Welcome to a slice of nostalgia with this Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie. This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet strawberries and a buttery crust, making it a timeless favorite that's perfect for showcasing fresh, seasonal strawberries.
The star of this pie is, of course, the strawberries. Fresh, ripe strawberries are essential for that juicy, sweet filling. The sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit, while the flour acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the filling isn't runny. A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, elevating the flavor profile. Butter, dotted over the filling, melts into the strawberries, creating a rich, luscious texture. Finally, the egg yolk and milk mixture brushed on the crust gives it a beautiful golden finish.
This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a summery touch, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves. It's also delightful served slightly warm with a glass of chilled rosé.
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures it's nice and hot when your pie goes in, helping achieve that perfect crust. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Now, gently toss your hulled and halved strawberries in this sugar mixture, making sure each piece is coated. This step is key to infusing the strawberries with flavor.
Next, take your prepared pie crust and roll it out to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully line the plate with the crust, pressing it gently into the edges. Pour the strawberry mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter—this will melt and incorporate into the filling as it bakes.
If you're using a second crust, roll it out and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping them together, and cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape. This prevents the pie from becoming too soggy. Brush the top with a mixture of beaten egg yolk and milk for a lovely, glossy finish.
Pop the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits. Once baked, let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving. This cooling period helps the filling set properly.