touch adds a cloudlike, creamy contrast to every bite. Pile it on generously!

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Pie

Step 1: Pre-Bake the Pie Crust

Roll out your chilled pie dough until it fits your 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it across the base and up the sides—careful to avoid any stretching, which can cause shrinking in the oven. Trim the edges so there’s a half-inch overhang, fold this under for a thicker crust edge, then crimp it beautifully. Prick the bottom with a fork so the steam escapes. Next, line the crust with two sheets of foil and fill it up with pie weights (or dried beans or rice if you don’t have any). Pop the crust into the fridge while the oven preheats—cold dough means extra flakiness.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Arrange the pie crust on a hot baking sheet in a preheated 400°F oven. Baking it with the weights in will keep the shape flat and the edges upright and neat. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns golden brown and lovely (about 20-30 minutes). Remove the weights and foil, then brush the bottom and sides of the crust with your egg yolk and cream mixture. Slide it back into the oven for just a few more minutes until glossy and set—this keeps the crust crisp, even under a juicy filling.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze

Scoop 2 cups of your juiciest strawberries into a saucepan and give them a good mash, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, almond extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. As the mixture simmers, it’ll transform into a glossy ruby glaze, thick and loaded with summer scent. Let this mixture cool completely; patience here means a set filling that’s a breeze to slice.

Step 4: Combine and Fill

Once cooled, fold the remaining fresh strawberries into your glaze, stirring gently to coat every berry. Pour this glistening strawberry mixture into the cooled pie shell, smoothing the top for a picture-perfect finish. If you want to get fancy, arrange the berries cut-side down for beautiful, bakery-style slices.

Step 5: Chill and Top

Let your Fresh Strawberry Pie chill in the fridge for at least two hours to set (a little patience here pays off!). When you’re ready to serve, crown the pie with homemade whipped cream—or for a dairy-free delight, whipped coconut cream. The contrast between the cool, airy topping and jammy berries is simply heaven.

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie

Garnishes

The right garnish can turn your Fresh Strawberry Pie into a showstopper. Try extra fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkling of finely grated lemon zest, or even a handful of toasted sliced almonds for some subtle crunch. For a really lovely touch, scatter tiny mint leaves over the whipped cream.

Side Dishes

Pair your Fresh Strawberry Pie with scoops of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt for an extra-creamy contrast. If you’re hosting brunch, this pie is delightful alongside a crisp glass of Prosecco or a tall, cool iced tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try serving the pie in individual tart shells or cut it into bars for a picnic-friendly treat. You can even serve each slice with a shortbread cookie tucked alongside for a playfully sophisticated vibe. And don’t forget—Fresh Strawberry Pie is just as lovely in the middle of the table, ready for generous, family-style servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), cover your Fresh Strawberry Pie loosely with foil or wrap and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 days, though the crust may soften a bit as it sits. The flavor deepens, and the filling stays juicy and bright.

Freezing

While this isn’t the best pie for freezing whole (the fresh strawberry texture can change), you can freeze the crust alone or freeze leftover slices in airtight containers for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge for a cool treat and enjoy within a day for best flavor.

Reheating

Fresh Strawberry Pie is at its best served cold or at cool room temperature. If you’d like a slightly warmer slice, give it a 30-second zap in the microwave—just wait to add the whipped cream topping until after warming.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in Fresh Strawberry Pie?

Fresh is definitely best for this recipe, but in a pinch you can use frozen berries for the glaze. Let them thaw first and blot away excess moisture. For the bulk of the filling, stick with fresh strawberries for that perfect juicy bite.

How do I make my strawberry filling set up nicely?

Be sure to cook your glaze until thickened and cool it completely before folding in the remaining berries. Chilling the pie for at least two hours also helps the filling firm up so it’s easy to slice.

Is homemade whipped cream necessary?

Homemade whipped cream adds an unbeatable fresh flavor and pillowy texture, but you can swap in store-bought if you’re short on time. For a fun twist, try flavored whipped cream with a touch of lemon or vanilla!

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pie dough for the crust. The strawberry filling and glaze are naturally gluten-free, so you can share Fresh Strawberry Pie with everyone at the table.

How do I keep my pie crust from getting soggy?

The egg yolk and cream wash creates a protective seal, preventing the juicy filling from soaking in. Make sure your crust is fully pre-baked and completely cooled before you add the glaze and berries for best results.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a Fresh Strawberry Pie to your table is an act of pure celebration—freshness, color, and flavor all in one simple bake. I hope you try this recipe soon and savor that first, sun-kissed forkful. Happy baking!

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