If there’s one dessert that feels like pure sunshine on a plate, it’s a Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie. This vibrant treat combines a buttery crust, luscious strawberries, and a glossy, velvety filling made with Danish dessert mix. It’s a delightful blend of sweet and tart that keeps us coming back for more.
This recipe is inspired by Scandinavian traditions, where simple, fresh ingredients shine. The Danish dessert mix gives the pie its signature silky texture and jewel-like finish, making it as stunning as it is delicious. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or anytime we’re craving something fruity and elegant.
Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie Recipe
Creating a Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie is simple, yet the result is an intricate balance of flavors and textures. Follow these step-by-step instructions to craft this stunning dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 package of Danish dessert mix (strawberry flavor)
- 1 ¾ cups cold water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
For Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (for decoration)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until the texture is similar to wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides. Use the back of a measuring cup to smooth it out.
- Place the crust in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up or bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for a firmer texture. Let it cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Danish dessert mix, cold water, and lemon juice.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently, until it boils and thickens. This takes about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes, but not longer, to maintain fluidity.
- Gently fold the sliced fresh strawberries into the cooled mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the strawberry filling into the prepared crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the filling sets completely.
Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, decorate the pie with dollops of whipped cream and a sprig of mint leaves for a fresh touch.
- Slice into even portions and serve chilled.
Key Notes and Tips:
- Use ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overripe strawberries.
- For a more decadent option, drizzle white chocolate or dark chocolate over the slices before serving.
Texture and Flavor:
The buttery crust adds a slightly nutty undertone, complementing the strawberry filling’s balance of sweetness and tartness. The topping, if added, enhances the presentation and offers a creamy contrast to the pie’s vibrant glaze.
Ingredients
Here is a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie. We’ve organized them by component for clarity and ease.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs (finely crushed for a smooth texture)
- ⅓ cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of melted unsalted butter
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 package of Danish dessert mix (strawberry flavor – approximately 4.75 oz)
- 1 ¾ cups of water
- 3 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (choose ripe, juicy strawberries for maximum flavor)
Optional Toppings (to elevate your pie):
- 1 cup of whipped cream or whipped topping (for a creamy layer on top)
- 2 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate (for a drizzle effect)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
We recommend using high-quality strawberries and a trusted Danish dessert mix for the most authentic flavor. This pie will bring the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness to your table.
Tools And Equipment
To create a Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie effortlessly, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s a detailed list of what we’ll need and how each item plays a role in achieving the perfect pie.
Essential Tools and Their Uses:
- Mixing Bowls: At least two medium to large bowls for combining the crust ingredients and preparing the Danish dessert mix.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for the crust-to-filling ratio and maintaining consistency.
- Food Processor or Ziploc Bag and Rolling Pin: If you’re crushing graham crackers for the crust, a food processor is best for a fine texture, but a Ziploc bag and rolling pin get the job done too.
- Whisk: A whisk is ideal for smoothly combining the Danish dessert mix with water.
- Saucepan: You’ll need this to cook the Danish dessert mix into a silky, glossy filling.
- Rubber or Silicone Spatula: Useful for scraping every bit of the crust mixture and filling into the pie crust.
- 9-inch Pie Pan: The vessel for assembling and setting our strawberry pie. A glass pie pan works beautifully for presentation.
- Knife or Strawberry Huller: To efficiently hull and slice fresh strawberries for the filling and garnish.
- Baking Sheet (Optional): Place the pie pan on a baking sheet if you plan to transfer the dessert with ease from one spot to another.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing the pie to cool evenly before serving.
- Serving Utensil: A pie server or flat spatula helps cut and serve clean slices of pie.
Recommended Optional Items:
Here are some extras that can elevate your pie-making experience:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Piping Bag with Tip | To add beautifully piped whipped cream decor. |
| Microplane or Grater | For chocolate shavings if you’ve planned a drizzle. |
| Mint Leaf Stripper | To easily prepare fresh mint for garnishing. |
Each of these tools guarantees a stress-free and smooth preparation process, letting us focus on the joy of creating this stunning dessert.
Directions
Let’s bring this delightful Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie to life with these simple step-by-step instructions. We’ll guide you on how to prep the crust, create the luscious strawberry filling, and Assemble The Pie for a picture-perfect presentation.
Prep The Pie Crust
- Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Use either a food processor or place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until evenly textured.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Press it evenly across the bottom and up the sides using the back of a spoon or the flat bottom of a glass.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. This step ensures the crust is firm and slightly toasted for optimal flavor.
Prepare The Danish Dessert Strawberry Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together:
- 1 package (4.75 oz) of Danish dessert mix
- 2 cups of water
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).
- Set aside to cool for 5 minutes, then fold in 2 ½ cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and cut in half. Ensure the strawberries are evenly coated with the mixture for a glossy and vibrant red filling.
Assemble The Pie
- Pour the prepared strawberry filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a rubber spatula to spread the filling evenly across the top.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until the filling is fully set.
- For an elevated finish, garnish the pie with optional toppings:
- Whipped cream (pipe it in swirls or dollops around the edges)
- Melted dark chocolate drizzle (add a luxurious contrast)
- Fresh mint leaves (for a final touch of green)
Once decorated, serve this stunning Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie chilled and enjoy its perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and buttery crunch.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step directions to prepare and assemble our delicious Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie. After preparing the crust, it’s time to focus on crafting the velvety filling, setting it into the crust, and chilling it to perfection.
Cooking The Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the Danish dessert mix and 2 cups of water. Whisk thoroughly to dissolve the mix completely.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk until it begins to boil and thicken. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. The texture should become smooth and glossy.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the Danish dessert filling cool for about 10 minutes.
- While the filling cools, wash and hull 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Halve or slice them as desired for even distribution in the pie filling.
- Gently fold the strawberries into the slightly cooled Danish dessert mixture using a rubber spatula, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated with the glossy filling.
Setting The Pie In The Crust
- Pour the strawberry filling into the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with the spatula.
- Smooth the top of the filling for a polished and uniform appearance.
- For additional flavor and aesthetic appeal, consider sprinkling the surface with finely grated dark chocolate or arranging a few whole strawberries on top.
Chilling And Serving
- Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours or until the filling has fully set. For the best texture and flavor, overnight chilling is ideal.
- Before serving, garnish with your choice of optional toppings. Add swirls of freshly whipped cream using a piping bag, drizzle with melted dark chocolate, or add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
- Slice the pie with a sharp knife for clean cuts and serve it chilled.
| Key Steps | Time Required | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Danish dessert filling | 5-7 minutes | Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Allow cooling to prevent wilting strawberries. |
| Setting the pie in the crust | 5 minutes | Distribute filling evenly for a smooth finish. Add optional garnishes thoughtfully. |
| Chilling the pie | At least 4 hours | Chill overnight for optimal results. Avoid freezing, as it may alter texture. |
Make-Ahead Tips
Making Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie ahead of time not only saves effort before serving but also enhances its flavors as the ingredients meld together beautifully. Here are our best tips for preparing this luscious dessert in advance:
1. Prepare the Crust in Advance
The buttery graham cracker crust can be made up to two days ahead of time. After baking it until firm and slightly golden, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its freshness. Store it at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble the pie.
2. Cook the Danish Dessert Filling Early
Whisk together the Danish dessert mix and water and cook until thickened, as directed in the recipe. Let it cool completely before folding in the fresh strawberries. This step can be done up to one day ahead. Store the cooked filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to assemble, simply spoon the pre-cooled filling into the crust.
3. Strawberry Preparation
For best results, hull and slice the strawberries a few hours before assembling the pie. Keep them fresh and juicy by storing the prepped berries in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator.
4. Chill Overnight for Best Texture
Once the pie is assembled, chilling is key. We recommend letting the pie set in the fridge overnight, or for at least 8 hours, to ensure the flavors meld and the filling firms properly. The extra time allows the crust to absorb just enough moisture for a perfect bite while retaining its slight crispness.
5. Whipped Cream and Garnishes
If you’re planning to decorate with whipped cream, dark chocolate drizzle, or mint leaves, these should be added just before serving. Whip the cream fresh and pipe or dollop it onto the pie just before presenting. Chocolate drizzle can also be applied right before serving to maintain its shiny finish.
Make-Ahead Storage Recommendations
We’ve summarized the make-ahead preparation timeline in this handy chart:
| Component | Prep Time Ahead | Storage Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Graham Cracker Crust | Up to 2 days | Wrap tightly, store at room temperature |
| Danish Dessert Filling | Up to 1 day | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator |
| Prepped Strawberries | Up to 6–8 hours | Refrigerate in a damp paper towel-lined container |
| Fully Assembled Pie | Overnight (8+ hours) | Chill in the fridge, cover lightly with plastic wrap |
Conclusion
Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. Its vibrant layers and refreshing taste make it a standout choice for any occasion. With a little preparation and a touch of creativity, this pie transforms simple ingredients into an elegant masterpiece.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to something special, this recipe offers a delightful way to savor the best of summer. Let’s embrace the joy of creating and sharing this delicious Scandinavian-inspired treat with our loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie?
Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie is a fruity dessert inspired by Scandinavian traditions. It combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky filling made with Danish dessert mix, and fresh strawberries. The result is a sweet and tart pie, perfect for summer gatherings or elegant dinners.
What ingredients are needed to make the pie?
The pie requires graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter for the crust. For the filling, you’ll need a Danish dessert mix, water, and fresh strawberries. Optional toppings include whipped cream, dark chocolate, and mint leaves for decoration.
What tools are needed for this recipe?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups, a food processor or rolling pin, a whisk, a saucepan, a 9-inch pie pan, and a spatula. Optional tools are a piping bag, microplane, or mint leaf stripper for garnishes.
How do I prepare the strawberry filling?
To prepare the filling, whisk the Danish dessert mix with water, cook until thickened, and let it cool. Once cooled, fold in fresh strawberries. Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.
Can the pie be made ahead of time?
Yes, the crust can be made up to two days in advance, and the filling can be prepared a day ahead. Assemble and chill the pie overnight for the best texture. Add garnishes just before serving.
How long should the pie chill before serving?
The pie should chill for at least four hours, but overnight chilling is recommended for optimal flavor and texture.
What are the best garnishes for this pie?
Whipped cream, melted dark chocolate, and fresh mint leaves are excellent choices to enhance presentation and flavor.
How do I store Danish Dessert Strawberry Pie?
Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to three days. Add garnishes just before serving to maintain their freshness.
Can I substitute fresh strawberries with another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute fresh strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or mixed berries. However, the flavor may vary slightly depending on the fruit used.
Is this pie suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The clear step-by-step instructions and make-ahead tips make this pie beginner-friendly while ensuring a professional-looking and delicious result.