Are you ready to transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched strawberry patch? This Strawberry Glaze Pie recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and utterly delightful. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion. Get ready for a homemade treat that's guaranteed to impress! This recipe is your ticket to delicious homemade cooking, offering a quick dinner alternative or a simply stunning dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry juice (reserved from the filling)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Making the Filling:
- Cook the strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Thicken the filling: Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cool and strain (optional): Let the filling cool completely. For a smoother filling, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds.
Assembling the Pie:
- Pour the filling: Pour the cooled strawberry filling into the baked pie crust.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
Making the Glaze:
- Whisk it up: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and strawberry juice until smooth. Add more juice, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle: Drizzle the glaze over the chilled pie just before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust, use half butter and half shortening.
- Add a tablespoon of almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) if fresh strawberries are unavailable.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- This recipe offers a healthy alternative to processed desserts, using fresh ingredients. It’s a perfect easy recipe for a quick and delicious meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 3g
This Strawberry Glaze Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant color, sweet and tangy flavors, and easy preparation make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy!