Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Introduction
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a beloved dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a smooth, jelly-infused filling, all nestled in a crisp, golden pie crust.
It’s a simple yet elegant treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness in every bite, making it ideal for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a special celebration, or just a casual treat at home, this pie is sure to delight.
Ingredients
1 frozen pie crust
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 1/4 cups water
3 tbsp strawberry jelly
2 cups strawberries, sliced
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your frozen pie crust and place it on a baking sheet.
Once the oven is ready, bake the crust for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. This step ensures.
the crust will be crispy and flaky once the filling is added. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool.
Next, in a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until it thickens and comes to a boil.
This will create the base for the syrup that holds the strawberries together. Once it thickens, reduce the heat and add the strawberry jelly. Stir until the jelly is fully dissolved into the syrup.
While the syrup is cooling slightly, wash and slice your fresh strawberries. Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly in the baked pie crust.
Make sure to pack them tightly, as the strawberries will shrink slightly once the filling is added.
Pour the thickened strawberry syrup over the sliced strawberries in the pie crust. Use a spoon to gently spread it out and make sure the strawberries are well-coated.
This syrup will set and create a glossy, sweet layer over the fruit.
Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3 hours, or until the filling has fully set.
This cooling time is crucial for allowing the syrup to thicken further and hold everything together. If you prefer a firmer consistency, you can chill it for a little longer.
Once the pie has set, remove it from the refrigerator and give it a final visual check. The pie should have a glossy.
vibrant appearance. Slice and serve, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
How to Make
Making Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a simple process that only requires a few steps, but it’s important to follow them carefully to get the best results.
The key is ensuring your syrup thickens properly before you add the jelly and pour it over the strawberries.
Using fresh strawberries is also a must, as their natural flavor and texture will make the pie much more delicious.
Start by preparing the pie crust. Since it’s frozen, all you need to do is bake it for a few minutes to give it a crisp base.
While the crust bakes, make the syrup on the stove by combining sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir this mixture constantly until it thickens and begins to bubble.
The strawberry jelly should be added once the syrup reaches the right consistency.
After the crust is cooled and the syrup is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie. Place the sliced strawberries in the crust, making sure to arrange them neatly and evenly.
The syrup will hold everything together, so be generous when pouring it over the fruit. Let the pie chill in the fridge to set, and then you can enjoy it!
Variations
While Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is already delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to make it even more exciting.
One option is to add other berries to the filling, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. A mixed berry version can offer a different taste and a burst of color.
Another variation involves adding a layer of whipped cream or cream cheese to the base of the pie crust before adding the strawberries.
This can give the pie a richer flavor and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the fruit. You could even experiment with flavored jellies, like raspberry or peach, for a unique twist.
For a more indulgent pie, you could drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before serving.
The addition of chocolate would make this pie a more decadent dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers.
For a healthier take, try using a whole wheat pie crust or a gluten-free crust, which will provide a slightly different texture and flavor while keeping the pie’s integrity intact.
You could also substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave nectar for a more wholesome dessert.
If you’re in the mood for a no-bake option, consider using a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust.
The crunchiness of the graham crackers pairs wonderfully with the strawberry filling.
Another fun idea is to make mini versions of the pie using individual tart shells, perfect for portion control and easy serving at parties.
For a more festive twist, you could add a touch of lemon zest to the filling or syrup.
The citrusy tang would complement the strawberries beautifully and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the jelly.
Lastly, consider topping the pie with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving.
These small additions can elevate the overall flavor profile and make your pie even more enticing.
Tips
For the best results, make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries. The flavor of the strawberries is the star of the pie, so choosing the best fruit will make all the difference in taste.
If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them properly before using them in the pie.
When making the syrup, be patient and allow it to thicken fully. If the syrup is too runny, the filling won’t set properly, and the pie may become too messy to cut.
To ensure the right consistency, always stir the mixture constantly while it heats up.
If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can skip the step of baking the crust and use a pre-baked pie crust instead.
This saves time and effort but still delivers a delicious pie. However, baking the crust yourself gives it a fresher, crispier texture.
For a more vibrant pie, try adding some colorful edible flowers like violets or pansies on top for a beautiful presentation.
This can give your dessert a gourmet look and elevate it for special occasions.
If you’re making the pie ahead of time, consider waiting to add the strawberries until just before serving.
This helps prevent the fruit from releasing too much juice into the syrup while it chills, keeping the pie from becoming soggy.
For a healthier version of the pie, substitute the strawberry jelly with a natural fruit spread or even make your own homemade strawberry syrup using fresh fruit and a touch of honey. This will keep the flavor fresh and natural.
Lastly, always allow the pie to cool and set properly in the fridge for the best texture. Rushing this step may cause the filling to be too soft and make it difficult to slice neatly.
Conclusion
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of summer flavors. With its fresh, vibrant strawberries and silky filling.
it’s a treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The recipe is simple yet versatile, allowing you to customize it with different fruits, toppings, or pie crust options.
Whether you make it for a holiday or as a weeknight indulgence, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. The combination of fresh strawberries and a sweet, jelly-infused filling is timeless and never fails to satisfy.