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
