Few desserts capture the essence of spring and summer quite like a strawberry custard pie. This delightful treat combines the fresh, vibrant flavor of ripe strawberries with a smooth, creamy custard filling nestled in a buttery, flaky crust.
It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes that make it an irresistible dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to impress, this strawberry custard pie recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each bite offers a luscious burst of sweetness from the strawberries, complemented by the rich custard that’s gently set to a silky perfection.
Plus, making your own pie crust ensures a homemade touch that elevates the entire experience.
If you’re ready to create a pie that’s both beautiful and delicious, follow along with this detailed recipe. You’ll find everything you need from ingredients and equipment to tips and serving suggestions.
Let’s dive into the world of strawberry custard pie and uncover why this dessert is destined to become a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry custard pie is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it showcases the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh strawberries, which are at their peak during warmer months.
The custard filling is creamy without being overly rich, providing a perfect contrast to the tartness of the berries.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With a handful of common ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a stunning pie that feels like it took hours to make.
It’s also versatile — perfect for dessert, brunch, or even an elegant afternoon tea.
Lastly, this pie is visually stunning. Its glossy custard and vibrant strawberry topping make it a centerpiece on any table.
Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this pie is sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh sieve or strainer
- Rubber spatula
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust. If using a store-bought crust, place it in the 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Blind bake the crust. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the custard filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just about to simmer.
- Temper the eggs. Slowly pour about half the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling. Then pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook the custard. Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Strain the custard. Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to ensure a silky texture. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Assemble the pie. Arrange the halved strawberries evenly over the cooled crust. Pour the warm custard over the strawberries, gently spreading it to cover them completely.
- Chill the pie. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until the custard is fully set and firm.
- Serve. Optionally dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries. If strawberries are out of season, frozen can be used but should be thawed and drained well.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Flavor twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the custard for a bright citrus note that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Extra texture: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top before serving for a delightful crunch.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry custard pie is delightful on its own, but there are several ways to elevate your serving experience.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and extra creaminess.
- Fresh berries: Garnish with additional fresh strawberries or a mix of berries for a colorful presentation.
- Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing contrast and a pop of green.
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve a slice with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert combo.
Conclusion
Creating a strawberry custard pie from scratch is a rewarding experience that brings a slice of seasonal joy to your table. This recipe balances the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a smooth, luscious custard and a perfectly baked crust.
It’s a dessert that feels both classic and special, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this pie is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a gathering, or simply craving something sweet, this strawberry custard pie is sure to impress.
Don’t forget to explore more delightful recipes like Classic Lemon Meringue Pie, Mixed Berry Cobbler, and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta to keep your dessert repertoire fresh and exciting. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Strawberry Custard Pie
Description: A creamy custard pie filled with fresh strawberries for a delightful dessert. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet treat any time.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange sliced strawberries evenly in the pie crust.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Heat milk and cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Slowly pour hot milk mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter.
- Pour custard over strawberries in the pie crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until custard is set.
- Cool pie completely before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 35 g
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