If you’ve ever dreamed of a pie that captures the very essence of summer, then get ready for a treat: the Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. This pie is bursting with juicy, fresh strawberries enhanced by a subtle hint of fresh basil, all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. It’s a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous flavors that come together beautifully to showcase the best of the season. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a family gathering, or simply craving a slice of sunshine, this pie will make you fall in love with strawberry desserts all over again.

Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this pie lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role to elevate the overall experience. The fresh strawberries bring vibrant sweetness and texture, while the drizzle of honey lends a gentle natural sweetener that complements rather than overwhelms. The fresh basil adds an unexpected, fragrant twist, and the lemon juice brightens every bite. Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this pie truly shine.

Pie crust dough (chilled): This acts as the buttery, flaky foundation that holds all the wonderful flavors together.

Fresh strawberries (hulled and halved): The star of the show, providing juicy bursts of sweetness with every mouthful.
Honey (natural sweetener): Gently enhances the berry’s flavor with a smooth, floral note.

Fresh lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Adds a lively brightness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Fresh basil leaves (chopped): This unexpected herb introduces a subtle aromatic twist that’s simply divine.

Cornstarch (for thickening): Ensures the filling sets just right, with no runny surprises.
Egg (beaten for egg wash): Creates that irresistible golden, glossy crust we all adore.
Pinch of sea salt (optional): Enhances the flavors and brings depth to the pie’s profile.

How to Make Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by rolling out your chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. The key here is to keep the dough cold, which helps it stay flaky once baked. Gently transfer your rolled dough into the pie dish, trimming any extra edges to prevent burning. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork to allow steam to escape and avoid bubbling during baking. Pop it into the fridge while you move on to the juicy filling—it’s a simple step that ensures a crisp, tender crust.

Step 2: Mix the Strawberry Filling

In a large bowl, combine your halved fresh strawberries with honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped basil, and a pinch of sea salt. Toss everything delicately to coat each berry evenly and allow their juices to mingle with those aromatic basil notes. This mixture is where the magic starts, bringing that perfect balance of sweet, bright, and herbaceous flavors that make the Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist so unique.

Step 3: Assemble and Thicken

Transfer the strawberry filling into your chilled pie crust, spreading it out evenly for an even bake. Don’t forget to pour the lovely juices over the fruit in the crust—they contribute great moisture and flavor. Next, whisk the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a smooth slurry, then drizzle it over the filling. This thickening step is crucial to help the pie set beautifully, giving you that luscious, sliceable texture without any runny mess.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

You can choose to fold the edges of your pie crust over the filling for a charming rustic look or leave it open to show off those ruby-red berries. Whichever you pick, brush the crust with the beaten egg before baking to get that gorgeous golden shine and a slight crunch that makes the crust irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled pie into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Watch for a beautifully browned crust and a bubbling, thickened filling—these are signs your Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist is ready to dazzle. When it’s out, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes so the filling sets just right for slicing.

How to Serve Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist

Garnishes

To elevate your pie further, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves that echo the herb’s subtle flavor throughout, or add a generous scoop of whipped cream to balance the tartness with creamy richness. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, delicate touch that feels like a sprinkle of summer magic.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments like vanilla ice cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet for added zing. Light, fresh salads with citrus elements can refresh the palate between bites, making the entire experience feel like a lovely celebration of fresh seasonal ingredients.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist in mini tart pans to create individual portions. Alternatively, slice and layer it in a trifle with whipped cream and crushed shortbread cookies for a stunning layered dessert that wow guests visually and with every mouthful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The filling will continue to thicken as it chills, making the next day’s slices even more flavorful and firm, perfect for enjoying a second helping without sacrificing freshness.

Freezing

If you want to keep this pie around for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Warm your pie gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to revive that tender crust and warm filling without making it soggy. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust flaky and deliciously crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?

Fresh strawberries are best for maintaining the vibrant texture and flavor in the Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist, but if frozen are all you have, thaw and drain them well to reduce excess moisture before using.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

Fresh basil is a key element for the pie’s distinctive twist, but if unavailable, you can try a small amount of fresh mint or leave it out entirely—your pie will still taste delicious, though with a more classic strawberry flavor.

Is honey necessary, or can I use sugar instead?

Honey imparts a lovely floral sweetness that complements the strawberries, but you can substitute with granulated sugar or maple syrup in equal amounts if needed, just adjust to taste.

Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Absolutely! A homemade pie crust brings extra love and flavor to the dish. Just be sure to chill it well before rolling out to keep it flaky and easy to handle.

How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

Look for a crust that’s beautifully golden and firm, with the strawberry filling bubbling up through any openings or edges. This bubbling is a sign the filling has thickened and is ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing the Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist. It’s a celebration of fresh summer flavors with a little herbal charm that makes every slice feel like a gift from the season. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy that comes from biting into those juicy, fragrant berries nestled in a perfect golden crust. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie: A Summer Classic with a Twist Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with this Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pie, featuring fresh strawberries enhanced by a touch of honey, lemon, and fragrant basil, all encased in a flaky homemade pie crust. This classic dessert offers a delightful twist with natural sweeteners and fresh herbs, perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you crave a fresh, fruity treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

1 batch pie crust dough, chilled

Filling

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 cup honey, natural sweetener

1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
3 basil leaves, fresh, chopped
pinch of sea salt, optional

Thickener & Finish

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
1 egg, beaten for egg wash

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into your pie dish, trim any excess dough, and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved strawberries, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped basil, and a pinch of sea salt. Gently toss the mixture to coat all the fruit evenly and release their natural juices.
Fill the crust: Transfer the strawberry mixture along with its juices into the chilled pie crust, spreading it evenly across the base.

Prepare the thickener: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch together with one tablespoon of water to form a smooth slurry. Drizzle this mixture over the strawberry filling to help thicken it as it bakes.
Shape and glaze the pie: Either fold the edges of the pie crust over the filling for a rustic look or leave it open. Brush the crust with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish after baking.
Bake the pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the prepared pie for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling and thickened.

Cool and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly, about 15 minutes, so the filling sets and slices cleanly. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with fresh basil or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

For added presentation, garnish the finished pie with fresh basil leaves or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Ensure the pie cools sufficiently to let the filling set to avoid a runny texture when slicing.

You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different natural sweetener profile.
Using fresh, ripe strawberries will maximize the flavor of this pie.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
Calories: 280

Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g

Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: strawberry pie, summer dessert, fresh strawberries, honey sweetened pie, basil pie, fruit pie, homemade pie crust, natural sweeteners, easy summer dessert