Pioneer Woman Strawberry Pie

This fresh, glossy Pioneer Woman strawberry pie is made with a baked pie crust, fresh halved strawberries, sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and needs at least 4 hours to set in the fridge.

There’s no Jello or canned filling in this one. You mash some of the berries, cook them down with sugar and cornstarch into a thick, clear sauce, then fold in the rest of the fresh halved strawberries. That mix of cooked and raw fruit gives you a filling that holds together when you slice but still tastes like biting into a fresh berry.

The cornstarch needs to hit a full boil to activate properly. If you pull it off the heat too early, the filling stays runny and your slices won’t hold. Dissolve it in cold water first, stir it into the simmering berry mixture, bring it back to a boil, then let it cook for another 3 minutes. You’ll see it go from loose and watery to thick and glossy. That’s when it’s ready.

Pioneer Woman Strawberry Pie

Author: Hamdi Saidani Cuisine:American Courses:Pies & Tarts Strawberry Desserts

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesRest time:5 hours Total time:5 hours 15 minutesServings:8 servingsCalories:263 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

This Pioneer Woman strawberry pie fills a baked crust with fresh halved berries folded into a thick, glossy cooked strawberry sauce. No Jello, no canned filling.

Ingredients

• 1 refrigerated pie crust
  
• 1 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries, stems removed and halved
  
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  
• Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Bake the refrigerated pie crust according to the package directions. Let it cool completely before filling.
   Mash 1 1/2 cups of the halved strawberries with a fork in a small bowl.
   
2. Combine the mashed berries, sugar, vanilla, and 1/4 cup of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Bring to a low boil, stirring and mashing frequently, and cook until the fruit softens and breaks down, about 5 minutes.
   
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/2 cup of cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering strawberry mixture. Return to a boil over medium-high heat.
   
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the filling is thick and glossy, about 3 minutes.
   
6. Remove from the heat and fold in the remaining fresh halved strawberries. Immediately transfer the filling into the cooled pie crust.
   
7. Let the pie cool on the counter for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate until fully set, at least 4 hours.
   Slice and serve with whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Yes. Blind bake it fully before filling since the strawberry mixture goes in uncooked from that point. Line the crust with parchment and pie weights, bake until golden all the way through, and cool completely before adding the filling.

What do I serve it with?

A scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream rounds it out perfectly since the pie already brings all the berry flavor. For drinks, sparkling lemonade or a cold glass of prosecco pairs well because the bubbles cut through the sweetness. If you’re building a bigger dessert table, a Chocolate Milkshake next to it gives your guests a rich, totally different option to pick from.

Why is my filling still runny after chilling?

The cornstarch probably didn’t reach a full boil. It needs to bubble hard for at least 3 minutes to activate. Also make sure you dissolved it in cold water first, not hot. Hot water causes the cornstarch to clump and it won’t thicken evenly.

Can I freeze this pie?

No. The fresh strawberries release water when they thaw and the filling turns soggy. Store it covered in the fridge instead, where it keeps well for up to four days.

How do I keep the pie from looking messy when I slice it?

Make sure it chills the full 4 hours. Use a sharp, thin knife and wipe it clean between each cut. The first slice is always the hardest to get out cleanly, so use a thin spatula to lift it from the bottom.