OMG! The Best Fresh Strawberry Pie 🍓
This delightful strawberry pie recipe hails from the Sussex County Strawberry Farm in North Jersey and promises a fresh, vibrant dessert that is sure to impress. Below is the complete recipe along with answers to the most frequently asked questions and helpful tips to achieve the perfect pie.
Ingredients:
Crust:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup flour
Filling:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (6 oz.) package strawberry Jell-O
- 3 quarts strawberries, cleaned and de-stemmed
Note: If you are using a shallow pie plate, cut the filling recipe in half.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and flour. Mix until the dough is well blended.
- Press the dough evenly into a greased deep pie plate, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes clear.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the strawberry Jell-O until it is completely dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, fold in the cleaned and de-stemmed strawberries, ensuring they are evenly coated with the Jell-O mixture.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the strawberry mixture into the baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Refrigerate the pie until it is set, which will take a few hours.
4. Serve:
- Once set, slice and serve the pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Tips and Secrets for the Perfect Strawberry Pie:
- Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries:
- The quality of your strawberries greatly affects the final taste. Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Even Crust:
- Press the crust dough evenly into the pie plate to avoid uneven thickness which can affect baking time and texture.
- Cornstarch Consistency:
- Ensure the cornstarch mixture is thick and clear before adding the Jell-O. This ensures the filling sets properly.
- Cool Completely:
- Allow the Jell-O mixture to cool before adding the strawberries to prevent them from cooking and losing their fresh taste.
- Refrigerate Thoroughly:
- Let the pie set in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight for the best texture.
- Crust Alternatives:
- For a different twist, you can use a graham cracker crust or a pre-made pie crust.
- Topping Ideas:
- In addition to whipped cream, consider topping with shaved chocolate or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
Top 20 Popular Questions and Their Answers:
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen if necessary. Thaw and drain them thoroughly first.
- How long does the pie last in the refrigerator?
- The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I make the crust with a different type of flour?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a different flavor and texture.
- What if my filling doesn’t set?
- Ensure you have used the correct amount of cornstarch and cooked the mixture until it is thick. Cooling it completely before adding strawberries helps too.
- Is there an alternative to strawberry Jell-O?
- You can use a different flavor of Jell-O or a natural gelatin with strawberry puree for a more natural option.
- Can I make this pie sugar-free?
- Use a sugar substitute and sugar-free Jell-O to make the pie sugar-free.
- How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
- Ensure the crust is fully baked and cool before adding the filling. You can also brush it with melted chocolate to create a moisture barrier.
- Can I add other fruits to the pie?
- While strawberries are traditional, you can mix in raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry pie.
- What if I don’t have a deep pie plate?
- Use a standard pie plate and reduce the filling recipe by half.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the pie a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
- How do I slice the pie neatly?
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut for neat slices.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter for the crust?
- Butter is recommended for better flavor, but margarine can be used if necessary.
- How can I add more flavor to the crust?
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mixture.
- What if my strawberries are too tart?
- Sprinkle a little extra sugar over the strawberries before folding them into the Jell-O mixture.
- Can I use a store-bought crust?
- Yes, a pre-made crust can save time and works well with this recipe.
- What if my filling is lumpy?
- Whisk the cornstarch mixture continuously while it cooks to prevent lumps.
- Can I freeze the pie?
- Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the strawberries and filling.
- How do I prevent the pie from being too sweet?
- Adjust the sugar in the filling to taste and use less if your strawberries are very sweet.
- Can I use a different type of Jell-O?
- Any red fruit-flavored Jell-O works well, such as raspberry or cherry.
- What if my pie crust shrinks while baking?
- Ensure the dough is evenly pressed and not stretched when placed in the pie plate. Chilling the crust before baking can also help prevent shrinking.
By following this detailed recipe and these tips, you can create the perfect fresh strawberry pie that is sure to delight your family and guests. Enjoy this classic, sweet, and refreshing dessert.