ADVERTISEMENT
**Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie: A Delicious Slice of Summer**
When the weather gets warmer and strawberries are in season, few desserts can rival the delightful sweetness and freshness of a **strawberry pie**. But not just any strawberry pie—this recipe for **Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie** has become a favorite for many pie enthusiasts, offering the perfect balance of juicy strawberries, a sweet, velvety glaze, and a crisp, flaky crust. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a summer BBQ, or simply to enjoy a delicious treat, this pie brings joy and flavor with every bite.
Strawberry pies have been a staple in American kitchens for generations, beloved for their simplicity and vibrant flavors. Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie, named after the famous Big Boy restaurants, offers a unique and delicious twist on this traditional dessert. In this article, we will take you through the history of the strawberry pie, explore the key ingredients in Big Boy’s version, guide you step-by-step through the recipe, and even suggest a few creative variations to make this pie your own.
### **The Origins of Strawberry Pie**
Strawberry pie, like many fruit pies, is an American classic, often associated with the late spring and early summer months when strawberries are at their peak. The dish has humble origins, likely born out of a desire to use fresh, in-season fruit in a dessert that would highlight its natural sweetness and flavor.
Fruit pies, in general, have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. In the United States, fruit pies became widely popular in the 19th century as settlers moved westward and began incorporating local fruits into their culinary traditions. Strawberry pie, however, rose to prominence as strawberries began to be cultivated in large quantities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The versatility of strawberries and their natural sweetness made them perfect for desserts, and pies became the go-to choice for showcasing this delicious fruit.
What sets **Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie** apart from other strawberry pies is its use of fresh, whole strawberries as the main star of the dessert, rather than a cooked filling. The pie is a celebration of summer’s bounty, offering a refreshingly light yet indulgent treat.
### **Key Ingredients in Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie**
To recreate Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie, there are a few essential ingredients that work together to create the perfect pie. From the crust to the glaze and, of course, the fresh strawberries, each element plays a crucial role in bringing this dessert to life.
#### **1. Fresh Strawberries**
The most important ingredient in any fresh strawberry pie is, of course, **fresh strawberries**. Ripe, in-season strawberries are key to achieving the vibrant flavor and texture that make this pie so delicious. When selecting strawberries, look for berries that are bright red, firm, and plump, with no signs of mushiness. The flavor should be sweet, with just a hint of tartness.
#### **2. Pie Crust**
For the crust, you can either use a **store-bought pie crust** or make your own homemade crust. The crust should be light, buttery, and slightly flaky. A traditional **flaky pastry crust** is ideal, but some variations of strawberry pie use **graham cracker crusts** for added texture and flavor. The key is to bake the crust until golden and crisp, providing a sturdy base for the fresh strawberry filling.
#### **3. Sugar**
Sugar is used in the **glaze** and to sweeten the strawberries. The sweetness of the sugar helps to balance the natural tartness of the fresh strawberries, and it is important to adjust the sugar to suit the sweetness of the fruit. Some sugar is also used to macerate the strawberries, drawing out their juices and softening them slightly before assembling the pie.
#### **4. Cornstarch**
Cornstarch is used to create the **glaze** for the strawberries. When mixed with water and sugar, cornstarch thickens the glaze, giving it a smooth, glossy finish that coats the strawberries. This glaze helps hold the strawberries together, preventing them from falling apart and ensuring a beautiful presentation.
#### **5. Water and Lemon Juice**
Water is essential for creating the glaze, while **lemon juice** adds a touch of acidity to brighten the flavor. The acidity helps balance out the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the overall taste of the pie.
#### **6. Whipped Cream (Optional)**
For a final touch, you can top Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie with a dollop of **whipped cream**. This addition adds a creamy, airy contrast to the sweetness of the pie, making each bite even more indulgent. Some variations of the pie may use **whipped topping** or **vanilla ice cream** as an alternative.
### **Step-by-Step Guide to Making Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie**
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie. This recipe is fairly simple to follow and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. The most important part is using fresh, quality ingredients and taking the time to prepare each layer properly.
#### **Ingredients:**
**For the Pie Crust:**
– 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
– 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan, if using a homemade crust)
**For the Strawberry Filling:**
– 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to the sweetness of your strawberries)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**For the Strawberry Glaze:**
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Optional Toppings:**
– Whipped cream or whipped topping
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
