Strawberry Balsamic Pie Recipe
Get ready to swoon over the sweet and tangy goodness of my latest pie obsession — a Balsamic Strawberry Pie that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to devour.
I adore the vigorous flavor mix in my Strawberry Balsamic Pie. The flavor of two pounds of fresh strawberries is sweetly balanced by a couple of tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, while the not-so-whispered hint of vanilla extract adds lovely depth and dimension.
I could eat this pie without the crust, but I would not recommend trying it again. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on the crust creates the perfect contrast.
That’s what makes this pie so exceptional. Strawberry Balsamic Pie
Ingredients:
• A couple of tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• Two pounds of fresh strawberries
• A sprinkle of coarse sugar on the crust
• A not-so-whispered hint of vanilla extract and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C, adds sweetness and natural tartness.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling, caramelizes slightly when baked.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the pie filling, creating a satisfying texture.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth with a sweet-tangy flavor profile.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How to Make this
1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to start.
2. Mix together in a large bowl the following:
• Strawberries
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Balsamic vinegar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
Until the strawberries are evenly coated.
3. Unroll one of the pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any overhanging edges.
4. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly into the pie shell. On top of the strawberry filling, place small pieces of butter, dotting the filling well.
5. Lay the second rolled-out pie crust over the filling. Cut, fold, and pinch the edges together to close the pie. You can also cut the top crust into strips and weave them over the filling in a lattice pattern.
6. Coat the top crust using the beaten egg, making sure to create an egg wash.
7. For added texture and sweetness, you can sprinkle the top with coarse sugar.
8. Make several cuts in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
9. Put the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Continue baking for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Take the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a minimum of two hours before serving. Relish your Balsamic Strawberry Pie!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Mixing bowl
3. 9-inch pie dish
4. Rolling pin (if pie crusts need further rolling)
5. Paring knife or kitchen scissors
6. Pastry brush
7. Baking sheet
8. Wire rack
9. Measuring cups and spoons
10. Cutting board
11. Knife
FAQ
- Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?You can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly so that the pie doesn’t have too much liquid in it.
- Is there an alternative to cornstarch for thickening?Certainly! Tapioca starch or flour can be used in place of cornstarch. They can be used in the same quantity as you would use for cornstarch.
- What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes, but they will impart slightly different flavors.
- How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?Baking the crust for a few minutes beforehand and a pie shield or foil helps to keep the edges safe, so they can bake just right.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time?You can prepare the pie a day ahead. Cover it well and keep it at room temperature, or store it in the refrigerator if you want to keep it around for longer.
- Is an egg wash necessary for the crust?The wash of egg assists in providing the crust with an attractive golden hue and a subtle shine, but it is not crucial if you omit it.
- What kind of pie crust is best for this recipe?Both store-bought and homemade pie crusts work well. If you can, choose a butter-based pie crust for even more flavor.
Strawberry Balsamic Pie Recipe Substitutions and Variations
1/2 cup granulated sugar. Substitute with 1/2 cup coconut sugar or 1/2 cup honey.
3 tablespoons cornstarch. Replace with: 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder. 3 tablespoons tapioca starch.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar:
Substitute with either of the following:
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar blended with 1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: If you don’t have this, it can easily be substituted with 1 teaspoon almond extract or 1 teaspoon maple syrup.
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Substitute with 1 tablespoon plant-based milk mixed with 1 teaspoon maple syrup for a vegan option.
Pro Tips
1. Macerate the Strawberries: Before mixing the strawberries with the other ingredients, sprinkle them with a little sugar and let them sit for about 15-30 minutes. This allows them to release some of their juices, which can then be drained off or used to enhance the flavor of the mixture. It helps prevent a soggy pie crust.
2. Chill the Pie Before Baking: After assembling the pie, place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This helps the crust firm up, which can lead to a flakier texture and help the pie hold its shape during baking.
3. Use a Pie Shield: To prevent the edges of the pie crust from over-browning or burning, use a pie shield or cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil during baking. Remove the shield or foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the edges to brown evenly.
4. Check the Filling Thickness: If you’re concerned about the filling being too runny, you can cook a small amount of the strawberry mixture on the stove as a test. This will give you an idea of how well the cornstarch is thickening the juices before committing it to the pie.
5. Customize the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a little lemon zest to the strawberry mixture. These additions can enhance the complexity of the pie without overpowering the strawberries and balsamic.
Strawberry Balsamic Pie Recipe
My favorite Strawberry Balsamic Pie Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Mixing bowl
3. 9-inch pie dish
4. Rolling pin (if pie crusts need further rolling)
5. Paring knife or kitchen scissors
6. Pastry brush
7. Baking sheet
8. Wire rack
9. Measuring cups and spoons
10. Cutting board
11. Knife
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to start.
2. Mix together in a large bowl the following:
• Strawberries
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Balsamic vinegar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
Until the strawberries are evenly coated.
3. Unroll one of the pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any overhanging edges.
4. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly into the pie shell. On top of the strawberry filling, place small pieces of butter, dotting the filling well.
5. Lay the second rolled-out pie crust over the filling. Cut, fold, and pinch the edges together to close the pie. You can also cut the top crust into strips and weave them over the filling in a lattice pattern.
6. Coat the top crust using the beaten egg, making sure to create an egg wash.
7. For added texture and sweetness, you can sprinkle the top with coarse sugar.
8. Make several cuts in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
9. Put the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Continue baking for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Take the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a minimum of two hours before serving. Relish your Balsamic Strawberry Pie!