Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
If you’re craving a classic diner dessert, Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is the perfect choice. This pie is known for its simple ingredients and deliciously fresh flavor. The combination of sweet strawberries, a flaky crust, and a glossy glaze makes this pie an irresistible treat. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe so you can bring this nostalgic favorite to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 4-5 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- 3 tablespoons strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pie Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You might not need all the water; stop adding once the dough holds together without being wet or sticky.
- Form the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, trim the edges, and crimp them for a decorative finish.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Preparing the Strawberry Filling
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in the water, making sure there are no lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to boil.
- Add Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the strawberry-flavored gelatin until fully dissolved. Set the mixture aside to cool to room temperature.
- Arrange Strawberries: Place the fresh strawberry halves into the cooled pie crust, arranging them in a single layer for even distribution.
- Pour the Glaze: Pour the cooled glaze evenly over the strawberries, making sure all the berries are well coated. Gently shake the pie plate to help the glaze settle and fill any gaps between the strawberries.
- Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or until the glaze is set and the pie is fully chilled.
Step 3: Serving the Pie
- Slice and Serve: Once the pie is fully set, slice it into wedges and serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. The contrast between the buttery, flaky crust, the sweet and juicy strawberries, and the smooth, glossy glaze makes for a delectable treat.
Tips for Success:
- Choose Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen strawberries, as they can release excess moisture and make the pie watery.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the pie dough is crucial for achieving a flaky crust. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in a tender and flaky texture.
- Cool the Glaze: Let the glaze cool to room temperature before pouring it over the strawberries to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- Blind Bake Properly: Blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy when the filling is added.
Variations:
- Chocolate Strawberry Pie: Add a layer of melted chocolate on the crust before adding the strawberries for a rich, indulgent twist.
- Cream Cheese Layer: Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese on the crust before adding the strawberries for an extra creamy texture.
Storage:
Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. The pie is best enjoyed fresh, as the strawberries may start to release juice after a couple of days, affecting the texture of the crust.
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Its bright flavor, vibrant color, and simplicity make it a perfect treat for family gatherings, picnics, or any time you want to enjoy a taste of nostalgia.