Fresh Strawberry Pie with a pretzel-pecan crust

Fresh Strawberry Pie with a Pretzel-Pecan Crust

There’s something magical about a fresh strawberry pie—especially when it’s paired with a deliciously unexpected pretzel-pecan crust! This pie is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Imagine sweet, juicy strawberries piled high in a perfectly golden, slightly salty crust, all topped off with a silky, slightly tangy glaze. The combination of flavors and textures in every bite is like nothing else. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. This is one dessert you’ll want to make again and again, especially during strawberry season.

Why You’ll Love Fresh Strawberry Pie with a Pretzel-Pecan Crust

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, hosting a party, or simply indulging in a comforting dessert for yourself, this pie fits the bill. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight treat to a gathering with friends. It’s the kind of pie that impresses without being complicated, making it ideal for just about any event.
• Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, so no need to break the bank. Plus, the pretzel-pecan crust is so unique, yet made with ingredients you’ll use all the time.
• Quick and Easy: The preparation is straightforward. There’s no baking involved, just some mixing, chilling, and assembling. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to whip up something amazing.
• Customizable: You can play around with the fruit toppings or even the crust if you’re feeling adventurous. Not a fan of pecans? Try walnuts, or leave them out altogether for a pure pretzel crunch!
• Crowd-Pleasing: This pie is a showstopper. People will be impressed by the stunning color of the strawberries and the perfect balance of sweetness and salty crunch. It’s a dessert that hits all the right spots!

Ingredients

Let’s talk about the ingredients that come together to make this pie a total masterpiece:

Fresh Strawberries

The juicy, vibrant strawberries are the heart of this pie. They bring natural sweetness and a burst of flavor in every bite.

Pretzels

These form the base of the crust, giving it a satisfying salty crunch. Pretzels are the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the filling.

Pecans

Chopped pecans add a lovely nutty flavor and a bit of extra texture to the crust. They complement the pretzels beautifully.

Butter

Melted butter helps to bind the pretzel-pecan crust together, making it crispy and golden when baked.

Sugar

A bit of sugar for the crust and the glaze helps to bring out the sweetness in the strawberries and adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used to thicken the strawberry glaze, giving it a smooth and glossy finish.

Water

Water is mixed with the cornstarch to create the glaze that coats the strawberries.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice adds a bit of acidity to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries and crust.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the filling and gives it a warm, comforting note.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started and make this delicious pie!

Prepare the Pretzel-Pecan Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the pretzels and pecans until finely crushed. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.

Press the Crust into the Pie Dish

Transfer the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Make sure it’s evenly distributed. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Make the Strawberry Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes clear. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Allow it to cool slightly.

Prepare the Strawberries

While the glaze is cooling, hull and slice the strawberries. Arrange the sliced strawberries in the cooled pie crust, layering them in a circular pattern for a beautiful presentation.

Add the Glaze

Once the glaze has cooled to room temperature, pour it evenly over the strawberries, making sure they’re all coated. The glaze will set as it cools, keeping the strawberries in place.

Chill the Pie

Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours, or until the glaze has set and the pie is nice and chilled.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the pie has set, slice and serve! The crust will be crisp, and the strawberries will be sweet, juicy, and perfectly glazed.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours 30 minutes

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie with a Pretzel-Pecan Crust

This pie is perfect on its own, but you can enhance the experience with some delicious additions:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an extra creamy layer that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect sweet-and-creamy combination.
• Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves make for a lovely garnish, adding a pop of green and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

Presentation Tip

Slice the pie into wedges and place each piece on a plate with a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful and refreshing touch.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: The fresher the strawberries, the better the pie will taste. Look for strawberries that are firm, sweet, and bright red.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be made the day before. Just store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve the next day!
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze, or use a sugar substitute.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?
A1: Fresh strawberries are ideal for this recipe, as they provide the best texture and flavor. However, if you use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the pie.

Q2: Can I use a pre-made crust?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought graham cracker or cookie crust instead of making your own.

Q3: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the pie a day or two ahead of time. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to serve it.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the crust stays crispy by covering the top with plastic wrap or foil.

Q5: Can I freeze this pie?
A5: Freezing the pie is not recommended due to the texture of the strawberries and glaze. However, you can freeze just the crust if you want to make it in advance. Assemble the pie fresh when ready to serve.

Q6: Can I use a different type of fruit?
A6: Yes, you can easily swap the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Just be sure to adjust the glaze ingredients accordingly.

Q7: Can I make a gluten-free version of the crust?
A7: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pretzels in place of regular pretzels to make the crust gluten-free.

Q8: What should I do if the glaze is too thick?
A8: If the glaze becomes too thick, simply add a tablespoon of water and stir to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Q9: Can I use a different nut for the crust?
A9: Yes! If you don’t like pecans, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor in the crust.

Q10: How can I make the glaze smoother?
A10: If you prefer a smoother glaze, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits of fruit before pouring it over the strawberries.

Conclusion

This Fresh Strawberry Pie with a Pretzel-Pecan Crust is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. The sweet strawberries and crunchy, slightly salty crust are a perfect combination, and the refreshing glaze ties it all together. It’s simple to make, but it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant dessert—your taste buds will thank you!

Print