Introduction
Have you ever tasted a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart? A bite of strawberry rhubarb pie delivers that delightful contrast with every forkful. The buttery crust crumbles under your touch, revealing a juicy filling that bursts with flavor. It’s the kind of pie that captures the essence of summer picnics and family gatherings.
As I recall childhood summers spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked strawberry rhubarb pie still lingers in my memory. This timeless treat is not just food; it’s nostalgia on a plate. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this pie promises to impress everyone who takes a slice.
Why You’ll Love This strawberry rhubarb pie
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb creates an irresistible flavor profile that excites your taste buds. Each bite offers a delightful tension between sweetness and acidity, making it an unforgettable dessert choice.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, anyone can whip up this delicious pie in no time. It’s an excellent way to practice your baking skills!
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with fresh whipped cream for an elegant touch. This strawberry rhubarb pie adapts to any occasion!
Seasonal Delight: Made with fresh strawberries and rhubarb during its peak season, this pie celebrates the best flavors summer has to offer. It’s not just dessert; it’s a seasonal treat worth savoring.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor; about 2 cups should suffice.
- Fresh Rhubarb: Choose firm stalks that are bright pink or green; approximately 2 cups of chopped rhubarb will provide the necessary tartness.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the tartness of the rhubarb; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Cornstarch: This will help thicken the filling as it cooks; around 3 tablespoons is ideal.
- Baking Powder: For creating a flaky crust; about half a teaspoon will work perfectly.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to both the crust and filling; use about one stick (1/2 cup).
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make strawberry rhubarb pie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until dough forms. Chill for at least one hour.
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Preheating ensures even baking and helps achieve that golden crust you’re aiming for.
Make the Filling: In another bowl, mix together sliced strawberries and chopped rhubarb with sugar and cornstarch until well combined. Let it sit while you roll out the dough.
Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out half the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit into your pie dish. Gently transfer it into the dish without stretching it.
Add Filling and Top Crust: Pour the fruit filling into the prepared crust evenly. Roll out the second half of dough and place over filling; seal edges by crimping them together. Cut small slits in top crust for steam release.
Bake Your Pie: Place your assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake in preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and juices are bubbling.
Transfer to plates and serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh strawberries and rhubarb will significantly enhance flavor compared to frozen options.
Check Consistency of Filling: Ensure that your filling is thick enough before pouring it into the crust—this prevents sogginess after baking.
Let It Cool Before Serving: Allowing your pie to cool completely before slicing helps set the filling better and makes serving easier.
Experiment with Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate flavors further; don’t hesitate to try new combinations!
Cover Edges if Browning Too Fast: If edges start browning quickly while baking, cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing rest of pie to bake fully.
Enjoy making your own exquisite strawberry rhubarb pie!
Mistakes to avoid
Not Prepping the Rhubarb Properly
One common mistake when making strawberry rhubarb pie is neglecting to prepare the rhubarb properly. Always wash the rhubarb stalks thoroughly, and remove any leaves since they are toxic. Cut the stalks into uniform pieces, roughly 1-inch long. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent the rhubarb from becoming mushy. If your rhubarb is particularly tough or fibrous, consider peeling it slightly. Taking these steps will enhance the texture of your pie and allow it to hold its shape during baking.
Skipping the Pie Crust Chilling Step
Another frequent error is not chilling the pie crust before filling it. Chilling both the dough and the lined pie dish for at least 30 minutes allows the fats to solidify, resulting in a flakier crust. If you skip this step, your dough may shrink while baking, leading to an imbalanced pie. Additionally, a cold crust helps prevent sogginess from the filling during baking. Make sure to take this crucial step for a perfect strawberry rhubarb pie that maintains its integrity.
Overfilling Your Pie
Many bakers mistakenly overfill their pies with fruit, thinking more is better. However, too much filling can cause overflow during baking, which creates a mess and could lead to uneven cooking. Stick to about 4-5 cups of combined strawberries and rhubarb for a standard 9-inch pie dish. This amount allows for delicious juiciness without risking spillage. Keeping an eye on your filling quantity will ensure a beautiful presentation and a well-cooked dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry rhubarb pie is versatile and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream complements the tartness of the pie, creating a delightful contrast. Serve a generous scoop on the side or even on top for an indulgent dessert experience.
Another great option is to pair the pie with whipped cream. This light and airy topping enhances the fruity flavors while adding a sweet richness. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped cream for more depth.
For a heartier option, serve slices of strawberry rhubarb pie with a dollop of Greek yogurt. This adds a protein boost while balancing the sweetness and tartness. The tangy flavor of yogurt provides an excellent counterpoint to the sugary filling.
Finally, consider pairing your pie with a side of fresh strawberries or rhubarb compote. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds freshness to each bite. A simple strawberry garnish can elevate your dish and make it visually appealing.
FAQs
What is strawberry rhubarb pie?
Strawberry rhubarb pie combines fresh strawberries and tart rhubarb in a flaky crust. The sweet-tart filling balances perfectly, making it a popular springtime dessert. The pie can be served warm or chilled, and it’s often enjoyed with ice cream or whipped cream on top.
How do I store leftover strawberry rhubarb pie?
To store leftover strawberry rhubarb pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to one week. Reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for optimal taste.
Can I freeze strawberry rhubarb pie?
Yes, you can freeze strawberry rhubarb pie for later enjoyment! Make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What are some variations of strawberry rhubarb pie?
You can try different variations by adding other fruits like blueberries or peaches for added flavor complexity. Additionally, experimenting with spices such as ginger or cardamom can elevate your dish further and provide unique twists on traditional recipes.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Strawberry rhubarb pie is a delightful summer dessert that captures the essence of sun-soaked picnics and family gatherings. This classic recipe harmonizes the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the tartness of vibrant rhubarb, all enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust. With its irresistible flavor profile and comforting aroma, this pie brings nostalgia to every bite. Perfectly served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled alongside freshly whipped cream, it’s an indulgence that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until a dough forms. Chill for at least one hour.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Make the Filling: Combine strawberries and rhubarb in a bowl with sugar and cornstarch. Let sit while rolling out dough.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out half the dough into a circle for your pie dish.
- Assemble Pie: Pour filling into the crust; roll out remaining dough to cover filling and seal edges.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet; bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Use fresh produce for optimal flavor. Adjust sugar based on fruit sweetness. For added richness, consider mixing in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
