Strawberry Pie Without Jell-O Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crust:

To make the perfect crust for our strawberry pie, we’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups – This will be the base of your crust, providing structure and texture.
• Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup – Make sure to use cold butter, as this will help create a flaky crust when baked. You can also use shortening if you prefer.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – This will enhance the flavor of your crust and balance out the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Ice water: As needed – The key to a flaky crust is using ice-cold water, which helps prevent the butter from melting and creating a tough dough.

• Sugars:

  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

The combination of these ingredients will help create a delicate, flaky crust that’s perfect for our strawberry pie filling. When mixing the dough, be sure to handle it gently and don’t overwork it, as this can lead to a tough crust.

* 2 cups allpurpose flour

All-purpose flour is a fundamental ingredient used in many baked goods, including our Strawberry Pie recipe.

The amount needed for this particular recipe is 2 cups of all-purpose flour.

This type of flour is often used as a versatile base due to its neutral flavor and ability to produce a tender crumb.

When measuring out the 2 cups of flour, it’s essential to use a dry and flat surface to prevent any potential contamination or clumping.

The flour should be scooped into the mixing bowl in two separate increments, with each scoop being approximately one cup, to ensure accurate measurement and to minimize spills.

As the flour is added to the other dry ingredients in the recipe, it will begin to combine and blend together under the mixing action, contributing to a cohesive and well-balanced dough for our pie crust.

* 1/4 cup granulated sugar

The recipe for Strawberry Pie without Jell-O requires a specific amount and type of granulated sugar, which plays a crucial role in balancing out the flavors of the filling.

Granulated sugar, also known as white sugar or table sugar, is a sweet crystalline powder made from sugarcane or sugar beets. Its primary function in this recipe is to add sweetness to the filling without overpowering it.

The recommended amount of granulated sugar for this recipe is 1/4 cup, which may seem like a small quantity but is essential for achieving the right balance of sweetness and tartness. This amount will help to bring out the natural flavors of the strawberries while preventing the filling from becoming too cloying.

It’s worth noting that granulated sugar can be substituted with other types of sugar, such as brown sugar or confectioner’s sugar, but this may alter the flavor profile and texture of the pie. In general, brown sugar will add a richer, more caramel-like flavor, while confectioner’s sugar will produce a finer, more delicate texture.

When measuring out 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, it’s essential to use a dry measuring cup to ensure accuracy. Scoop the sugar into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge or knife to prevent overfilling.

The granulated sugar is usually added to the mixture of sliced strawberries and cornstarch towards the end of the cooking time, allowing the flavors to meld together as the filling thickens. The resulting pie will have a sweet and tangy filling that’s perfectly balanced and sure to please even the most discerning palate.

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

A recipe for Strawberry Pie without Jell-O requires a list of carefully selected ingredients to bring out the best flavors and textures in the final product.

In this specific recipe, we’re using 1/2 teaspoon of salt as an essential ingredient that may seem insignificant on its own, but plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness of the strawberries and other ingredients.

The type of salt used is also important. For this recipe, it’s recommended to use plain, unflavored salt such as kosher salt or table salt. Avoid using flavored salts like sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, as they can impart a strong flavor that may not complement the strawberries well.

When measuring out 1/2 teaspoon of salt, make sure to level off the top of the spoon and avoid packing it down, as this can result in an uneven distribution of salt throughout the pie filling. A light touch is essential when handling salt to ensure it’s evenly distributed among all the ingredients.

The role of salt in this recipe extends beyond just adding flavor; it also serves to enhance the texture of the strawberries and other ingredients by preventing them from becoming too watery or soft during baking. Salt helps to draw out excess moisture, resulting in a pie filling that’s firmer and more evenly textured.

* 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

To make a delicious Strawberry Pie without Jell-O, one essential ingredient to focus on is the butter used in the crust.

The recipe calls for 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, which is cut into small pieces to ensure it incorporates evenly with the dry ingredients when mixing the crust.

The use of unsalted butter is crucial as it provides a neutral flavor that won’t compete with the sweetness of the strawberries or other spices in the pie.

Cold butter is also essential, as it helps create a flaky and tender crust when mixed with the dry ingredients. This can be achieved by refrigerating the butter for at least 30 minutes before cutting it into small pieces.

Here are some key characteristics of the cold unsalted butter to consider:

• Makes the dough easy to work with and less likely to stick together
• Helps create a flaky texture in the finished crust
• Promotes even browning when baked, giving it a golden appearance

In summary, using high-quality cold unsalted butter is vital for achieving a delicious and visually appealing Strawberry Pie without Jell-O. By incorporating this essential ingredient into your recipe, you’ll be on your way to creating a truly memorable dessert.

* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

The beaten **egg** (for egg wash) is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, serving as a key component to help achieve a golden-brown crust.

In the context of baking, an **egg wash** typically consists of beating one or more eggs with a small amount of water until well combined. The mixture can be seasoned with a pinch of salt and/or a splash of milk to enhance its flavor.

For this particular recipe, the beaten egg is used as a substitute for traditional pastry brushings that might include ingredients like melted butter or oil. By using eggs instead, we’re able to achieve a similar effect while incorporating some additional nutritional value into our baked goods.

Using an **egg wash** in this strawberry pie has several benefits:

• It adds color and shine to the crust
• Helps to create a tender, flaky texture in the pastry dough
• Can be used as an alternative to other brushing agents, reducing added sugar or fat content

Incorporating an **egg wash** into your strawberry pie will give it that extra oomph needed for presentation and overall taste. It’s a simple but effective trick every baker should know!

Instructions

Pie Filling:

In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on preparing the pie filling for our Strawberry Pie without Jell-O recipe.

Ingredients:

1. Sweetened strawberries:** 3 cups of sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
2. Granulated sugar:** 1/4 cup or to taste
3. Water:** 1 tablespoon
4. Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons
5. Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (optional)

Instructions:

To prepare the pie filling, follow these steps:

• Cook the strawberries:**
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the strawberries have released their juice.
  3. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
• Mix with cornstarch:**
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the water and cornstarch to form a smooth paste.
  2. Remove the strawberry mixture from the heat and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
• Add lemon juice (optional):**
  1. If using, add the lemon juice to the pie filling and stir well to combine. The acidity will help balance out the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Cool and chill:**
  1. Let the pie filling cool completely to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a crust from forming.
  2. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before using in our Strawberry Pie without Jell-O recipe.

By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious and homemade pie filling ready to be used in our recipe. Enjoy!

* Hull and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries

To hull and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries for your Strawberry Pie without Jell-O Recipe, follow these steps:

• Rinse the strawberries under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.

• Gently pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent them from becoming mushy during the hulling and slicing process.

• Select 2 cups of fresh strawberries that are firm and have no signs of spoilage.

• Hold a strawberry in your non-dominant hand, with the stem end facing you. Gently pinch the leaves at the top of the stem between your thumb and index finger.

• Pull the leaves downwards while rotating the berry to loosen it from the stem. Continue pulling until the leaves come off completely.

• Once the strawberry is hulled, place it on a cutting board and slice it into thin pieces. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline to get uniform slices.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• Handle the strawberries gently to avoid bruising them.

• Use fresh and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.

• Slice the strawberries just before using them to prevent them from turning brown or developing an unpleasant texture.

This will give you 2 cups of hulled and sliced strawberries that are perfect for your Strawberry Pie without Jell-O Recipe!

* In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions for making a delicious Strawberry Pie without Jell-O require attention to detail and precision when it comes to following recipe guidelines. Here are some key takeaways:

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

• In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. This mixture will be cooked down to create the filling for the pie.

• Next, add 2 tablespoons of water to the saucepan and stir until the cornstarch is well combined with the other ingredients.

• Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil. This should only take a few minutes, but be careful not to let the mixture scald or burn.

Step 2: Thicken the Filling

1. Reduce heat to low and simmer the filling for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking.

2. You can test the consistency of the filling by lifting some of the mixture with a spoon. If it forms a thick paste that holds its shape, it’s ready.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie

• To assemble the pie, pour the cooked filling into a pre-baked pie crust.

• Top with whipped cream or additional sliced strawberries, if desired.

• Bake the pie at 350°F (180°C) for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

By following these instructions and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Strawberry Pie without Jell-O that’s perfect for any occasion.

* Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens

To complete this recipe for Strawberry Pie without Jell-O, you will need to follow a series of steps that involve cooking and mixing various ingredients together. The first instruction is to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

This step is crucial in developing the flavor and texture of the pie filling. Cooking over medium heat allows for a gentle simmering process that helps to break down the ingredients and create a smooth consistency. Stirring constantly is also essential as it prevents the mixture from burning or sticking to the pan, which can result in an unpleasant flavor or texture.

When cooking, you should start by monitoring the temperature of the stove to ensure that it remains at medium heat throughout the process. This may involve adjusting the heat controls on your stovetop as needed. It’s also a good idea to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the mixture, which should reach around 180°F (82°C) to 190°F (88°C) for optimal results.

Once you notice that the mixture has started to thicken, reduce the heat slightly and continue stirring constantly. This will help prevent the mixture from cooking too quickly or burning at the bottom of the pan. As the mixture thickens further, it should start to form a rich, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

At this point, you can remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding the remaining ingredients to complete the recipe. Be sure to stir well after each addition to ensure that everything is fully incorporated and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Assembly and Baking

Bake the Pie:

When it comes to baking a delicious strawberry pie from scratch, understanding the process of assembly is crucial. The recipe provided for Strawberry Pie without Jell-O emphasizes the importance of combining fresh strawberries with a homemade pastry crust and whipped cream topping.

The first step in assembling this dessert is preparing the ingredients. Fresh strawberries should be washed, hulled, and sliced before being set aside to dry. This helps remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy pie crust.

Next, prepare the pastry dough by combining flour, sugar, and cold butter in a mixing bowl. The key to achieving the right texture is using cold ingredients, as this will help create a flaky crust when baked.

Roll out the chilled pastry dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully place the dough into the pie dish and trim any excess edges with a knife or pastry cutter.

The strawberry filling is created by mixing sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until well combined. This mixture should be spread evenly over the pastry base to prevent a thick layer of filling at the bottom of the pie.

To create the whipped cream topping, heavy cream should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using. Once whipped to desired consistency and sweetness level, spoon this topping over the strawberry filling and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Assembly is completed by garnishing with additional sliced strawberries if desired. This final touch adds color and freshness to the finished pie.

* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

To prepare a delicious Strawberry Pie without Jell-O, one must first understand the importance of Assembly and Baking, two crucial components of this recipe.

Assembly refers to the process of gathering all the ingredients and combining them in a way that will eventually produce the final product – our Strawberry Pie. This includes measuring out the correct amounts of each ingredient, such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and of course, fresh strawberries.

One of the key aspects of Assembly is making sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. Cold butter, for instance, will not cream properly with the sugar, resulting in a less-than-desirable texture. Similarly, using cold eggs may cause the pie dough to be tough and dense.

Baking, on the other hand, is the process of cooking the assembled pie in the oven until it reaches the perfect level of doneness. This involves understanding the ideal temperature for baking a strawberry pie – **375°F (190°C)**, to be exact – as well as ensuring that the pie is cooked evenly throughout.

When baking a pie, it’s essential to remember that different types of fillings require varying cooking times and temperatures. For a fruit-based filling like our Strawberry Pie, you’ll want to bake at **375°F (190°C)** for about 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

As the pie bakes, it’s essential to rotate the pan every 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking. This will prevent hot spots from forming and guarantee a perfectly cooked pie with a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

Once the baking process is complete, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set properly and prevent any accidents or messes when slicing into the pie.

And there you have it – a delicious Strawberry Pie without Jell-O that’s sure to impress family, friends, and neighbors alike! Remember, with proper Assembly and Baking techniques, even the most basic of ingredients can be transformed into something truly special.

* Roll out the chilled dough and place it in a 9inch pie dish

To begin assembling and baking our delicious Strawberry Pie without Jell-O, we need to start by preparing the filling ingredients.

We will need:

• 3 cups of sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Now that we have all the filling ingredients ready, let’s move on to preparing the dough for our pie crust.

To make the dough from scratch, you will need:

• 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup ice water

To make the dough in a food processor:

1. Add flour, salt, and cold butter to the food processor. Process until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Pulse in ice water until the dough just begins to form.
3. Turn out onto floured surface and gently knead a few times until dough comes together in a cohesive mass.

To make the dough by hand:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and use pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, stirring with a fork until dough just begins to form.
3. Gently knead the dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.

Once we have our dough ready, let’s roll it out to fit our 9-inch pie dish. To do this:

Roll out the chilled dough:

1. Place chilled dough on lightly floured surface.
2. Roll the dough outwards from the center, using long strokes to maintain even thickness and shape.

Place it in a 9-inch pie dish:

1. Carefully lift the rolled-out dough and place it over the pie dish, ensuring the edges hang evenly.
2. Tuck the edges of the dough under itself as you go around the rim to form a decorative border.

* Fill the pie crust with the cooked strawberry filling

To begin making the Strawberry Pie without using Jell-O, start by **preparing** a traditional pie crust according to your preference or use a store-bought one.

Mix together 2 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a medium saucepan. If using frozen strawberries, let them thaw first.

Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the mixture and stir well to combine.

Cook the mixture over **medium heat**, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture thickens. This should take about 10-15 minutes or until you reach your desired consistency.

Once the filling is cooked, let it cool slightly before proceeding with assembling the pie.

Roll out one of the **pie crusts** to a thickness of about 1/8 inch and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough from the edges.

Pour the cooled strawberry filling into the pie crust, leaving a small border around the edges without filling.

Cover the filled pie with another piece of **pie crust**, pressing the edges together to seal the pie tightly. Use a knife or pastry brush to create a decorative edge if desired.

Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Pie without Jell-O!

* Dot the top of the filling with cold butter

To create a delicious strawberry pie without using Jell-O, you will need to focus on the assembly and baking process. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it reaches the correct temperature for baking.

2. Roll out one of the pie doughs to a thickness of about 1/8 inch, then place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough from the edges and set aside for later use.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the cornstarch is evenly distributed among the strawberry mixture.

4. Fill the pie crust with the prepared strawberry filling and smooth the top with your hands or a spatula to remove any air pockets.

5. Now, dot the top of the filling with cold butter. This can be achieved by using a pastry brush to apply small dots of butter to the surface, making sure not to mix it into the strawberries.

6. Roll out the second pie dough to the same thickness as before and use it to cover the pie. Crimp the edges to seal the pie and cut a few slits in the top crust for ventilation.

7. Place the pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the top of the pie crust with a beaten egg or milk mixed with a little water for glazing.

8. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

9. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving.

**Tips:**

* To prevent the butter from melting during baking, make sure to keep it cold.
* If you find that your strawberries are too juicy, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch used in the filling accordingly.
* For an extra-golden crust, brush the top with a beaten egg mixed with a little water before baking.
* This pie will be best served chilled, so refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving.