Strawberry Rhubarb Pie: A Classic Summer Dessert

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What’s more quintessential to summer than a warm slice of strawberry rhubarb pie? This classic dessert is a staple of the season, and for good reason – the combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb is a match made in heaven.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step of making a strawberry rhubarb pie from scratch, using fresh rhubarb and juicy strawberries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry rhubarb pie recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The result is a deliciously flaky crust filled with a sweet and tangy filling that’s perfect for any summer gathering.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, what makes this recipe so special?

For starters, we’re using a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar to balance out the flavors, and we’re not skimping on the quality of our ingredients.

But don’t just take our word for it – the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the pie. With its perfectly balanced flavors and crumbly crust, this strawberry rhubarb pie is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment.

Ingredients

To make this strawberry rhubarb pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour , this will provide the structure for our crust, and we’re using a high-quality all-purpose flour to ensure it’s nice and flaky.

1 cup granulated sugar , this will add sweetness to our filling, and we’re using a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar to balance out the flavors.

1/2 cup brown sugar , as mentioned earlier, this will add a rich, caramel-like flavor to our filling.

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter , this will help to create a flaky crust, and we’re using cold butter to ensure it doesn’t melt and become tough.

1/4 cup ice-cold water , this will help to bring our crust together, and we’re using ice-cold water to prevent the butter from melting.

2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces , this will provide the tart flavor in our filling, and we’re using fresh rhubarb for the best flavor.

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced , this will add natural sweetness to our filling, and we’re using fresh strawberries for the best flavor.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract , this will add a hint of warmth and depth to our filling, and we’re using high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.

1/4 teaspoon salt , this will help to balance out the flavors in our filling, and we’re using a small amount to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.

Why These Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour is a staple in many baked goods, and for good reason – it provides structure and texture to our crust. We’re using a high-quality all-purpose flour to ensure our crust is nice and flaky, and we’re not skimping on the quality of our ingredients.

But what makes all-purpose flour so special? For starters, it has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in our filling.

It’s also relatively low in protein, which makes it ideal for creating a tender and flaky crust.

But how do we choose the right all-purpose flour for our recipe? Look for a high-quality flour that’s fresh and has a good texture.

Avoid using flour that’s old or has been sitting on the shelf for too long, as it may not provide the best results. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of flour – while all-purpose flour is a great all-around choice, you may find that bread flour or pastry flour works better for your specific recipe.

Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar is a classic choice for baked goods, and for good reason it provides a sweet and caramel like flavor that’s hard to beat. We’re using a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar to balance out the flavors in our filling, and we’re not skimping on the quality of our ingredients.

But what makes granulated sugar so special? For starters, it has a clean and neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in our filling.

It’s also relatively inexpensive and easy to find, making it a great choice for many bakers.

But how do we choose the right granulated sugar for our recipe? Look for a high-quality sugar that’s fresh and has a good texture.

Avoid using sugar that’s old or has been sitting on the shelf for too long, as it may not provide the best results. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sugar – while granulated sugar is a great all-around choice, you may find that brown sugar or turbinado sugar works better for your specific recipe.

Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s walk through every step of making our strawberry rhubarb pie. From preparing the crust to baking the filling, we’ll cover it all in detail.

Step 1: Make the Crust , in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk.

Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling , in a separate mixing bowl, combine the rhubarb, strawberries, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until the fruit starts to release its juice and the mixture becomes syrupy.

Then, add the granulated sugar and stir until it’s well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie , preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges to fit. Fill the pie crust with the fruit mixture and dot the top with the butter.

Roll out the second dough disk to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use this dough to cover the pie and crimp the edges to seal.

Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

How To Serve

Now that our pie is baked, let’s talk about how to serve it. One of the best ways to enjoy strawberry rhubarb pie is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The creamy texture and sweet flavor of the ice cream complement the tartness of the rhubarb and the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added flavor and texture.

Another great way to enjoy strawberry rhubarb pie is as a dessert for a summer gathering. The combination of sweet and tart flavors is sure to be a hit with your guests, and the pie is easy to serve and transport.

You can also consider serving it as a snack or a light lunch, paired with a green salad or a bowl of fruit.

In addition to serving it on its own, you can also use strawberry rhubarb pie as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. The sweet and tangy flavors of the pie complement the creamy texture of the yogurt or oatmeal perfectly, making for a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack.

You can also use it as a filling for cakes or pastries, or as a topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

If you don’t plan to serve the pie immediately, you can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply place the pie on a wire rack or a plate and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause the crust to become soggy or the filling to spoil.

To serve, simply slice the pie and serve at room temperature. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave if you prefer it warm.

To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is warm. You can also reheat it in the microwave by placing the pie in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until the filling is warm and the crust is crispy.

Refrigerator

If you want to keep the pie for a longer period, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply place the pie in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.

Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as the pie can absorb odors easily.

To serve, simply slice the pie and serve chilled. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave if you prefer it warm.

To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is warm. You can also reheat it in the microwave by placing the pie in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until the filling is warm and the crust is crispy.

Freezer

If you want to keep the pie for an even longer period, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply place the pie in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze.

Make sure to label the container or wrapping with the date and contents, so you can easily identify it later.

To serve, simply thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave if you prefer it warm.

To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is warm. You can also reheat it in the microwave by placing the pie in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until the filling is warm and the crust is crispy.

Top Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients

One of the most important tips for making a great strawberry rhubarb pie is to use fresh ingredients. This means using fresh rhubarb and strawberries, as well as high quality flour and sugar.

Avoid using frozen or canned fruit, as it can affect the flavor and texture of the pie.

But how do you choose the freshest ingredients? Look for rhubarb that’s firm and has a nice color, and strawberries that are plump and have a sweet aroma.

Avoid using fruit that’s old or has been sitting on the shelf for too long, as it may not provide the best flavor or texture.

Don’t Overmix

Another important tip for making a great strawberry rhubarb pie is to avoid overmixing the dough. This can cause the crust to become tough and dense, rather than flaky and tender.

To avoid overmixing, simply mix the ingredients together until they’re just combined, then stop mixing and let the dough rest.

But how do you know when you’ve mixed the dough enough? A good rule of thumb is to mix the ingredients together until they’re just combined, then stop mixing and let the dough rest.

You can also check the dough by pressing it gently with your fingers if it feels tender and flaky, it’s ready to go. If it feels tough or dense, you may need to mix it a bit more.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it a classic strawberry rhubarb pie recipe that’s perfect for any summer gathering. With its sweet and tangy flavors, flaky crust, and beautiful presentation, this pie is sure to be a hit with your guests.

So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet taste of summer in every bite.