Strawberry Apple Pie: An Irresistibly Beautiful Recipe

Have you ever wondered what happens when two timeless fruits join forces in a dessert? Meet the Strawberry Apple Pie—a stunning blend of sweet strawberries and tart apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. This pie isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a showstopper for your table, perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend indulgence.

Imagine the aroma of warm cinnamon and fresh fruit filling your kitchen as you bake this masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe offers the perfect balance of ease and elegance. Let’s dive into a pie that’s as irresistibly beautiful as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Apple Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartwarming experience that combines the best of two beloved fruits into one stunning dish. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet, juicy strawberries beautifully complement the tartness of the apples, creating a filling that’s flavorful and not overly sweet.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red of the strawberries and the soft golden hues of the apples make this pie as gorgeous as it is delicious.
• Easy to Master: Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable, thanks to its simple steps and helpful tips.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to casual family dinners, this pie fits right in and always impresses.
• Aromas That Wow: Baking this pie will fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery crust—guaranteed to make everyone impatient for a slice.

Ingredients

To make this Strawberry Apple Pie, you’ll need fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pie Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect choices)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (this helps thicken the filling)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (the warmth of cinnamon brings out the fruit flavors beautifully)
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a hint of spice)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (to balance the sweetness and enhance the fruit flavor)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (adds depth and sweetness to the filling)

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (cold butter is key for a flaky crust)
• 6-8 tbsp ice water (adds moisture without overworking the dough)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for an egg wash that gives the crust a beautiful golden finish)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for a little sparkle on top)

Pro Tip:

For a truly irresistible pie, choose ripe, juicy strawberries and crisp apples. The perfect balance of sweet and tart is what makes this pie unforgettable!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this delicious Strawberry Apple Pie to life. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering masterpiece:

1. Make the Pie Crust:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
• Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so add just enough to form a dough that holds together when pressed.
• Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill them in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, apples, sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
• Toss everything together gently until the fruit is evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. Set it aside while you roll out the dough.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

• Once the dough is chilled, take one disc out of the fridge and place it on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
• Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the edges and trim any excess dough, leaving about an inch overhang.
• Fill the crust with the prepared fruit mixture, spreading it out evenly.

4. Top the Pie:

• Roll out the second dough disc in the same way and place it over the fruit filling. Trim the edges and pinch the top and bottom crusts together to seal them.
• Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
• Brush the top with the beaten egg to create a golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top for extra sparkle and sweetness.

5. Bake the Pie:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

6. Let It Cool:

• Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for Success Strawberry Apple Pie

To ensure your Strawberry Apple Pie turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to guide you through the process. These simple steps will help you achieve a flaky crust and a juicy, flavorful filling that’s sure to impress!

1. Keep Your Ingredients Cold:

For a flaky, tender crust, it’s essential to use cold ingredients. The cold butter helps create pockets of air as it bakes, resulting in a light and flaky texture. You can even chill the flour mixture before adding the butter to ensure everything stays cold.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough:

When making the pie dough, resist the urge to knead it too much. Overworking the dough can result in a tough crust. Instead, handle the dough as gently as possible, and remember that it’s okay if the dough isn’t perfectly smooth. A little bit of roughness will create the perfect flaky texture!

3. Let the Pie Cool Before Slicing:

It can be tempting to slice into your pie right out of the oven, but letting it cool for at least an hour allows the filling to set properly. This step ensures you get clean slices instead of a runny filling. Trust me—it’s worth the wait!

4. Add Extra Flavor to Your Crust:

For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle the top of the crust with cinnamon sugar or coarse sugar before baking. This simple trick gives your pie a beautiful, golden finish and adds a little extra sweetness!

5. Experiment with Spices:

Feel free to play around with the spices in the filling. While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices, you could also add a dash of ginger or a hint of allspice for a more complex flavor. Get creative with what you love!

Variations & Serving

This Strawberry Apple Pie is a versatile dessert that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re looking to add a twist to the classic or serve it in unique ways, here are some delicious variations and serving suggestions to make this pie your own.

Variations:

1. Mixed Berry Pie:
   Swap the strawberries for a combination of your favorite berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. This fruity twist brings a burst of color and tangy sweetness to your pie!
2. Caramel Apple Strawberry Pie:
   For a more indulgent flavor, drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before topping with the crust. The rich, buttery caramel complements the tart apples and sweet strawberries beautifully.
3. Vegan Strawberry Apple Pie:
   Make this pie plant-based by substituting the butter with vegan butter and using a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk for the filling. With these simple swaps, you’ll still get a flaky, golden crust and a delightful fruity filling!
4. Crispy Streusel Topping:
   Instead of a traditional top crust, sprinkle a streusel topping made of oats, flour, and brown sugar over the filling before baking. This adds a wonderful crunch and extra sweetness to each bite!
5. Lattice Crust:
   For an extra-special touch, create a lattice crust by weaving strips of pie dough across the top. Not only does this make the pie look impressive, but it also allows some of the fruity filling to peek through for a rustic, homemade feel.
6. Apple Pie Biscuits:
   For a twist on the classic, try Apple Pie Biscuits. This variation combines the sweet, tart flavors of apples with a soft biscuit crust. Bake the biscuit dough with an apple filling, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for a comforting, flaky treat.
7. Keto Apple Pie:
   If you’re following a keto diet, you can create a low-carb version of this recipe. Swap the traditional pie crust for an almond flour crust and use a sugar substitute like erythritol to keep the flavors sweet while maintaining a low-carb profile. This keto apple pie still captures the essence of the classic while being more diet-friendly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with ice cream:
  A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice of pie is a classic combination. The creamy, cool ice cream balances the warm, sweet filling, creating a satisfying contrast in each bite.
• Top with whipped cream:
  Lightly sweetened whipped cream is the perfect complement to the flavors of this pie. For a festive touch, you could even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top!
• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee:
  Serve your pie alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. It’s a great way to enjoy your pie during afternoon tea or after dinner with family and friends.
• Chill for a refreshing treat:
  While this pie is delicious warm, it’s also fantastic when chilled. Let it cool completely and place it in the fridge for a couple of hours. It becomes a wonderfully refreshing treat, especially in warmer weather.

FAQs : Strawberry Apple Pie

Here are answers to some common questions that will help ensure your Strawberry Apple Pie turns out perfectly every time.

Why does my strawberry pie get watery?

Strawberries are naturally juicy, and when baked, they release a lot of liquid. To prevent this:

• Use cornstarch or tapioca as a thickening agent in the filling.
• Allow the pie to cool completely before cutting; this gives the filling time to set.
• Drain any excess liquid if using frozen or overly ripe strawberries.

Do I need to cook apples before putting them in a pie?

No, it’s not necessary to pre-cook the apples for this pie. However, if you prefer a softer texture or want to avoid undercooked apples, you can pre-cook them slightly:

• Sauté the sliced apples in a little butter and sugar for about 5 minutes.
• Let them cool before adding to the pie filling.

Should I store strawberry pie in the fridge?

Yes, you should refrigerate the pie to keep it fresh. Once cooled, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents the fruit filling from spoiling and keeps the crust from becoming soggy.

How can I prevent the pie from becoming too runny?

To avoid a runny pie, follow these tips:

• Thicken the filling: Add enough cornstarch or tapioca to bind the juices as they cook.
• Blind bake the crust: Pre-bake the crust for 5-10 minutes to create a barrier against excess moisture.
• Cool completely before serving: Cutting into the pie too soon can cause the filling to spill out.

What type of apples are best for this pie?

For the best flavor and texture, use firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape when baked. Great options include:

• Granny Smith: Tart and crisp, perfect for balancing the sweetness of strawberries.
• Honeycrisp: Sweet with a subtle tang, adding a nice depth of flavor.
• Braeburn or Pink Lady: Juicy yet firm, offering a blend of sweet and tart notes