Imagine a sunlit kitchen with the scent of freshly baked pie crust mingling with the sweet aroma of ripe strawberries. There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about a classic strawberry pie, especially when it’s made from scratch with a touch of love and tradition. This particular recipe, known as Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie, takes you back to the simple joys of homemade desserts with its perfect balance of a buttery crust, a luscious strawberry filling, and a creamy whipped topping.
My fondest memory of this pie dates back to my childhood summers spent at my grandparents’ house. Every year, as soon as strawberries were in season, my grandmother would set up her kitchen for a baking marathon. The ritual was always the same: pick fresh strawberries from the garden, prepare the pie, and let it chill while we played outside. The anticipation built as the pie cooled in the refrigerator, and the reward was a slice of heaven that perfectly encapsulated the essence of summer.
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is not just any dessert; it’s a celebration of seasonal fruit and homemade goodness. The pie combines a crisp, buttery crust with a vibrant, fruity filling that makes each bite a refreshing experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just to brighten a regular day, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit.
Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to make this delightful dessert, ensuring every detail is covered for a pie that’s as perfect as your summer memories.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 ounces butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the 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
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature for even baking.
Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium-sized 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. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Form and Press the Crust: Transfer the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form an even crust. Make sure to press it well into the corners and sides to avoid any gaps.
Prick the Crust: Using a fork, prick the bottom of the crust all over. This step helps to prevent bubbles from forming during baking and ensures that the crust bakes evenly.
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 prevent over-browning.
Cool the Crust: Once baked, remove the pie crust from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling. This ensures that the crust remains crisp and doesn’t become soggy from the filling.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Pie Filling
Cook the Filling Mixture: While the pie crust is baking, you can prepare the strawberry filling. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the cornstarch completely.
Thicken the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly. After about 5 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken. Continue to stir until it becomes a smooth, thick glaze. If desired, add 1/4 teaspoon of red food coloring to enhance the color of the filling, giving it a more vibrant appearance.
Cool the Glaze: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool to room temperature. This helps to set the filling when combined with the strawberries.
Prepare the Strawberries: While the glaze is cooling, rinse, stem, and dry 1 quart of fresh strawberries. Cut them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference for chunk size. You want the strawberries to be fresh and juicy for the best flavor.
Assemble the Pie: When the pie crust is completely cool and the glaze has cooled, pile the prepared strawberries into the pie crust. Gently pour the cooled glaze over the strawberries, ensuring that the fruit is well-coated and evenly distributed.
Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie until the glaze is fully set. This usually takes about 2 hours. The chilling process allows the filling to firm up and meld with the strawberries, making it easier to slice and serve.
3. Garnish and Serve
Add Whipped Cream: Just before serving, garnish the pie with a dollop of whipped cream. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own for a homemade touch.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. The combination of the crisp crust, fresh strawberries, and creamy glaze makes each bite a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Variations and Substitutions
Fruit Variations: While this recipe highlights strawberries, you can experiment with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries. Adjust the sugar and cornstarch according to the fruit’s sweetness and juiciness.
Crust Variations: For a different crust, consider using a graham cracker crust or a cookie crumb crust for a unique twist. Both options add a different texture and flavor to complement the strawberry filling.
Gluten-Free Option: To make a gluten-free pie, substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the cornstarch used is also certified gluten-free.
Reduced Sugar Option: If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the glaze or use a sugar substitute.
Summary
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a quintessential dessert that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavor and creamy texture. The combination of a buttery crust with a sweet, fruity filling and a touch of whipped cream makes it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, this pie offers a delightful and refreshing experience.
Making this pie is not only about enjoying a delicious dessert but also about creating memories. The process of preparing and assembling the pie is simple yet satisfying, and the end result is a stunningly beautiful and tasty dessert. Each slice of this pie tells a story of homey comfort, the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and the joy of sharing something special with those you love. Enjoy making and savoring this classic pie—it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most delightful.
