Sunshine Strawberry Pie Filling

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 5 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Get ready to bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table with this delightful Sunshine Strawberry Pie Filling. A perfect blend of fresh strawberries and a hint of citrus, this filling is sure to elevate any pie to a new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients for Sunshine Strawberry Pie Filling

Strawberries are the star of this recipe, lending natural sweetness and a beautiful red hue to the filling. Make sure to use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor.

Granulated sugar sweetens the filling, balancing the natural tartness of the strawberries and enhancing their flavor.

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the filling a perfect pie-ready consistency.

Freshly squeezed orange juice provides a subtle citrus note that brightens the filling and complements the strawberries beautifully.

Vanilla extract adds depth and warmth, rounding out the flavors.

Unsalted butter gives the filling a rich, silky finish.

Salt intensifies the flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your strawberries are overly ripe or sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly to avoid an overly sweet filling.
  • To prevent lumps in your cornstarch mixture, use cold water when whisking it together.
  • For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry filling is not only great for pies but also works wonderfully as a topping for cheesecakes, pancakes, or even as a filling for crepes. Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm slice of pie for a truly indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess liquid in the filling.
How long does the filling last?
The filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I make this filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! This filling can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Sunshine Strawberry Pie Filling Recipe Walkthrough

Start by hulling and halving 4 cups of fresh strawberries. Toss them into a medium saucepan along with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Place the pan over medium heat and stir the mixture constantly until it begins to boil.

While the strawberry mixture is heating, take a small bowl and whisk together 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water. Make sure it's smooth and lump-free. Once your strawberry mix is boiling, gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture. This is where the magic happens, as the filling begins to thicken.

Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir for about 2 more minutes. You'll notice the mixture becoming glossy and thick. Remove it from the heat, then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until everything is well combined.

Allow the filling to cool to room temperature before using it in your pie or storing it for later. This cooling step is crucial for setting the filling properly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses fresh, seasonal strawberries for a vibrant flavor.
  • Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
  • Perfect balance of sweetness and citrus tang.
  • Versatile enough to use in various desserts, from pies to pastries.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and orange juice over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth.
4. Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the boiling strawberry mix.
5. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, butter, and salt until well combined.
7. Let the filling cool to room temperature before using in a pie or storing.

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