Are you searching for a delightful dessert to celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer? Look no further than our Easy Strawberry Slab Pie! Bursting with fresh strawberries and encased in a flaky crust, this mouthwatering pie is the perfect way to showcase the season’s bounty. With its simple preparation and irresistible taste, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. So, let’s dive into this delectable recipe and discover how to make this Easy Strawberry Slab Pie!
Ingredients:
- 1 (11 oz.) package refrigerated pie crust
Filling:
- 32 oz. fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (we used Sprite)
- 6 oz. strawberry Jello
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Frozen whipped topping or whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Unroll the refrigerated pie crust and press it into the bottom and up the sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired. Pierce the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
3. Bake the Crust:
- Bake the pie crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
4. Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon-lime soda, strawberry Jello, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the Jello and sugar are dissolved.
5. Cook the Filling:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the filling thickens.
6. Add the Strawberries:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently fold in the sliced strawberries until they are evenly coated with the filling mixture.
7. Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the strawberry filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
8. Chill the Pie:
- Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or until set.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the pie is set, slice it into squares and serve chilled with a dollop of frozen whipped topping or whipped cream on top.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this pie, so be sure to use ripe, juicy berries for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with Different Flavors: While we used lemon-lime soda and strawberry Jello for the filling, you can get creative and try other flavor combinations. For example, you could use orange soda and orange Jello for a citrus twist.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or toasted almond slices over the whipped topping or whipped cream before serving.
- Make It Vegan: To make this pie vegan-friendly, use a vegan pie crust and substitute the gelatin-based Jello with a plant-based alternative.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this pie, you can make a few simple substitutions:
- Crust Alternative: Instead of using a traditional pie crust, you can make a crust using almond flour, coconut flour, and melted butter for a low-carb option.
- Sugar Substitute: Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Gelatin-Free Filling: Use a sugar-free gelatin alternative or simply thicken the filling with a combination of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and a small amount of low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using in the recipe.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different type of soda for the filling? A: Yes, you can use any lemon-lime soda or even club soda for the filling. The soda adds a touch of sweetness and effervescence to the filling.
Q: Can I garnish the pie with fresh mint or basil leaves? A: Absolutely! Fresh herbs like mint or basil can add a refreshing touch to the pie, especially when paired with the sweet strawberries.
In conclusion, our Easy Strawberry Slab Pie is a delightful dessert that celebrates the sweet flavors of summer. With its buttery crust, luscious strawberry filling, and creamy whipped topping, it’s sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, picnic, or family gathering, this pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the irresistible taste of summer with every bite!