Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
This delightful Fresh Strawberry Pie is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of classic diners and family gatherings. Made with juicy, ripe strawberries enveloped in a sweet glaze and nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, it’s a celebration of simple, yet irresistible flavors.
Perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday desserts, this pie offers a balance of tartness and sweetness that strawberry lovers will adore. The recipe captures the essence of Big Boy’s iconic dessert, making it possible to recreate this beloved classic at home.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch), baked according to package instructions and cooled
Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- A few drops of red food coloring (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh whole strawberries
Instructions for Making Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
- Prepare the Strawberry Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat and add a few drops of red food coloring, if using, to enhance the color. Allow the glaze to cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Pie: Place the halved strawberries into the cooled, baked pie crust, arranging them to cover the entire bottom. Pour the cooled strawberry glaze evenly over the strawberries, ensuring all strawberries are coated.
- Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the glaze is set and the pie is thoroughly chilled.
- Serve: Garnish the pie with whipped cream and fresh whole strawberries, if desired, before serving. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this classic dessert, perfect for any gathering or a sweet end to a meal.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Use Fresh and Ripe Strawberries: The key to a delicious strawberry pie lies in the quality of the strawberries. Choose ripe, bright red strawberries that are firm to the touch. Ripe strawberries will give your pie a naturally sweet flavor and vibrant color.
Cooling the Glaze: Allow the strawberry glaze to cool to room temperature before pouring it over the strawberries in the pie crust. If the glaze is too hot, it can soften the pie crust or cause the strawberries to lose their fresh texture.
Pie Crust Options: While a pre-made pie crust is convenient and yields great results, consider making your own crust for an extra touch of homemade goodness. A buttery, flaky homemade pie crust can elevate the taste of your strawberry pie to a new level.
Glaze Thickness: The consistency of the glaze is crucial. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If the glaze is too thin, it won’t set properly; if it’s too thick, it may not cover the strawberries evenly. Adjust the cornstarch amount slightly if needed to achieve the perfect consistency.
Arranging Strawberries: For an aesthetically pleasing pie, take a moment to arrange the halved strawberries in a neat pattern in the pie crust. This step is optional but can make your pie look as good as it tastes.
Enhancing Flavor: A small addition of lemon juice to the glaze can enhance the flavor of the strawberries, adding a slight tartness that balances the sweetness. Experiment with adding a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze for an extra flavor dimension.
Avoid Overworking the Dough: If you opt for a homemade pie crust, be careful not to overwork the dough. Overworking can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust rather than a flaky and tender one.
Serving Suggestions
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice adds a creamy texture and a slight sweetness that complements the freshness of the strawberries.
Ice Cream: Serve your strawberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination. The coolness of the ice cream pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tart flavors of the pie.
Mint Leaves: For a touch of color and a fresh aroma, garnish each slice with a few mint leaves. Mint’s refreshing flavor is a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the pie.
Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a light drizzle of melted chocolate over the pie can add an indulgent twist to this classic dessert.
Serving Temperature: While this pie is traditionally served chilled, allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving can enhance its flavors and make the filling slightly softer.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Fresh strawberry pie should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Properly stored, the pie can last up to 3 days.
Avoid Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze the pie as freezing can cause the strawberries to become mushy and the glaze to separate when thawed. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the pie fresh within a few days of making it.
Reviving the Crust: If the crust becomes soggy, you can revive it slightly by placing the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. However, this may not fully restore the original texture of the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie? Using fresh strawberries is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries can become mushy when thawed and may release excess water, affecting the consistency of the glaze.
How can I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy? To prevent a soggy crust, ensure the pie crust is fully baked and cooled before adding the strawberries and glaze. The cooled glaze also helps in this regard, as pouring hot glaze over the berries can steam the crust, making it soft.
Can I make the pie ahead of time? This pie is best enjoyed the day it is made or the day after, as the strawberries will begin to lose their freshness. However, you can prepare the pie crust and strawberry glaze a day in advance. Assemble the pie on the day you plan to serve it for the best results.
Is it necessary to add food coloring to the glaze? Food coloring is optional and is used primarily to enhance the visual appeal of the glaze, making it more vibrant. The taste of the pie will not be affected if you choose to omit it.
Can I use a different type of crust? Absolutely! While a classic pie crust is traditional, feel free to experiment with graham cracker crusts or even chocolate cookie crusts for a different flavor profile.
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust 9-inch, baked according to package instructions and cooled
Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- A few drops of red food coloring optional
For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh whole strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat and add a few drops of red food coloring, if using, to enhance the color. Allow the glaze to cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Pie: Place the halved strawberries into the cooled, baked pie crust, arranging them to cover the entire bottom. Pour the cooled strawberry glaze evenly over the strawberries, ensuring all strawberries are coated.
- Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the glaze is set and the pie is thoroughly chilled.
- Serve: Garnish the pie with whipped cream and fresh whole strawberries, if desired, before serving. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this classic dessert, perfect for any gathering or a sweet end to a meal.
