There are few desserts as delightful and refreshing as a strawberry pie, especially when it brings back memories of classic diner fare. The Big Boy Strawberry Pie is a timeless favorite, combining a buttery crust, fresh strawberries, and a sweet, glossy glaze. This recipe is straightforward and yields a pie that’s both beautiful and delicious, perfect for any occasion. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delightful dessert, along with some tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients
To make the Big Boy Strawberry Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
Pie Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 ounces butter, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Pie Filling Ingredients
- 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
Pie Crust Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This will ensure your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the crust.
- Make the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and form a dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Prepare the Pie Pan: Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use your fingers to evenly distribute the dough. Prick the bottom and sides of the crust all over with a fork. This helps to prevent the crust from puffing up while baking.
- 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 avoid over-baking. Once done, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Strawberry Pie Filling Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: While the crust is baking, you can start preparing the strawberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, granulated sugar, salt, cornstarch, and red food coloring. Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat. As the mixture heats up, it will start to thicken. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until the glaze is thickened and glossy. Set it aside to cool.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Ensure your strawberries are rinsed, stemmed, and dried. This is important because excess water can make the pie soggy. You can leave the strawberries whole or slice them, depending on your preference.
- Assemble the Pie: Once the crust is completely cool, pile the strawberries into the crust. If you prefer a more uniform look, you can arrange the strawberries in concentric circles. Pour the cooled glaze over the strawberries, making sure to cover them evenly. The glaze not only adds sweetness but also gives the pie its beautiful, shiny finish.
- Chill the Pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it chill until the glaze is set. This usually takes a few hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice the pie.
- Serve: Just before serving, garnish the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a whipped dessert topping. The cream adds a nice contrast to the tartness of the strawberries and the sweetness of the glaze.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown of a serving of Big Boy Strawberry Pie:
- Calories: 441 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 182mg
- Potassium: 284mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
- Vitamin A: 775 IU
- Vitamin C: 69.5mg
- Calcium: 84mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
Tips and Variations
While the basic recipe for Big Boy Strawberry Pie is delicious, there are several tips and variations you can try to make it even better:
Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, ripe strawberries. They should be firm and fragrant. Avoid overripe strawberries as they can become mushy and release too much juice.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before pressing it into the pie pan.
- Even Glaze: Pour the glaze slowly and evenly over the strawberries to ensure each berry is coated. You can use a spatula to help spread the glaze if needed.
- Decorative Crust: If you’re feeling creative, you can decorate the edges of the pie crust with a fork or by crimping the edges with your fingers.
Variations
- Mixed Berry Pie: Instead of just strawberries, use a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful and flavorful twist.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For an extra indulgent treat, dip some of the strawberries in melted chocolate before placing them in the pie crust.
- Lemon Glaze: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the glaze for a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Substitute the traditional pie crust with a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor. Combine 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers with 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1/4 cup of sugar. Press the mixture into the pie pan and bake as directed.
- Almond Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the crust or glaze for a subtle almond flavor that pairs well with strawberries.
The Joy of Homemade Pie
Making a homemade pie from scratch is a rewarding experience that fills your home with the comforting aroma of baking. This Big Boy Strawberry Pie is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it the perfect centerpiece for any dessert table. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a summer picnic, or just as a treat for yourself, this pie is sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions
Big Boy Strawberry Pie is best served chilled, with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, garnish with a few whole strawberries or mint leaves. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of chilled white wine for a delightful dessert experience.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator. The pie will keep for up to three days, although the crust may become a bit softer over time. To keep the crust as crisp as possible, avoid covering the pie with plastic wrap; instead, use a pie dome or loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
Conclusion
The Big Boy Strawberry Pie is a delicious and nostalgic dessert that combines a buttery, homemade crust with fresh strawberries and a sweet, glossy glaze. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion and can be easily customized to suit your taste. By following this recipe and incorporating some of the tips and variations, you can create a dessert that’s not only beautiful but also irresistibly delicious. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delightful process of making and eating this classic strawberry pie.
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Big Boy Strawberry Pie: A Delicious and Nostalgic Dessert
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Big Boy Strawberry Pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. This classic pie features a flaky crust filled with a luscious strawberry glaze, making it the perfect treat for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Pie Crust ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 ounces butter at room temperature
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry pie filling ingredients
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
Pie Crust Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Make the crust by combining the flour, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix well and press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Prick all over.
Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Strawberry Pie Filling Instructions
While the crust is baking, mix the water, granulated sugar, salt, cornstarch, and food coloring in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, until thickened. Set aside to cool.
When the crust is cool, pile the berries in the crust and pour the thickened glaze over the top. Refrigerate until the glaze is set. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or whipped dessert topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with pre-baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg