Strawberry Custard Pie
A luscious strawberry custard pie featuring fresh strawberries and creamy filling in a crisp baked shell, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a fruity treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 baked 9-inch pie shell ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring ⓘ
- 6 cups fresh strawberries ⓘ
- sweetened whipping cream and fresh strawberries (garnish) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 2/3 cup sugar, 4 tablespoons cornstarch and salt; stir in milk.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until thickened.
- Let the mixture come to a boil slowly; when boiling begins, it will start to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter or margarine and vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard into the baked 9-inch pie shell.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup water with 1 tablespoon of liquid red food coloring, then add 3 cups of halved strawberries.
- Arrange the strawberries on top of the custard in the pie shell.
- Refrigerate the pie until chilled, then garnish with sweetened whipped cream and additional strawberries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your custard, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of almond extract. If you're short on fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before layering. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless pie by simply pouring the custard mixture into a dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Strawberry Custard Pie chilled, topped with a generous dollop of sweetened whipping cream and additional fresh strawberries for added flavor and presentation. This pie pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as Frog Eye Salad(Acini De Pepe Fruit Salad), for a refreshing contrast. It makes an excellent dessert for summer gatherings and picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing the pie, as the custard may separate upon thawing. To serve, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for a softer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Custard Pie contains roughly 1672 calories, with 65g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (130% of the Daily Value), and iron (108% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 629mg per serving (27% 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 other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! This custard pie works wonderfully with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Just adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose. Each fruit will bring a unique flavor that complements the creamy custard base.
Is it necessary to use food coloring?
No, the food coloring is optional. It simply enhances the visual appeal of the pie. If you prefer a more natural look, you can skip the coloring and simply layer the strawberries on the custard as they are. The pie will still be delicious without it.
How can I make the custard thicker?
If you prefer a thicker custard, you can increase the cornstarch by an additional tablespoon. Ensure that you whisk it well into the milk before heating. It's important to cook the mixture until it reaches a full boil, as this activates the cornstarch and helps achieve the desired thickness.
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).