There is something irresistibly charming about a pie that looks like it just came out of a cozy country kitchen, and this Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe captures that spirit perfectly. Bursting with juicy, fresh strawberries nestled inside a flaky, golden crust, this pie is the ideal celebration of summer’s best berries or a sweet treat any time of year. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or craving a homemade dessert that tastes like a warm hug, this recipe is straightforward and absolutely worth savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple list fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing the Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe to life. From the tender crust that holds everything together to the filling rich with natural sweetness and a hint of tang, every item is essential to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our flaky, tender crust that’s sturdy yet delicate enough to hold juicy berries.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness in the dough to complement the filling without overpowering it.
- 1 tsp salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Key for that melt-in-your-mouth, buttery crust texture.
- 6 – 8 tbsp ice water: Keeps the dough cool and helps the crust bake up flaky and tender.
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved: The star of the show—plump, juicy berries that bring vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adjust to taste depending on your strawberries’ sweetness to ensure a perfectly balanced filling.
- 3 tbsp corn starch: Thickens the strawberry juices as they bake so the filling isn’t runny.
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a subtle brightness that makes the strawberry flavor pop.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A warm touch that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Dotting the filling with butter creates pockets of richness during baking.
- 1 egg, beaten: For brushing the crust, giving it that gorgeous golden shine.
- 1 tbsp turbinado sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunchy texture and sparkle.
How to Make Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This mixture forms the base of your crust, ensuring a delicate balance of flavor and texture. Next, add the chilled, cubed butter. Use either a pastry cutter or simply your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs—that’s the secret to flaky layers in the crust. Slowly incorporate the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough starts to hold together. Overworking the dough can make it tough, so keep it gentle!
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Once the mixture holds together, divide it into two equal discs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This rest time is essential—it lets the gluten relax and the butter firm up, which helps the dough roll out easily and bake beautifully flaky.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, mix together your hulled and halved strawberries, granulated sugar, corn starch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Toss gently until every berry is coated in this sweet and tangy blend; the corn starch will work its magic later to thicken the filling as it bakes. This mixture promises juicy, flavorful bites in every slice.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie pan. Carefully transfer it into the pan, smoothing it out without stretching the dough. Pour the strawberry filling into the crust, then scatter the small pieces of unsalted butter on top—they’ll melt into golden pockets of richness. Roll out the second dough disc and cover the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges together to seal in those glorious berries.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking, keeping your pie from getting soggy. Brush the entire crust with the beaten egg for that picture-perfect golden glaze, and if you like, sprinkle on turbinado sugar to add a sparkling crunch. Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch drips and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is deeply golden and the strawberry filling is bubbling through those vents.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Patience here is key! Let your pie cool on a wire rack to let the filling thicken and settle. This step helps you get clean, luscious slices full of that iconic strawberry goodness. Nothing beats that moment when your fork sinks into a perfectly baked slice of this Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe.
How to Serve Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream are classic companions that elevate each bite of this pie to blissful heights. For an elegant twist, try a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or a few fresh mint leaves to brighten the plate. The rustic nature of this pie means simple garnishes can really shine alongside the sweet strawberries and buttery crust.
Side Dishes
This pie makes a delightful dessert after a light meal, so pair it with a crisp green salad or a cheese board featuring mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone. Serving alongside a cup of fresh herbal tea or a chilled glass of sparkling wine can turn your Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe into the star of a memorable afternoon or evening treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, slice the pie into wedges and serve on vintage plates with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar. You could also serve individual mini pies using the same filling and dough, perfect for parties or when you want a personalized sweet treat. Another idea is layering fresh strawberry slices over the crust edges before baking for extra visual appeal and flavor bursts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough!), cover your pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a sweet taste of summer later on.
Freezing
Want to save your pie for another day? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. If you prefer, microwave on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, though this may soften the crust a bit. Either way, serving warm pie with ice cream can make every bite feel like a celebration.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for keeping the pie’s texture fresh and juicy, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the crust soggy.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy with such a juicy filling?
Using corn starch in the filling helps thicken the juices as the pie bakes. Also, chilling the crust before baking and baking the pie on a sheet pan can help prevent sogginess. Letting the pie cool fully before slicing also aids in setting the filling.
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough discs ahead and keep them refrigerated for a day or frozen for longer. Just make sure to thaw in the refrigerator if frozen before rolling out to ensure an easy, pliable dough.
What can I substitute for turbinado sugar if I don’t have any?
You can use regular granulated sugar or sanding sugar as alternatives. They also add a bit of sparkle and crunch, though turbinado sugar has a deeper molasses flavor that’s lovely on the crust.
Is the Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! The step-by-step process is simple and straightforward, perfect for anyone looking to build confidence with pie making. The rustic style means the pie doesn’t need to be perfect to look and taste amazing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a homemade dessert that brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy sighs, the Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe is a fantastic choice. Taking simple ingredients and turning them into a warm, comforting treat with bright, juicy strawberries makes this pie a timeless favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this recipe in your baking rotation for seasons to come.
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Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 55m
- Total Time: 1h 25m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Rustic Sweet Baked Strawberry Pie features a flaky homemade crust enveloping a luscious filling of fresh strawberries sweetened and thickened to perfection. It’s a delightful dessert that combines a crisp, golden crust with juicy, flavorful berries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
Strawberry Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of berries)
- 3 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt to prepare the base for your pie crust.
- Add butter to flour mixture: Incorporate the chilled, cubed butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs for a flaky crust.
- Add ice water gradually: Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just starts to hold together, making sure not to overwork it.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare strawberry filling: In a large bowl, mix the halved strawberries with granulated sugar, corn starch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the berries are evenly coated.
- Roll out the bottom crust: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit your pie pan and carefully place it into the pan.
- Add filling and butter: Pour the strawberry mixture into the crust and dot with small pieces of unsalted butter to enhance richness.
- Roll out the top crust: Roll out the second dough disc and cover the filled pie, trimming any excess and crimping the edges to seal.
- Vent the pie: Cut slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing sogginess.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Brush the pie surface with beaten egg for a golden finish and sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool before serving: Let the pie cool on a wire rack to allow the filling to set, making slicing easier and the flavors more pronounced.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Adjust sugar in the filling depending on the sweetness of your berries.
- Ensure the butter and water for the crust are cold to create a flaky texture.
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps in handling and prevents shrinking during baking.
- Using a baking sheet under the pie helps catch any drips and keeps your oven clean.
- Allow the pie to cool completely to avoid runny filling when slicing.
