Fresh Strawberry Pie: A Burst of Summer in Every Bite

Experience the essence of summer with this delightful Fresh Strawberry Pie. Packed with the natural sweetness and juiciness of ripe strawberries, this pie is a celebration of freshness. A buttery, flaky crust cradles a glossy strawberry filling that strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. This pie is light, refreshing, and ideal for any occasion—from backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream, it’s a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4-5 tbsp cold water

For the Filling:

• 4-5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess. Crimp the edges if desired.
6. Poke the bottom with a fork and line the crust with parchment paper. Add pie weights or dried beans on top.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden. Remove the parchment and weights, then bake for another 5 minutes. Let the crust cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth glaze.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set the glaze aside to cool slightly.
3. Arrange the fresh strawberry halves in the cooled pie crust, tightly packing them to form a beautiful layer.
4. Pour the glaze over the strawberries, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Chill and Serve:

1. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours or until the filling is set.
2. Just before serving, top with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Enjoy the fresh, fruity flavors of this irresistible strawberry pie!