Mouth-watering Southern Strawberry Pie Recipe
As I sat down to write this southern-style strawberry pie recipe, memories started flooding back to me. Memories of summers spent baking with my grandma and enjoying slices of freshly made pie on her porch swing. Fresh strawberries, sweet crusts, and the warmth of the summer sun – I hope this recipe will transport you to a happy place just as it does for me.
This is an old-fashioned strawberry pie recipe with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It’s easy to make and tastes like a slice of heaven on a hot summer day. I guarantee that once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over again.
Using fresh strawberries gives the pie a natural sweetness that can’t be replicated in any other way. The cornstarch and sugar mixture creates a glaze that holds everything together so that when you cut into it, every slice is perfect.
Trust me when I say that this pie is the best strawberry pie recipe out there. It’s great for dessert or breakfast – I mean, who doesn’t love pie for breakfast? So go ahead, take out your mixing bowls, grab some fresh strawberries, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a lot of pies out there, each with its distinct taste and appeal, but let me tell you why this old fashioned Strawberry Pie is something you shouldn’t miss. First of all, it’s made with simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry or fridge right now. From fresh strawberries to cornstarch, sugar, and flour, cinnamon – there is nothing fancy here, just pure southern comfort in one pie.
Secondly, this pie recipe is very easy to follow. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can whip up an excellent and delicious pie with minimal effort. Just follow my instructions step-by-step, and you’ll be rewarded with a divine dessert that will leave everybody asking for the recipe.
But most importantly, this strawberry pie recipe is the perfect summer dessert! The fresh taste of the strawberries combined with the flaky crust and sweet filling make it an irresistible treat. If you love sweet treats with a slight hint of tartness and texture from sliced strawberries, this pie is perfect for you.
In summary, this pie may look like a basic and simple dessert, but it’ll quickly become your favorite summer delicacy after just one bite. So why settle for another average dessert when you can indulge in something extraordinary? Give this strawberry pie recipe a try; I guarantee it will surprise and amaze you in so many ways!
Ingredient List
- Pie Crust: You can use a refrigerated pie crust, a graham cracker crust, or make your own homemade pie crust for an authentic old-fashioned strawberry pie taste.
- Fresh Strawberries: You will need about 6 cups of fresh strawberries divided.
- Granulated Sugar: The recipe calls for 1 and 1/4 cups of sugar.
- Cornstarch: Use 3 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the strawberry filling along with sugar.
- Flour and Cinnamon: This mixture will bring out the flavors in the baked strawberry cream cheese pie, so use 2 tablespoons of flour and a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Cream Cheese: Use an 8-ounce package of cream cheese if you are making a cherry cream cheese pie using this recipe.
- Jello and Water: This old fashioned strawberry recipe uses a small box of strawberry jello in addition to the cornstarch-sugar mixture.
- Vanilla Extract: This ingredient adds a depth of flavor to our easy fresh strawberry pie without overwhelming its delicate fruity notes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Refrigerated Pie Crust: If you do not want to make your own homemade crust you can use one, already made possible from the grocery store.
Keep these ingredients handy for when you are ready to make this classic southern dessert!
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Strawberry Filling
Fresh Strawberries:
- Wash 6 cups of fresh strawberries with cold running water and remove their green caps.
- Slice 4 cups of the strawberries into halves and place them in a large mixing bowl. Reserve the remaining 2 cups of strawberries for later use.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
Jello Cornstarch Method:
- Wash 6 cups of fresh strawberries with cold running water and remove their green caps.
- Slice 4 cups of the strawberries into halves and place them in a large mixing bowl. Reserve the remaining 2 cups of strawberries for later use.
- Prepare 1 (3 ounces) package of strawberry-flavored Jello according to its package instructions.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder, and 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Mix well.
Combining Grey Area:
- Once the strawberries are cut up, add either the sugar mixture or jello mixture to the mixing bowl with sliced strawberries depending on the method that you prefer.
- Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the mixture until all berries are coated.
Bringing It All Together:
- Pour your strawberry filling into your unbaked pie crust.
- Cut the remaining fresh strawberries in halves or quarters so that they are bite-sized pieces and top on pie filling as desired.
Baking Your Strawberry Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place your strawberry pie onto a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes until crust is golden brown and strawberry filling is bubbling.
- When the pie is done, remove from the oven and place it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Your Strawberry Pie
- Serve your freshly baked strawberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
- Store leftover strawberry pie loosely covered in aluminum foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Note: For best result, make sure that your strawberries are thoroughly dried after washing, using a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to this fresh southern strawberry pie recipe, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to switch it up:
1. Frozen Strawberries: If you can’t find fresh strawberries, frozen ones work equally well in this recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
2. Strawberry Jello Pie: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, mix 1 small box of strawberry Jello with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of sugar instead of using fresh strawberries.
3. Graham Cracker Crust: Want a change from the traditional pie crust? Try using a graham cracker crust instead. Mix 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch deep dish pie plate and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden brown.
4. Cream Cheese Pie: Looking for a little indulgence? Mix up a copy cat recipe of Shoney’s Strawberry Pie by making a cherry cream cheese filling instead. Beat together an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the cooled pie crust and top with sliced strawberries, then chill for at least an hour or until set.
No matter which variation you choose, this easy fresh strawberry pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering or family dinner. Enjoy!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this simple Southern strawberry pie, there are a few options to consider. You can serve it warm or cold, but for the best results, I recommend serving it chilled. Simply chill the pie in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Trust me, the cool and refreshing texture of the pie will be worth the wait.
Pairing-wise, this fresh strawberry pie goes great with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The creamy sweetness complements the tartness of the strawberries perfectly. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert option.
If you’re looking to impress your guests, consider serving this strawberry pie at your next summer barbecue or potluck gathering. Your friends and family will appreciate this easy and delicious dessert that celebrates the taste of summer.
In terms of drinks, iced tea or lemonade would be excellent choices to pair with this pie. The refreshing and tangy flavors will complement each other nicely.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this simple Southern strawberry pie, I guarantee it will become a crowd-pleasing favorite that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to storing your fresh and delicious Southern Strawberry Pie, there are a few tricks to keep in mind. This pie is best consumed within 2-3 days of preparing it, so try not to make more than you can finish in that time. If you’re planning to serve the pie for a special occasion, it’s best to prepare and bake it on the day of the event.
If you do need to make the pie ahead of time, I recommend baking it the night before and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze the pie if you need to store it for longer periods. Simply wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the freezer. Your pie will last up to two months when frozen.
Reheating leftover slices is easy too! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the pie from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds each.
Remember, no matter how long you plan on storing or reheating your Southern Strawberry Pie, be sure to always cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil when storing or reheating it. This will keep moisture from escaping and prevent freezer burn if you decide to freeze it. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
When baking a pie, there are several factors that can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Old-Fashioned Southern Strawberry Pie.
First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right type of strawberries for this recipe. I recommend using fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones. Fresh strawberries will give your pie a much better texture and flavor. Look for bright red, ripe berries that are firm to the touch and have a sweet aroma.
Another key factor is the thickness of your filling. To achieve the ideal consistency, use exactly three tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of water for each cup of sliced strawberries. This will create a perfectly thickened filling without being overly runny or gummy.
When it comes to baking the pie, it’s helpful to preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before placing your pie crust inside. This will allow the crust to bake evenly and avoid undercooked or soggy spots. Be sure to let your baked strawberry pie cool down for at least one hour before slicing into it.
If you want to make your Southern Strawberry Pie even more special, you can consider garnishing it with some freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. It will add an extra layer of richness and creaminess that complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
Finally, for storing leftovers, make sure to wrap your Strawberry Pie tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last up to three days if stored properly.
Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with a perfect Old-Fashioned Southern Strawberry Pie every time!
FAQ
As we finish our recipe article, let’s take a moment to review some of the most common questions that home cooks may have when making this simple southern strawberry pie. This FAQ section will provide you with additional insights and tips to ensure the best possible results for your dessert.
What is strawberry pie filling made of?
Let’s start by whipping up a delicious strawberry sauce to complement our southern-style dish. Get ready to combine the perfect blend of flavors by mixing sugar, cornstarch, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Once that’s all together, stir in some freshly-squeezed strawberry juice until it’s nice and smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until it becomes clear and thick, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Then remove it from the heat and let it cool down a bit. Finish it up by adding some sliced strawberries to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Why does my strawberry pie get watery?
If your strawberry pie has a watery consistency, it could be due to the sugar filling not reaching the correct temperature or duration of cooking required for it to thicken. This is because the mixture should have been boiled to the point of solidification. Additionally, if the filling hasn’t been given enough time to cool down, it could be the reason why the pie is runny.
How long does fresh strawberry pie last in the fridge?
If you store a newly baked strawberry pie correctly, it can stay unspoiled for up to 2 days at an average room temperature. On the contrary, refrigerating a fresh strawberry pie could prolong its lifespan for about 4 to 5 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil, but not too tightly.
How should you cut strawberries for pie?
When working with strawberries, I suggest using a paring knife to cut from the bottom to the top in a lengthwise motion. This technique will result in a clean and tidy cut for your strawberries. Once the stem is removed, slice the strawberries thinly to garnish cakes and pies with a colorful and sweet touch.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this simple southern strawberry pie recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, you can whip up this delicious pie in no time. Whether you’re making it for a summer dessert or a special occasion, this pie is sure to be a hit. Remember to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions. So what are you waiting for? Head to the grocery store, pick up some fresh strawberries, and get ready to make the best strawberry pie of your life! Happy baking!
Simple Southern Strawberry Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 7 ounces lemon-lime flavored soda (I use 7-Up)
- 1 quart strawberry, cleaned and stems removed
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 1 pie shell, baked and cooled
- whipped topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a pot, blend sugar and cornstarch; add lemon-lime soda.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until smooth and thick.
- Add strawberries, cook for a few minutes, and then add food coloring (if desired).
- Pour into baked and cooled pie shell.
- Chill for a few hours. Serve with whipped topping, if desired.