As the warm sun starts to peek through the windows, summer is on its way. I can almost smell the delicious aroma of a freshly baked strawberry rhubarb pie. This classic dessert is a favorite in my family, bringing back memories of summer afternoons and laughter.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to make your own strawberry rhubarb pie. You’ll learn to make the flaky crust and the vibrant filling. Whether you’re experienced or new to baking, this recipe will help you make a delicious homemade pie. Your loved ones will ask for more.
Introduction to Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Strawberry rhubarb pie is a seasonal dessert loved by many. It perfectly mixes sweet and tart tastes. The juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb make a no-cook filling that’s both refreshing and rich. It’s a summer hit, great for outdoor parties and celebrations.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart
The magic of strawberry rhubarb pie is in its mix of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb. This mix is tangy and decadent, exciting your taste buds. The strawberries’ natural sugars balance the rhubarb’s acidity, making the flavor irresistible.
A Summer Favorite with a No-Cook Filling
This strawberry rhubarb pie recipe is special because of its no-cook filling. Just mix the fresh fruit with sugar and a thickener for a vibrant and flavorful filling. This makes making the pie quick and easy, letting you enjoy the summer.
“Strawberry rhubarb pie is a summer classic that never fails to delight. The combination of sweet and tart is truly divine.”
Strawberry rhubarb pie is a seasonal favorite because of its perfect flavors and easy preparation. It’s perfect for any summer event or just a refreshing treat. This fruit pie will impress and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
To make a delicious homemade strawberry rhubarb pie, you need a few key ingredients. Start with a basic pie crust, either store-bought or homemade. This crust is flaky and buttery, perfect for the filling.
Fresh, juicy strawberries and crisp, tart rhubarb make up the filling. Add sugar, cornstarch, and a bit of vanilla extract to balance the flavors.
The pie filling ingredients are simple. Just mix sliced fruit, sweetener, and thickener. This creates a beautifully set texture and the perfect sweet and tart balance. With just a few pantry staples, you can make a pie that will wow your family and friends.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pie Crust Ingredients | |
| Whole Wheat Pastry Flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Spelt Flour | ½ cup |
| Almond Flour | ½ cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Fine Sea Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Pie Filling Ingredients | |
| Fresh Rhubarb, sliced (untrimmed) | 3 ½ cups (about 1 ½ pounds) |
| Fresh Strawberries | 3 ½ cups (about 1 pound) |
| Honey | ¾ cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Fine Sea Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Tapioca Flour | ¼ cup |
To make the perfect homemade strawberry rhubarb pie, focus on the crust and filling. The crust should be flaky and tender. The filling should be sweet and tart. With the right mix of pie crust ingredients and pie filling ingredients, you can create a truly delightful pie.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a homemade strawberry rhubarb pie is simpler than you think. Just follow these easy steps to bake a delicious pie from scratch:
- Start by making the pie crust. You can use a homemade recipe or buy it. Roll out the dough and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
- In a big bowl, mix together 3 cups of chopped rhubarb, 1 cup of chopped strawberries, 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Make sure the fruit is well coated.
- Put the fruit filling into the pie crust. You can add a lattice top crust or a crumble topping if you like.
- Bake the pie at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. The crust should be golden, and the filling should be bubbly.
- Let the pie cool down completely before you serve it. Add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a special touch.
Tips for a Perfect Pie Crust
Getting a flaky, buttery pie crust is crucial for a great strawberry rhubarb pie. Here are some tips:
- Use cold butter or shortening for the dough. This makes the crust tender.
- Don’t handle the dough too much. This keeps it from getting tough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Start from the center and go outwards.
- Crimp the crust edges for a pretty design and to stop leaks.
- Brush the crust top with an egg wash for a golden finish.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll make a tasty homemade strawberry rhubarb pie. It will impress everyone.
Thickening Agents for Fruit Pie Fillings
Choosing the right thickening agent is key to a perfect fruit pie filling. For this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, cornstarch is the star. It makes the filling smooth and glossy.
Cornstarch is easy to mix with fruit juices. It’s great for many fruit fillings, like strawberries and rhubarb.
Cornstarch vs. Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is also good for fruit pie fillings. It makes the filling firmer and lasts longer. This is because it keeps its shape better than cornstarch.
Choosing between cornstarch and tapioca starch depends on what you like. Cornstarch makes the filling smooth and clear. Tapioca starch makes it firmer and more gel-like.
| Thickening Agent | Texture | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Cornstarch | Smooth, Translucent | Moderate |
| Tapioca Starch | Firm, Gelatinous | Longer |
Choosing between cornstarch and tapioca starch is up to you. Both can make your fruit pie filling delicious. Try them out to see which one you like best.
Can You Freeze Strawberry Rhubarb Pie?
Absolutely! Strawberry rhubarb pie is a delightful summer treat. You can freeze it for later enjoyment. Whether you have a whole pie or just slices, proper freezing and storage will allow you to savor the flavors of this classic dessert long after the rhubarb season has passed.
To freeze a whole baked strawberry rhubarb pie, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to seal it well to prevent freezer burn. The pie can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
If you have leftover slices, you can also freeze those individually. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. The frozen pie slices will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
It’s important to note that it’s not recommended to freeze the unbaked pie. The fresh fruit filling can become watery and the crust may become soggy when thawed and baked. For the best results, bake the pie first before freezing.
Enjoying a slice of homemade strawberry rhubarb pie is a true delight. With proper freezing and storing, you can savor this tasty treat year-round. Whether you freeze the whole pie or individual slices, you’ll be able to indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and tart whenever the craving strikes.
When is Rhubarb Season?
Rhubarb is a tart, crunchy vegetable often used like a fruit in baking. The best time for rhubarb is late spring to early summer, from April to June. This is when you should use the freshest rhubarb for making strawberry rhubarb pie.
Understanding Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a special plant in the Polygonaceae family. It has long, ruby-red stalks and big, green leaves. But, only the stalks are safe to eat. They taste tart and tangy, making them great with sweet ingredients like strawberries and sugar.
Prepping Fresh Rhubarb
- First, wash the rhubarb stalks well under cool water to get rid of dirt.
- Then, cut off the ends and throw away the leaves, as they are poisonous.
- Next, cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces, so they cook evenly.
- If your recipe needs diced rhubarb, cut the pieces into smaller bits.
Follow these steps to get your rhubarb ready for your favorite recipes, like strawberry rhubarb pie.
Using Frozen Rhubarb and Strawberries
Craving sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb but it’s out of season? No worries. You can use frozen rhubarb and frozen strawberries to make this classic pie any time.
Frozen chopped rhubarb is ready to go straight into the pie filling. No need to peel or chop fresh stalks. Frozen strawberries need a little prep. Thaw them and drain off any extra liquid to avoid a runny pie.
Using frozen fruit is super convenient. Stock up on rhubarb and strawberries when they’re in season. Then, you can make a pie whenever you want.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen chopped rhubarb | 3 cups |
| Frozen hulled and cubed strawberries | 2 cups |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Brown sugar | 50% of the total sugar |
| White sugar | 50% of the total sugar |
| All-purpose flour | Percentage not specified |
| Salt | Percentage not specified |
With a few tweaks, you can substitute frozen rhubarb and strawberries in your pie recipe. Enjoy this summer favorite all year.
Conclusion
Strawberry rhubarb pie is a classic summer baking treat. It shows the perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors. This homemade homemade pie recipe guides you to make a delicious pie with a flaky crust and a no-cook filling.
Whether you use fresh or frozen fruit, this recipe is great all year. It’s a wonderful addition to your baking collection.
This seasonal dessert serves 16, making it great for sharing with loved ones. The easy dump cake method and classic strawberry rhubarb taste make it a hit. Try different fruits, cake mixes, and toppings to make it your own.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this pie will wow everyone. Enjoy the flavors of summer with this homemade pie. It’s a delightful and unforgettable dessert.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients for making homemade strawberry rhubarb pie?
To make this pie, you’ll need a pie crust. You can buy one or make it yourself. You’ll also need fresh strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract.
How do you prepare the filling for strawberry rhubarb pie?
To make the filling, mix sliced fruit, sweetener, and thickener. This mix creates a balance of flavors and a nice texture.
What are some tips for achieving a perfect pie crust?
For a perfect pie crust, roll out the dough well. You can make a lattice top or use an egg wash for a golden finish.
What are the differences between using cornstarch and tapioca starch as thickening agents?
Cornstarch makes the filling clear and set well. Tapioca starch makes it firmer and keeps the pie fresh longer.
Can you freeze strawberry rhubarb pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie after baking. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When is rhubarb season?
Rhubarb is in season from late spring to early summer. The best time is from April to June.
How do you prepare fresh rhubarb for the pie?
Before using rhubarb in the pie, wash, trim, and cut the stalks. It’s a tart vegetable that needs some prep.
Can you use frozen rhubarb and strawberries in the recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb and strawberries. Use frozen rhubarb straight in the filling. Thaw and drain frozen strawberries first to avoid a runny filling.