Nana'S Strawberry Pie
A fresh strawberry pie with a sweet, tangy filling and tender crust, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a vibrant, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, crush 1 pint of strawberries with a fork.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients: 3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 1/4 cups sugar, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
- Cook over moderate heat, stirring, until thick and clear.
- Cool the mixture.
- Halve the other pint of strawberries and fold into the cooked mixture.
- Pour into the baked 9-inch pie shell and chill.
- Serve with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, use a mix of ripe and slightly under-ripe strawberries. If cornstarch is unavailable, you can substitute with tapioca starch or arrowroot powder. To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. If you prefer a healthier version, reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute suitable for desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie chilled, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing glass of Fruit Delight Punch, making it perfect for summer gatherings. Consider serving alongside a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the strawberries may become mushy upon thawing. For best results, consume within the first couple of days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Strawberry Pie contains roughly 438 calories, with 11g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 477mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before using them in the recipe to avoid a watery filling.
How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, you can brush the baked pie shell with a thin layer of melted chocolate or a mixture of egg white and water before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp and flaky.
Can I make this pie vegan?
Yes, this pie can be made vegan by using a non-dairy whipped topping in place of traditional whipped cream, and ensuring the pie crust is vegan-friendly. Many store-bought crusts are available, but you can also make your own using plant-based ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).