Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a classic dessert that’s perfect for summer or any occasion when strawberries are in season. With a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, juicy filling, this pie is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this recipe to make a delicious strawberry pie from scratch.

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

For Garnish

• 1 pint whipped cream

Instructions

Making the Pie Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Dough: 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 until the dough comes together.
3. Shape and Bake: Press the dough into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Making the Strawberry Pie Filling

4. Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes clear.
5. Add Color: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of red food coloring until well mixed. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Prepare the Strawberries: Rinse, stem, and dry 1 quart of strawberries. Slice the larger strawberries in half if desired.

Assembling the Pie

7. Fill the Crust: Arrange the strawberries in the cooled pie crust.
8. Add the Glaze: Pour the cooled glaze over the strawberries, ensuring they are evenly coated.
9. Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

Garnishing the Pie

10. Prepare Whipped Cream: Whip 1 pint of cream until it forms stiff peaks.
11. Serve: Serve each slice of pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking Notes and Variations

Cooking Notes

• Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Strawberry Prep: Ensure the strawberries are dry before adding them to the pie to avoid excess moisture.
• Chilling Time: Allow ample time for the pie to chill and set before serving.

Variations

• Different Berries: Substitute strawberries with mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry pie.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the pie for an extra indulgent touch.
• Nut Crust: Add finely chopped nuts to the crust mixture for added texture and flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version

• Crust: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour and use a keto-friendly sweetener instead of powdered sugar.
• Filling: Use a keto-friendly sweetener instead of granulated sugar. Ensure the cornstarch is replaced with a low-carb thickening agent like xanthan gum.

Low-Carb Version

• Crust: Use a low-carb flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Filling: Substitute the granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener and use cornstarch sparingly.

Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of a buttery crust, sweet strawberry filling, and fluffy whipped cream makes this pie irresistible. Whether you’re following the classic recipe or trying the keto or low-carb versions, this strawberry pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie? A: It’s best to use fresh strawberries for this recipe as frozen strawberries can release too much liquid, making the pie runny.

Q: How long can I store the strawberry pie? A: The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Q: Can I make the pie crust ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the pie crust a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pie.

Q: What can I use instead of red food coloring? A: You can omit the food coloring if you prefer a natural look or use beet juice for a natural red color.

Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust? A: Yes, if you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust can be used instead of making one from scratch.