The Best Fresh Strawberry Pie

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## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Pie Crust:
– **1 pre-baked pie crust** (store-bought or homemade—such as a traditional flaky crust or a graham cracker crust)

### For the Strawberry Filling:
– **4 cups fresh strawberries**, hulled and halved
– **¾ cup sugar** (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your berries)
– **2 tablespoons cornstarch**
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice** (optional, for a subtle citrus kick)
– **½ teaspoon vanilla extract**

### For the Glaze:
– **1 cup water**
– **½ cup sugar**
– **2 tablespoons cornstarch**
– **¼ teaspoon almond extract** (optional, for added depth of flavor)
– **Red food coloring** (optional, to enhance the glaze color, though the natural hue from the strawberries is beautiful on its own)

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## How to Make The Best Fresh Strawberry Pie

### 1. **Prepare the Pie Crust**
– Begin by **pre-baking** your pie crust if it’s not store-bought and ready to go. Follow the instructions on the package for a **store-bought crust** or bake your homemade crust at **350°F (175°C)** for about **10 minutes**, or until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Allow it to cool completely before filling.

### 2. **Make the Strawberry Filling**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the **sugar** and **cornstarch**. Add the **water** and stir until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
– Once the mixture starts to thicken, lower the heat and continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches a smooth, syrupy consistency. Remove from heat.
– Stir in the **vanilla extract** and **lemon juice** (if using), then allow the glaze to cool to room temperature.

### 3. **Assemble the Pie**
– Gently toss the **halved strawberries** in a large bowl with the cooled syrup mixture, ensuring that the fruit is evenly coated.
– Pour the strawberry mixture into the prepared pie crust. Arrange the strawberries so they are neat and create an attractive, even layer on top.

### 4. **Set the Pie**
– Refrigerate the pie for at least **4 hours**, or ideally overnight, to allow the filling to set. This will ensure that the strawberries are perfectly coated and that the pie maintains its shape when sliced.

### 5. **Serve and Enjoy**
– Once set, slice and serve the pie. You can garnish it with a dollop of **whipped cream** or a few extra fresh strawberries for an extra touch of elegance.

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## Tips for Perfecting Your Fresh Strawberry Pie

### 1. **Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries**
The flavor of this pie relies heavily on the **freshness** and **ripeness** of the strawberries. Choose **plump, sweet berries** for the best taste. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones, but fresh berries will provide the best texture and flavor.

### 2. **Chill the Pie Before Serving**
For a clean, neat slice, it’s important to let the pie **chill** in the refrigerator. Not only will this help the filling set, but it also enhances the refreshing, cool flavors. If you’re making this pie ahead of time, it can easily be stored in the fridge for up to **3-4 days**.

### 3. **Consider the Sweetness**
Strawberries can vary in sweetness depending on the season. Be sure to taste your berries before adding the full amount of sugar called for in the recipe. If they’re very sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly.

### 4. **Make It Your Own**
Feel free to get creative with your crust! You can use a **graham cracker crust** for a more **crispy, textured base**, or opt for a **shortbread** crust for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Experiment with adding other fruits like **blueberries** or **raspberries** for a mixed berry pie.

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## Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

The **Best Fresh Strawberry Pie** is a simple, refreshing, and **elegant dessert** that captures the essence of summer in every bite. From its **flaky crust** to the **sweet, juicy strawberries** coated in a luscious glaze, this pie delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this pie is **easy to make** and will impress anyone you serve it to. It’s a true celebration of fresh ingredients, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event.

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## Conclusion

For an unforgettable dessert that showcases the sweet flavors of summer, look no further than the **Best Fresh Strawberry Pie**. With its beautiful combination of **fresh strawberries**, **creamy glaze**, and **flaky crust**, this pie is the perfect way to celebrate the season and bring joy to your table. Whip it up for your next family dinner, summer picnic, or special occasion, and watch as your guests enjoy every bite!