Strawberry Pie

Ingredients

• 2 premade pie crusts (14-16oz store bought usually contains two portions)
• 2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats (optional, helps soak up strawberry juices)
• 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved (or quartered if large))
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (or lemon zest – optional but lovely)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch salt

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Prep the Filling ---

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, flour, orange zest, and salt.

3. 3

   Stir in the lemon juice.

4. 4

   Add the strawberries and gently toss to coat.

5. 5

   Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes, then drain off the excess liquid — this helps prevent a soggy pie.

6. 6

   --- Assemble the Pie ---

7. 7

   Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).

8. 8

   Place a baking sheet (or baking stone, if you have one) on the lowest rack while it preheats — this helps the bottom crust get golden and crisp.

9. 9

   If you're using homemade pie dough, Gently roll it out on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick. if you're using store-bought, Unroll one pie crust and press it gently into a 9-inch pie dish. Let the edges hang over slightly — don’t stretch the dough.

10. 10

    Sprinkle the oats (if using) evenly over the bottom of the crust.

11. 11

    Pour in the strawberry filling and spread it evenly.

12. 12

    Unroll the second crust and place it over the top of the pie however you like — solid top, rustic folds, or with a few slits cut in for steam vents.

13. 13

    Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.

14. 14

    Brush the top with a little milk or egg wash if you want that golden shine, and sprinkle with coarse sugar for sparkle.

15. 15

    --- Bake ---

16. 16

    Place the pie on the hot baking sheet in the oven.

17. 17

    Immediately reduce the temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 25 minutes.

18. 18

    Then lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling.

19. 19

    --- Cool and Serve ---

20. 20

    Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour so the filling can set.

21. 21

    Slice it up and serve as-is or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side.