When it comes to summer desserts, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing and vibrant taste of strawberries. Their natural sweetness and juiciness make them the ideal ingredient for a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides a burst of freshness. One such dessert that perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer is the Strawberry Slab Pie. This delightful treat is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
I remember the first time I made this pie. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I had just returned from the local farmer’s market with a basket full of fresh, ripe strawberries. The idea of creating something that could showcase the beauty and flavor of these berries was thrilling. The result was a Strawberry Slab Pie that was met with rave reviews from family and friends. Since then, it has become a staple at our summer gatherings, always eliciting smiles and requests for the recipe.
Ingredients
To create this delectable Strawberry Slab Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 (11 oz.) package refrigerated pie crust
Filling:
32 oz. fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite)
6 oz. strawberry jello
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Frozen whipped topping or whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450º F. This will ensure that it’s hot enough to bake the pie crust to a perfect golden brown.
Roll Out the Pie Crust: On a lightly floured surface, turn out both pie crusts and stack one on top of the other. Using a rolling pin, roll them out together to form a roughly 12×17-inch rectangle. This size will fit nicely into a large baking sheet.
Transfer and Shape the Crust: Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust to a large baking sheet, approximately 10×15 inches. Tuck any excess crust under itself around the edges and crimp the edges as desired for a decorative finish. Using a fork, prick the bottom and sides of the crust all over to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Bake the Crust: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the strawberry jello packet, sugar, and cornstarch. This will be the base of your filling.
Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the lemon-lime soda and lemon juice into the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Cook the Filling: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. Continue to cook until the mixture has thickened. This should take a few minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Arrange the Strawberries: Once the pie crust has cooled completely, arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the crust. Ensure that they are spread out to cover the entire surface.
Pour the Filling: Carefully pour the cooled jello filling over the arranged strawberries. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the strawberry arrangement.
Chill the Pie: Transfer the assembled pie to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is fully set. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to firm up.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish and Serve: Once the pie is set, slice it into portions. Garnish each slice with a dollop of frozen whipped topping or whipped cream. This adds a lovely creamy contrast to the tartness of the strawberries and the sweetness of the jello filling.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about this Strawberry Slab Pie is its versatility. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can consider to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Berry Mix: Instead of using only strawberries, you can mix in other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry slab pie.
Sugar Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. This will still provide the sweetness without the added calories.
Gluten-Free Crust: For those with gluten sensitivities, a gluten-free pie crust can be used in place of the regular refrigerated pie crust. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Homemade Whipped Cream: For a richer topping, make homemade whipped cream by beating heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will add a luxurious touch to your dessert.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Slab Pie is a quintessential summer dessert that combines the best of simplicity and flavor. Its vibrant color, fresh ingredients, and ease of preparation make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a family gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this pie is sure to impress.
Not only is it visually appealing, but the balance of the sweet strawberries, the tart jello filling, and the flaky pie crust creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The addition of whipped cream or frozen topping elevates the dessert, providing a creamy complement to the fruity base.
Making this pie is also a joy. The process is straightforward, and the result is a dessert that looks much more complicated than it actually is. This makes it perfect for those who want to create something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
In summary, the Strawberry Slab Pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert that celebrates the best of summer. Its ease of preparation and delicious taste make it a recipe you’ll want to return to time and time again. Enjoy!
Easy Strawberry Slab Pie
Ingredients
- 1 11 oz. package refrigerated pie crust
- 32 oz. fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 2 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda such as Sprite
- 6 oz. strawberry jello
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Frozen whipped topping or whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450º F (230º C).
- Roll Out Crust: On a floured surface, stack and roll out the pie crusts into a 12×17-inch rectangle.
- Transfer and Shape: Transfer the crust to a 10×15-inch baking sheet, crimp the edges, and prick the bottom and sides with a fork.
- Bake Crust: Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden brown, then let it cool completely.
- Prepare Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together 6 oz. strawberry jello, 1 1/4 cups sugar, and 1/3 cup cornstarch.
- Add Liquids: Stir in 2 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Cook Filling: Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until thickened, then let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Arrange Strawberries: Evenly arrange the sliced strawberries over the cooled crust.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cooled jello mixture over the strawberries.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours until the filling is set.
- Serve: Slice and serve with a garnish of whipped topping or whipped cream.
