Strawberry Delight Dessert Pie: A Step-by-Step Recipe to Sweeten Your Day

Nothing screams summer quite like the sweet, juicy burst of a ripe strawberry. And what better way to celebrate this iconic fruit than with a delectable Strawberry Delight Dessert Pie? This recipe is a symphony of textures and flavors, combining a crisp, buttery crust with a creamy, luscious filling and topped with fresh, vibrant strawberries. It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply indulging in a sweet treat on a warm afternoon. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each process, ensuring a stunning and delicious pie every time.

Why This Strawberry Delight Pie is a Winner

• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive presentation, this pie is surprisingly simple to put together. The recipe uses readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone loves a good strawberry pie. The combination of sweet and creamy is universally appealing.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or celebrating a special event, this pie is a guaranteed hit.
• Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your preferences. Use a homemade or store-bought crust, experiment with different flavorings, or add other fruits to the mix.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red strawberries arranged atop the creamy filling make this pie a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ¼ cup cold shortening, cut into cubes
• 5-7 tablespoons ice water

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• ⅓ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup strawberry glaze (or homemade glaze – see instructions below)

Optional Homemade Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie plate
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or food processor (optional, for the crust)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Saucepan (for homemade glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Making the Pie Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Fat: Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the mixture reaches this consistency. The key is to keep the butter and shortening cold to prevent them from melting and creating a tough crust.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust.
4. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a disc. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out. Longer chilling times, even overnight, are acceptable.
5. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
6. Transfer to Pie Plate: Gently transfer the rolled-out dough to the 9-inch pie plate. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate.
7. Crimp the Edges: Crimp the edges of the crust using your fingers or a fork to create a decorative border.
8. Pre-bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. This will help the crust maintain its shape.
9. Bake: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown all over.
10. Cool: Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

Part 2: Making the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This will help create a smooth and creamy filling.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Vanilla: Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and creamy. The lemon juice adds a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk.
4. Pour into Crust: Pour the cream cheese filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Chill: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set. This allows the filling to firm up and develop its flavor. Ideally, chill for 4 hours or overnight for the best results.

Part 3: Preparing the Strawberry Topping

1. Prepare Strawberries: Wash and hull the fresh strawberries. Slice them into uniform pieces.
2. Arrange Strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries attractively over the chilled cream cheese filling. You can create a circular pattern, rows, or any design you like.
3. Glaze the Strawberries: Gently brush the strawberries with strawberry glaze. This will add shine and sweetness to the topping and help prevent the strawberries from drying out.

Part 4: Making Homemade Strawberry Glaze (Optional)

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, water, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
2. Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and the strawberries have softened.
3. Cool: Remove from heat and let the glaze cool slightly before using.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Strawberry Delight Pie

• Use Cold Ingredients: For a flaky pie crust, it’s crucial to use cold butter, shortening, and ice water. This prevents the fat from melting and creating a tough crust.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the pie dough will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out. It also helps prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
• Blind Bake the Crust: Blind baking the crust (baking it before adding the filling) will prevent it from becoming soggy. Use pie weights or dried beans to help the crust maintain its shape during baking.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before making the filling. This will help create a smooth and creamy texture.
• Fresh Strawberries are Key: Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find for the best flavor and presentation.
• Get Creative with the Topping: Arrange the strawberries in a decorative pattern or add other fruits to the mix.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the pie before serving allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
• Storage: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations and Adaptations

• Different Crust: Use a store-bought graham cracker crust for a quicker and easier option. You can also make a chocolate crust for a richer flavor.
• Other Fruits: Add other fruits to the strawberry topping, such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Liqueur: Add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Chambord, to the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Top the pie with freshly whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan pie crust and vegan cream cheese alternative to make a vegan version of this pie. You may need to adjust the sweetness to taste, as some vegan condensed milk alternatives are less sweet than the traditional version.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar-free sweetener in place of the granulated sugar in the homemade glaze, and look for sugar-free versions of the sweetened condensed milk (if available) or adjust the recipe to use alternative sweeteners to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Cold: This pie is best served cold.
• Pair with a Beverage: Enjoy a slice of Strawberry Delight Dessert Pie with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a cup of coffee.
• Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Top a slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Garnish with Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the pie with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: 350-450 per slice
• Fat: 20-30g
• Saturated Fat: 12-18g
• Cholesterol: 60-80mg
• Sodium: 200-300mg
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Sugar: 30-40g
• Protein: 4-6g

Conclusion

This Strawberry Delight Dessert Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its crisp crust, creamy filling, and vibrant strawberry topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Follow these step-by-step instructions and tips to create a stunning and delicious pie that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!