Strawberry Pie – Two Ways

Strawberry Pie – Two Ways

Strawberry pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet and tangy taste of fresh strawberries. With two delicious variations—cream cheese strawberry pie and fresh strawberry pie—this treat is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are enjoying a summer picnic or hosting a family gathering, strawberry pie will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Why Make This Recipe

Making strawberry pie is not just about enjoying the delightful flavor; it’s also a fun and rewarding experience. The process allows you to use fresh ingredients, and the end result is a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Plus, both versions are easy to prepare, making them ideal for bakers of all levels.

How to Make Strawberry Pie

Ingredients:

• For Cream Cheese Strawberry Pie:

  • 1 store-bought pie crust or homemade pie crust
  • 1/2 cup cold water (for filling)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (for filling)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for filling)
  • 12 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup seedless strawberry jam (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for topping)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (for topping)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for topping)

• For Fresh Strawberry Pie:

  • 1 unbaked rolled pie crust
  • 1 egg white, beaten (for fresh strawberry pie)
  • 3/4 cup water (for fresh strawberry pie)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for fresh strawberry pie)
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (for fresh strawberry pie)
  • 3 ounces strawberry gelatin mix (for fresh strawberry pie)
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed, dried, hulled, and halved (for fresh strawberry pie)
  • Whipped topping (optional garnish)

Directions:

For the Cream Cheese Strawberry Pie:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pie crust.
2. In a bowl, mix cold water with gelatin and let it sit to bloom.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix in the whipped cream.
4. Combine this mixture with the bloomed gelatin and pour it into the crust.
5. For the topping, mix sliced strawberries, jam, and the prepared gelatin mixture. Spread it over the cream cheese filling.
6. Chill the pie in the refrigerator before serving.

For the Fresh Strawberry Pie:

1. Bake the rolled pie crust and brush it with beaten egg white.
2. In a pot, combine water, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin mix. Cook until thickened and then remove from heat.
3. Pour this mixture over the halved strawberries placed in the pie crust.
4. Let it set in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Pie

Strawberry pie is best served cold. You can slice it into wedges and serve it on its own, or add a dollop of whipped topping for extra creaminess. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!

How to Store Strawberry Pie

To store strawberry pie, cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The cream cheese pie is best enjoyed within 3 days, while the fresh strawberry pie can last up to 5 days.

Tips to Make Strawberry Pie

1. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
2. Let the pie chill for several hours for a better set.
3. Be careful not to overmix the cream cheese filling to keep it creamy.

Variation

You can add other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, to either pie for a mixed berry flavor. Additionally, consider incorporating a graham cracker crust for a different texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture.

2. How can I make the pie crust from scratch?
   To make pie crust, combine flour, butter, sugar, and cold water, mix until dough forms, and then roll it out to fit your pie dish.

3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the pie.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful strawberry pies. Whether you choose the creamy or fresh version, you’ll create a dessert that everyone will love!