1. Introduction
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This pie is a nostalgic favorite for many, featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with juicy, ripe strawberries, all glazed with a sweet, shiny coating. It’s the perfect treat for picnics, barbecues, or any time you want to indulge in a fresh and fruity dessert.
2. Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for serving
3. Preparing the Strawberries
Begin by selecting fresh, ripe strawberries. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water, then hull them by removing the green tops. If the strawberries are large, you may want to slice them in half or quarters. For a more rustic pie, leave smaller berries whole. Once prepared, set the strawberries aside to dry.
4. Preparing the Pie Crust
If you’re using a store-bought crust, ensure it’s fully baked according to the package instructions. For a homemade crust, roll out your dough, fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, and bake it until golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely before filling it with the strawberries. This step is crucial to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
5. Making the Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch, whisking them together until well-blended. Gradually add the water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Adding Flavor to the Glaze
Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and enhancing the flavor of the strawberries. Allow the glaze to cool slightly before using.
7. Coating the Strawberries
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the prepared strawberries with the cooled glaze. Be careful not to crush the berries as you want them to remain intact for a beautiful presentation. The glaze should evenly coat each berry, giving them a shiny, appealing look.
8. Filling the Pie Crust
Carefully spoon the glazed strawberries into the cooled pie crust. Arrange the berries to create an even layer, ensuring the pie is filled to the edges. If desired, you can arrange the strawberries in a decorative pattern for an even more visually stunning pie.
9. Chilling the Pie
Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2-3 hours. Chilling the pie allows the glaze to set and the flavors to meld together. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture and ensuring that the pie slices cleanly when served.
10. Preparing the Whipped Cream
While the pie is chilling, you can prepare fresh whipped cream if you wish to serve it with the pie. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This light and fluffy topping perfectly complements the sweet and tangy strawberry filling.
11. Serving the Pie
Once the pie has chilled and the glaze has set, it’s ready to serve. Cut the pie into slices, being careful not to crush the crust. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream on top or on the side. The contrast of the cool, creamy whipped cream with the fresh, juicy strawberries is simply irresistible.
12. Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. The pie is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the strawberries can start to release juice over time, which may affect the texture of the crust.
13. Making Ahead
This pie is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the pie crust and glaze the day before, then assemble the pie a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to develop fully, and the pie will be perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy when it’s time for dessert.
14. Recipe Variations
For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding a layer of sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone cheese at the bottom of the pie crust before adding the strawberries. You can also experiment with different types of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, or even a mix of fruits for a more colorful and flavorful pie.
15. Conclusion
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With its simple preparation and stunning presentation, it’s a dish that highlights the natural beauty and sweetness of fresh strawberries. Perfect for warm weather or any time you crave a taste of summer, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy it with loved ones and savor the delicious combination of buttery crust, juicy strawberries, and sweet glaze.
