Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Are you looking for a delightful dessert to impress your family and friends? Look no further than Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie! This recipe brings together the classic flavors of ripe strawberries and a homemade crust in a perfect blend of sweetness and texture. The key to this pie’s irresistible charm is in its simplicity and the use of fresh ingredients.

You’ll start by crafting a homemade pie crust with just a few basic ingredients, including all-purpose flour, butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract. This combination creates a crust that’s both tender and flavorful, offering the perfect base for the luscious strawberry filling.

The strawberry pie filling is a real showcase of fresh strawberries, heightened with a homemade glaze that’s both sweet and slightly tart. The glaze, made from water, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a hint of red food coloring, perfectly coats the strawberries, creating a glossy and enticing appearance.

Once assembled, the pie is chilled until the glaze sets, resulting in a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fresh strawberries and is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this pie promises to delight everyone who tries it. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup – Provides the base for the crust.
2. Butter: 4 ounces, at room temperature – Adds richness and flakiness to the crust.
3. Powdered Sugar: 3 tablespoons – Sweetens the crust.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the flavor of the crust.

For the Strawberry Pie Filling:

1. Water: 1 cup – Used as the base for the glaze.
2. Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup – Sweetens the glaze.
3. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness.
4. Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons – Thickens the glaze.
5. Red Food Coloring: 1/4 teaspoon – Enhances the color of the glaze, making it more visually appealing.
6. Fresh Strawberries: 1 quart, rinsed, stemmed, and dried – The star of the pie, providing natural sweetness and flavor.
7. Whipped Cream: 1 pint, for garnish – Adds a creamy texture and slight sweetness when served.

Instructions

Preparing the Pie Crust:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 4 ounces of room-temperature butter, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients until well mixed.
3. Form the Crust: Take this mixture and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Ensure it’s evenly spread for consistent baking.
4. Bake the Crust: Prick the crust all over with a fork to prevent bubbling. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned.
5. Cooling: Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This step is crucial for the pie structure.

Making the Strawberry Pie Filling:

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring. Stir these together.
2. Cook the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and cook for about 5 minutes or until the mixture has thickened. Then remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Assemble the Pie: Once the crust has cooled, arrange the quart of strawberries on top of the crust. Try to evenly distribute the strawberries for a uniform look and taste.
4. Add the Glaze: Pour the cooled glaze over the strawberries, ensuring all berries are covered. The glaze adds sweetness and helps keep the berries in place.
5. Chill the Pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill until the glaze is set. This usually takes a few hours.
6. Serve: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream. The cream adds a lovely contrast in texture and flavor to the fresh, juicy strawberries.

Enjoy your delicious Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie, perfect for a summer day or any special occasion!