Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a beloved classic, known for its bright, fresh strawberry flavor and stunning presentation. This pie combines juicy strawberries in a sweet glaze, all held together in a flaky crust. Here’s how you can recreate this iconic dessert at home.
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
1 pre-made pie crust (or your favorite homemade pie crust recipe)
For the Strawberry Filling:
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
A few drops of red food coloring (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pie Crust:
Pre-bake your pie crust according to package instructions or your recipe. This usually involves pricking the crust with a fork, lining it with parchment and filling with pie weights or dried beans, and baking at 375°F (190°C) until golden.
Allow the crust to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Glaze:
Take about 1 cup of the least attractive strawberries (or enough to make 1 cup when crushed) and crush them in a saucepan.
Add sugar and water to the pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Mix cornstarch with a little cold water in a small bowl until smooth and then stir this mixture into the simmering strawberry mixture.
Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture becomes thick and clear. Add the red food coloring if using to enhance the color.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow this glaze to cool for about 10-20 minutes but not completely.
Assemble the Pie:
Arrange the remaining whole strawberries, pointed ends up, in the cooled pie crust. Try to pack them in tightly for a generous filling.
Pour the slightly cooled strawberry glaze evenly over the berries in the crust, ensuring all gaps are filled and the tops are coated.
Chill the Pie:
Refrigerate the pie until set, about 3-4 hours, to allow the glaze to firm up and hold the strawberries together.
Serve:
Serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream on each slice if desired.
Tips for Perfection:
Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, but firm strawberries for the best flavor and presentation. They should be bright red with little to no white areas.
Glaze Thickness: Ensure the glaze is just warm and still fluid when pouring over the strawberries. If it cools and thickens too much, it will not pour or set nicely.
Chilling Time: Do not shortcut the chilling time; this pie needs a few hours to set properly and slice cleanly.
This fresh strawberry pie is a delightful treat that brings a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Enjoy your delicious creation and the happy memories it brings!