Strawberry Glaze Pie

Introduction & Inspiration

Strawberry Glaze Pie is a vibrant and refreshing dessert, a perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of fresh strawberries. It features a flaky, buttery crust, a layer of luscious strawberry glaze, and a generous topping of whole and halved fresh strawberries. It’s a beautiful pie.

My inspiration for this recipe comes from a love of simple, classic desserts that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. I’ve always been drawn to the bright red color. The sweet-tart flavor of strawberries, and this pie is all about showcasing them.

This particular recipe is designed to be both approachable and impressive. It’s about creating a pie that’s relatively easy to make. Yet looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. It’s perfect for any occasion.

I believe that baking should be a joyful and rewarding experience. This Strawberry Glaze Pie embodies that philosophy. It’s a dessert that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Nostalgic Appeal

Strawberry pie, in general, has a strong nostalgic appeal. It’s a dessert that often evokes memories of summer picnics. Of potlucks, and of simple, homemade treats. It’s a taste of sunshine.

The bright red color and sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries are inherently appealing. They’re a reminder of warm weather. Of carefree days, and of the bounty of the season. It’s a happy dessert.

This Strawberry Glaze Pie captures that nostalgic feeling, with its classic combination of fresh strawberries and a flaky crust. It’s a dessert that feels both familiar and special.

This recipe is a way to connect with the past while also creating new memories. It’s a pie that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Or for enjoying a slice all to yourself.

Homemade Focus

This Strawberry Glaze Pie recipe is all about the homemade experience. Every element, from the pie crust to the strawberry glaze, is made with care and attention to detail. It’s about quality ingredients.

Making a pie from scratch is a rewarding process. It allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. You can ensure that every component is made with the best possible ingredients. It is satisfying.

The act of rolling out the dough, making the glaze, and arranging the strawberries is a therapeutic one. It’s a chance to slow down. Connect with the ingredients, and enjoy the process of baking.

This homemade focus results in a pie that is far superior to anything store-bought. The flavors are brighter, the textures are more refined, and the satisfaction is immeasurable. It’s worth the effort.

Flavor Goal

The flavor goal for this Strawberry Glaze Pie is a celebration of fresh strawberries, with a balance of sweetness and tartness, complemented by a buttery, flaky crust. It’s all about the strawberries.

The fresh strawberries should be the star of the show, providing a burst of juicy sweetness and a vibrant red color. They’re the heart of the pie.

The strawberry glaze adds an extra layer of intense strawberry flavor and a beautiful glossy finish. It enhances the natural sweetness of the berries.

The pie crust provides a buttery, flaky base that complements the strawberries and glaze perfectly. It adds a textural element.

The overall effect is a pie that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a perfect showcase for the natural sweetness and flavor of fresh strawberries.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and why each one is important for this recipe. Understanding the role of each component is crucial. For baking success.

• Dough for Single-Crust Pie: Provides the foundation for the pie. You can use a homemade pie crust recipe or a store-bought crust for convenience.
• Fresh Whole Strawberries (Hulled and Divided): The star of the show! Provide the fresh, sweet strawberry flavor and a beautiful topping.
• Sugar: Sweetens the strawberry glaze.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry glaze.
• Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and create the glaze.
• Strawberry Jelly: Provides the base for the strawberry flavor and the glossy finish of the glaze.
• Orange-Flavored Liqueur or Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of citrus that complements the strawberries.
• Red Food Coloring (Optional): Enhances the red color of the glaze.
• Whipped Cream (For Garnish): Adds a creamy and light topping.

Essential Equipment

Having the right tools makes the pie-making process much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the essential equipment. Simple tools, stunning results.

• 9-inch Pie Plate: This is the standard size for this recipe. Glass or ceramic pie plates are ideal.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie dough.
• Parchment Paper: For lining the crust during blind baking.
• Pie Weights, Dried Beans, or Uncooked Rice: For weighing down the crust during blind baking.
• Saucepan: For making the strawberry glaze.
• Whisk: For combining the glaze ingredients.
• Fork:
• Measuring Cups and Spoons:

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements for easy reference. Accuracy is key in baking. Always double-check.

• Dough for Single-Crust Pie
• 6 cups Fresh Whole Strawberries, hulled, divided
• 1 cup Sugar
• 3 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 3/4 cup Water
• 1 jar (12 ounces) Strawberry Jelly
• 3 tablespoons Orange-Flavored Liqueur or Lemon Juice
• Red Food Coloring, optional  
• Whipped Cream, for garnish

Gather all your ingredients before you begin. This “mise en place” approach makes the baking process much more organized.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s break down the process into clear, easy-to-follow steps. I’ll guide you through each stage. My goal is clarity and pie perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a 1/8-inch-thick circle.

Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate.

Trim the dough to 1/2 inch beyond the rim of the plate.

Flute the edge of the crust.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps to prevent shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Preheat Oven. Preheat oven to 425°F.

Step 3: Blind Bake the Crust.

Line the crust with a double thickness of foil.

Fill with pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice.

Bake on a lower oven rack until the edge is golden brown, 20-25 minutes.

Remove the foil and weights.

Bake until the bottom is golden brown, 3-6 minutes longer.

Cool on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries.

Mash 1 cup of the strawberries. Set aside.

Halve the remaining strawberries.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Glaze.

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch.

Stir in the water and mashed strawberries.

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

If desired, stir in red food coloring.

Cook and stir for 3 minutes more, until thickened.

Remove from the heat.

Stir in the orange-flavored liqueur or lemon juice.

Cool for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie.

Spread about 1/3 cup of the glaze over the bottom and side of the cooled crust.

Arrange the halved strawberries in the crust.

Spoon the remaining glaze over the berries.

Step 7: Chill.

Refrigerate the pie until set, 1-2 hours.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve.

Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream, if desired.

Troubleshooting

Even with careful preparation, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common problems and solutions. It’s good to be prepared.

Problem: Crust shrinks during baking. Solution: Make sure you chill the dough before rolling it out and again before baking. Also, avoid stretching the dough when transferring it to the pie plate.

Problem: Glaze is too runny. Solution: Make sure you cook the glaze long enough for it to thicken. You can also add a bit more cornstarch mixed with cold water.

Problem: Crust is soggy. Solution: Make sure to blind bake the crust before adding.

Problem: Strawberries are too watery. Solution: Avoid overripe strawberries

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize your Strawberry Glaze Pie. I encourage you to get creative. Make it your own!

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, spread a thin layer of cream cheese filling (like the one in the Strawberry Cheesecake recipe) over the crust before adding the glazed strawberries.

Variation: Use a different type of berry, such as raspberries or blueberries, instead of strawberries.

Tip: Add a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans to the top of the pie for added texture and flavor.

Variation: Replace the strawberry jelly in the glaze with a different flavor of jelly, such as raspberry or apricot.

Tip: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Strawberry Glaze Pie is a delightful treat on its own. Here are some serving ideas. To elevate the experience.

Serve chilled slices of pie.

Pair with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine.

Serve as a dessert for a summer barbecue, picnic, potluck, or any occasion.

Offer a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each slice.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 piece): Calories: 315 Fat: 12g Saturated Fat: 7g Cholesterol: 30mg Sodium: 156mg Carbohydrates: 51g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 31g Protein: 3g

Note that the values are estimated.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Let’s recap the recipe and answer some frequently asked questions. I want to provide all the information you need. My goal is pie perfection.

Recipe Summary:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare and blind bake the pie crust. Cool.
2. Mash some strawberries. Combine with sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan.
3. Cook glaze until thickened. Cool slightly.
4. Spread some glaze on the crust. Arrange halved strawberries on top.
5. Spoon remaining glaze over berries.
6. Refrigerate until set.
7. Garnish with whipped cream before serving.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust? A: Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make this pie up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze Strawberry Glaze Pie? A: I don’t recommend freezing this pie, as the strawberries may become mushy upon thawing.

Q: My glaze is too sweet. What can I do? A: You can add a little more lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture and flavor.