How To Make Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie
Preparation time: About 30 minutes.
Cooking time: Approximately 45-50 minutes.
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (plus additional time for chilling the dough).
Servings: This recipe makes one 9-inch pie, serving approximately 8 slices.
Introducing the delightful Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie! This classic dessert combines the vibrant flavors of juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb in a flaky, homemade crust. With its irresistible aroma and beautiful lattice design, this pie is sure to be a showstopper at any gathering or simply a delightful treat for yourself. The crust is made from a simple blend of all-purpose flour, salt, and cold butter, resulting in a tender and buttery base that perfectly complements the sweet and tart filling. Speaking of the filling, it’s a mouthwatering mixture of diced rhubarb, sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and a hint of lemon juice and vanilla extract. The optional touch of ground cinnamon adds a warm and comforting note to the filling.
Assembling the pie is a joyous process. Rolling out the dough, carefully arranging it in the pie dish, and filling it with the strawberry-rhubarb mixture creates a picturesque dessert that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. You can opt for a traditional top crust or get creative with a lattice pattern, making each slice a work of art. Once baked to golden perfection, the Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie emerges from the oven with a tantalizing aroma that will have your mouth watering. The crust becomes flaky and golden, while the filling transforms into a bubbling symphony of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb.
Serving this pie is a delight in itself. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, savoring each bite on its own or pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight, this Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie is bound to leave everyone craving for more.
Ingredients:
The pie crust:
2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
One tap. of salt.
One cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4-1/2 cup of ice water.
The filling:
3 cups of diced rhubarb.
3 cups of strawberries, hulled and sliced.
1 cup of granulated sugar.
1/4 cup of cornstarch
1 tsp. of lemon juice.
1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract.
1/4 tsp. of floor cinnamon (optional).
For the topping:
One beaten egg (for egg wash).
1 tbsp. of granulated sugar (for sprinkling).
Optional:
Whipped cream or you can use vanilla ice cream (for serving).
Instructions:
The pie crust:
Step 1
To start, in a spacious mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, using a whisk to thoroughly blend them together.
Step 2
After adding the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture, employ a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour, then continue until the mixture reaches a crumbly texture resembling coarse crumbs.
Step 3
While gently mixing the dough with either a fork or your hands, add the ice water gradually, one tablespoon at a time. Ensure that you add just enough water for the dough to come together and form a cohesive mixture.
Step 4
Next, divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disc shape, then wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying, and place them in the refrigerator for about 1h. Allowing the dough to chill will help it firm up and make it easier to work with.
The filling:
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine diced rhubarb, sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if desired).
Step 2
Gently stir the mixture until the fruits are well coated with the sugar, cornstarch, and other ingredients. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify.
Assembling the pie:
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for baking.
Step 2
Place one of the chilled pie dough discs on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a circle that is slightly larger than your pie dish.
Step 3
Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish with care, making sure to handle it gently. Press the dough into the bottom and along the sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough that hangs over the edges of the dish using a knife or kitchen shears.
Step 4
Next, pour the strawberry-rhubarb filling into the prepared pie crust, ensuring that it is spread out evenly to cover the entire surface.
Step 5
After that, roll out the second pie dough disc in the same manner as before, then, use it either as a whole sheet to cover the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice pattern.
Step 6
For a whole sheet, make slits on the top crust for steam to escape. For a lattice pattern, weave the strips over and under each other.
Step 7
After that, brush the top crust with the beaten egg, ensuring to coat it evenly. Then, sprinkle the granulated sugar over the surface of the crust, adding a delightful touch of sweetness and texture.
Step 8
Put the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step 9
After baking, carefully take the pie out of the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allowing the pie to cool on the rack will help set the filling and ensure that it reaches an ideal temperature for serving.
Step 10
Finally, serve your Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie warm or at room temperature and optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Here are some quick tips and variations for the Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie:
Tips:
– Use cold ingredients for the crust to achieve a flaky texture.
– Chill the dough before rolling it out for easier handling.
– Protect the crust edges from burning by covering them with foil or a crust shield.
– Allow the pie to cool completely before serving for easier slicing.
Variations:
– Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for added flavor.
– Try a streusel topping instead of a traditional crust for a crunchy texture.
– Make a gluten-free crust using a gluten-free flour blend.
– Mix in other berries like blueberries or blackberries for a different flavor.
– Adjust the sugar amount in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy the process of baking and personalize the recipe to your liking!!
