Introduction
Streusel-Topped Fresh Strawberry Pie
A delightful twist on the classic strawberry pie, this recipe features a crumbly, buttery streusel topping that perfectly complements the freshness of the strawberries. It’s an ideal dessert for special occasions or simply as a sweet indulgence after a long day.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pre-made pie crust
1 pre-made pie crust
Fresh strawberries
450 g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
100 g granulated sugar
cornstarch
20 g cornstarch
lemon zest
5 g lemon zest
lemon juice
15 ml lemon juice
vanilla extract
5 ml vanilla extract
unsalted butter
10 g unsalted butter, melted
Streusel Topping
all-purpose flour
80 g all-purpose flour
packed brown sugar
50 g packed brown sugar
ground cinnamon
3 g ground cinnamon
unsalted butter
60 g unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
30 g chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Roll out the pre-made pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and flute the edges as desired.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss gently to coat the strawberries evenly.
4. Pour the strawberry mixture into the prepared pie crust and spread evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Add the chilled butter cubes and cut in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the nuts if using.
6. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the strawberry filling.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
8. Let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure the pie cooks evenly and the crust turns golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Take your pre-made pie crust and roll it out gently. Fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, making sure to press it firmly against the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and flute the edges for an appealing finish.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hulled and sliced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss the mixture gently, allowing the strawberries to become well-coated in the sweet, zesty blend.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust
Carefully pour the strawberry mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly to ensure every slice contains that juicy strawberry goodness.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the chilled, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you achieve a texture that resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re adding nuts, stir them in now for an extra crunch.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the strawberry filling, ensuring it’s evenly distributed to create a crunchy top layer.
Step 7: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the topping should be golden brown, and the filling should bubble slightly. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, use strips of foil to cover them.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This cooling period helps the filling set, making it easier to slice when you’re ready to serve. Enjoy it slightly warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
Freshness is Key
Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness. Taste a few before adding them to the pie to ensure they’re delicious!
Cook Techniques
Using a Pre-Made Pie Crust
Utilizing a store-bought pie crust saves time and effort, ensuring a perfectly shaped base for your strawberry pie without the need to make pastry from scratch.
Preparing Strawberries
Hulling and slicing fresh strawberries enhances their texture and flavor in the pie. Tossing them with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest helps release their natural juices while creating a luscious filling.
Creating the Streusel Topping
A crumbly streusel topping is made by cutting chilled butter into a mixture of flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This method creates a textured, crispy layer that adds a delightful crunch to your pie.
Baking Techniques
Baking at a temperature of 190°C (375°F) allows the pie to cook evenly. Placing foil around the crust’s edges prevents over-browning while the filling bubbles and thickens during the baking process.
Cooling the Pie
Allowing the pie to cool on a wire rack is essential. This step lets the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve, whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but you may need to adjust the sugar and cornstarch to account for extra moisture released during baking.
How can I make the pie crust from scratch?
You can make a simple pie crust using flour, butter, sugar, and water. There are many recipes available online for a homemade crust.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour, but be aware that this may alter the filling’s consistency slightly.
Is it necessary to use nuts in the streusel topping?
No, nuts are optional. You can leave them out, or use other ingredients like oats to add a different texture to the streusel.
How long can I store the pie?
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
The Streusel-Topped Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a rich, crumbly topping that enhances the fresh strawberries. This pie is sure to impress during any gathering or occasion, showcasing the vibrant taste of seasonal strawberries while providing a comforting homemade treat.
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