Delightful Delicacy: Strawberry Pie with a Big Boy
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the sweetness of strawberries in all their glory? Look no further than our irresistible Strawberry Pie with a Big Boy! This delectable dessert combines the vibrant flavor of ripe strawberries with a flaky, buttery crust for a treat that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, this Strawberry Pie is guaranteed to steal the show. Join us as we dive into the art of creating this mouthwatering masterpiece and discover why it’s a must-have addition to any dessert menu.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup milk
For the Dough:
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup ice water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Canola oil, for greasing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the milk until well combined. Set aside to cool while you prepare the dough.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, diced butter, flour, ice water, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the ingredients together until they form a dough.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish with canola oil.
- Remove one portion of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s large enough to fit the pie dish.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
4. Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the cooled strawberry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Roll out the remaining portion of dough and place it over the top of the filling, crimping the edges to seal.
- Use a sharp knife to make several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Bake to Perfection:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Strawberry Pie into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Simply thaw and drain the frozen strawberries before using them in the filling.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling according to your taste preferences. If the strawberries are particularly sweet, you may need less sugar.
- Add a Citrus Twist: For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or orange zest to the filling before cooking.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this Strawberry Pie, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the dough and use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar. You can also use heavy cream instead of milk in the filling to reduce the carb content further.
- Low-Carb Version: Follow the keto version instructions, but you can also reduce the amount of almond flour used in the dough to lower the carb count even more. Additionally, consider using fresh strawberries in moderation to keep the carb count in check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own? A: Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust for convenience. However, making your own crust from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the pie dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the pie just before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the pie in advance and store it in the refrigerator, reheating slices as needed before serving.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover slices of Strawberry Pie for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
With its luscious strawberry filling and buttery, flaky crust, our Strawberry Pie with a Big Boy is a dessert masterpiece that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer evening or sharing it with loved ones during a special occasion, this delightful pie is bound to be a hit. So why wait? Treat yourself to a slice of sweet indulgence and savor the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries in every bite. Happy baking!
Savor the sweetness of summer with our irresistible Strawberry Pie with a Big Boy. From its buttery crust to its juicy strawberry filling, every bite is a taste of pure delight. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get bakin