Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This pie combines a buttery, homemade crust with a luscious strawberry filling, all topped with a sweet glaze that highlights the natural flavor of the strawberries. It’s a treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic, or a summer barbecue.
The first time I tasted this pie was at a family reunion. My grandmother, known for her exceptional baking skills, brought this beautiful, glossy strawberry pie that quickly became the centerpiece of the dessert table. The vibrant red of the strawberries, the shiny glaze, and the perfect crust made it irresistible. The pie was an instant hit, and ever since then, it has been a cherished family tradition. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 ounces butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Pie Filling
1 cup water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
1 quart strawberries, rinsed, stemmed, and dried
1 pint whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is ready for baking the crust once it’s prepared.
Mix the Crust Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 4 ounces of room temperature butter, 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients well until they form a dough. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined.
Press the Dough into the Pie Pan:
Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Ensure that the crust is of even thickness throughout. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust all over. This helps to prevent the crust from puffing up while baking.
Bake the Crust:
Place the pie pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning. Once done, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Pie Filling
Mix the Filling Ingredients:
While the crust is baking, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of red food coloring. Stir the mixture well to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved and there are no lumps.
Cook the Glaze:
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Prepare the Strawberries:
Ensure that the strawberries are rinsed, stemmed, and thoroughly dried. You can halve or slice the strawberries if they are particularly large, but whole strawberries provide a beautiful presentation.
Arrange the Strawberries in the Crust:
Once the crust is completely cool, arrange the strawberries in the pie crust. Pile them high and arrange them in a way that fills the crust evenly.
Pour the Glaze Over the Strawberries:
Once the glaze has cooled to room temperature, pour it over the strawberries, ensuring that they are all well-coated. Use a spoon to spread the glaze if necessary. The glaze not only adds sweetness but also gives the pie a beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Chill the Pie:
Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for several hours, or until the glaze is fully set. This allows the flavors to meld together and the glaze to firm up.
Garnish with Whipped Cream:
Before serving, garnish each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream or whipped dessert topping. The creaminess of the whipped cream complements the tartness of the strawberries perfectly.
Serve:
Slice and serve the pie chilled. This pie is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Different Berries: While strawberries are traditional, this pie can also be made with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries for a unique twist.
Sugar Substitutes: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Splenda in the glaze to make a lower-sugar version of this pie.
Cream Cheese Layer: Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese on the bottom of the cooled crust before adding the strawberries for a creamy, rich variation.
Conclusion
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. The combination of a buttery crust, juicy strawberries, and a sweet, glossy glaze makes this pie a standout treat for any occasion. The simple ingredients and straightforward preparation ensure that even novice bakers can create this impressive dessert with ease.
The versatility of this recipe allows for creative variations and substitutions, making it a flexible addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just to satisfy a craving for something sweet and fresh, this strawberry pie is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delicious pie, and savor the delightful flavors of summer in every bite.
