Fresh Strawberry Pie
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
8
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Description
Fresh Strawberry Pie is crafted with a unique crust blending graham cracker crumbs, coarsely chopped pretzels, and pecans. This mixture is sweetened and bound with melted butter, pressed into a springform pan, and chilled to firm up. The filling preparation involves pureeing fresh strawberries, then cooking them with sugar, cornstarch, and boiling water until thickened into a jam-like glaze. Vanilla extract is stirred in off the heat to enrich the flavor. Remaining fresh strawberries are cut and arranged on top of the chilled crust, covered with the cooled glaze and chilled again to set.
The filling has a shiny, thick texture from the cornstarch thickeners, complemented by fresh strawberry chunks for contrast. The crust offers a crunchy base with a hint of saltiness from the pretzels, balancing the sweet berry flavor. Gentle cutting or serving with a springform pan release helps slice the pie without breaking the setting glaze.
This pie suits summertime gatherings or desserts highlighting fresh berries. It's best served chilled and can be prepared a day in advance to let flavors meld and the glaze firm. The recipe notes that the pie will be easier to cut if the berries are left whole or larger rather than diced.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup pretzel coarsely chopped
- ½ cup pecans coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
For the Filling:
- 2 pounds strawberry tops removed, divided use, fresh
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water boiling
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the crust:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, chopped pretzels, pecans, and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and ½ inch up the sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Set in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
Prepare the filling:
- Place 1 ½ cups of the berries into the bowl of a food processor or blender and puree. Add the sugar, boiling water, and cornstarch and blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture starts to boil, continue to boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will be very thick and should become less cloudy and more jam-like as it cooks.
- After 3 minutes, remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and allow the glaze to cool while you prepare the rest of the strawberries.
- Cut the remaining strawberries depending on their size - cut very large berries into eighths, and smaller berries into quarters or halves. (See note)
- Stir the cut strawberries into the glaze and pour into the prepared crust. If desired, arrange the strawberries cut-side down.
- Chill the pie for 2 hours, until the glaze has set.
- Keep the pie chilled until ready to serve. Pie is best served the same day it is made. Serve with fresh whipped cream.
Notes
- This fresh strawberry pie yields one 9-inch pie that is best served chilled.
- Leaving the berries whole or in larger pieces helps make cutting and serving easier without the filling breaking apart.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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