Description
This Fresh Strawberry Pie with a Pretzel-Pecan Crust is a delightful summer dessert combining the salty crunch of a baked pretzel and pecan crust with the sweet and tangy fresh strawberry filling. The pie is chilled to set perfectly and served with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool completely to ensure it firms up before adding the filling.
- Cook the strawberry filling: While the crust cools, place 2 cups of the prepared strawberries in a saucepan with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries begin to break down, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add vanilla and cool filling: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the strawberry mixture to cool for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken further and prevent melting the crust when poured.
- Assemble the pie: Arrange the remaining 2 cups of fresh strawberries evenly in the cooled pretzel-pecan crust. Pour the cooked strawberry mixture evenly over the fresh strawberries and gently spread with a spatula to cover.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 2 hours or until fully set. This chilling time helps the filling to firm up and meld with the crust flavors.
- Serve: Serve the pie chilled, topped with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- To crush pretzels easily, use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans in the crust if desired.
- For a different texture, use a graham cracker crust instead of pretzels and pecans.
- The pie requires chilling to set, so plan ahead to allow at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.