Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

This Strawberry Rhubarb Pie recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a cozy night in, this pie will impress your family and friends. The tender homemade crust complements the juicy filling beautifully, making it a standout dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This pie comes together with straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Using fresh strawberries and rhubarb ensures vibrant taste in every bite.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream—this pie adapts to your preferences.
• Beautiful Presentation: The lattice top not only looks stunning but also adds a unique texture to the pie.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a holiday gathering, this pie is always a hit.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your strawberry rhubarb pie, gather all necessary tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry wheel or sharp knife
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out your pie dough evenly, ensuring a perfect crust.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining your filling ingredients thoroughly before baking.
• Pastry wheel or sharp knife: Helps create beautiful lattice strips for the top crust, enhancing both appearance and texture.

Ingredients

This recipe turned me into a strawberry rhubarb pie fanatic! The pie holds together nicely and the homemade pie crust is phenomenal.

Ingredients:
– homemade pie crust (my recipe makes 2 crusts; 1 for bottom 1 for top)
– 3 cups (about 300g) sliced rhubarb (1/2 inch pieces)
– 2 and 1/2 cups (about 380g) chopped strawberries
– 1/3 cup (67g) packed light brown sugar
– 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (32g) cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 Tablespoon (15ml) orange juice
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk
– optional: coarse sugar for garnish

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Prepare my pie crust recipe through step 5.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Stir the rhubarb, strawberries, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, orange juice, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl. Set filling aside as the oven preheats.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a floured work surface, roll out one of the discs of chilled dough (keep the other one in the refrigerator).
2. Turn the dough about a quarter turn after every few rolls until you have a circle 12 inches in diameter.
3. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Tuck it in with your fingers, ensuring it is smooth.

Step 5: Fill the Crust

1. Spoon the filling into the crust, leaving all of the excess liquid in the bowl (you don’t want that in the filling—discard it).
2. Dot pieces of butter on top of the filling.

Step 6: Create Lattice Top

1. Remove the other disc of chilled pie dough from the refrigerator.
2. Roll it into a circle that is also 12 inches in diameter.
3. Using a pastry wheel, sharp knife, or pizza cutter, cut strips 1/2 to 1 inch wide.
4. Carefully thread strips over and under one another to weave them on top of the filling.
5. Press edges to seal and trim off excess dough if needed.

Step 7: Brush and Bake

1. Lightly brush top of crust with egg/milk mixture.
2. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired.
3. Place pie on a baking sheet; bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (204°C).
4. Turn temperature down to 350°F (177°C) without removing from oven; bake an additional 30–35 minutes.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

1. Allow pie to cool for three full hours at room temperature before serving.
2. This cooling time allows filling to thicken up.

Enjoy your delicious strawberry rhubarb pie! Cover leftovers tightly and store in refrigerator for up to five days.

How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Serving strawberry rhubarb pie can elevate your dessert experience. This delightful pie pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy, fluffy texture that complements the tangy filling.

À La Mode

• Serve warm pie slices topped with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that melts in your mouth.

Fresh Berries

• Garnish with fresh strawberries or raspberries to enhance the fruitiness of the pie, adding a vibrant pop of color.

Lemon Zest

• A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing citrus note to each bite.

Mint Leaves

• Fresh mint leaves as a garnish not only look beautiful but also add an aromatic element that balances the sweetness.

How to Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Creating the perfect strawberry rhubarb pie involves several key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh strawberries and rhubarb yield the best flavor and texture for your filling.
• Chill the dough – Keeping your pie crust cold helps it maintain its shape during baking while achieving a flaky texture.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch – This ingredient thickens the filling, preventing it from becoming runny once baked.
• Vent the top crust – Cut slits in your top crust to allow steam to escape, ensuring a perfectly baked pie without soggy spots.
• Cool before serving – Allowing the pie to cool for at least three hours helps thicken the filling and makes slicing easier.
• Experiment with spices – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add depth to your filling and enhance its flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Pairing side dishes with strawberry rhubarb pie can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this delicious dessert.

1. Grilled Chicken – A light and flavorful grilled chicken dish pairs well with the sweetness of the pie.
2. Mixed Green Salad – A crisp salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pie.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese enhances flavors and adds sophistication.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Sweet roasted carrots or beets bring out earthy notes that balance dessert flavors.
5. Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche offers savory satisfaction before indulging in sweet pie.
6. Crispy Potatoes – Seasoned roasted potatoes add heartiness and pair well with fruity desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Pie can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Incorrect Fruit Ratio: Using too much rhubarb compared to strawberries can make the pie overly tart. Aim for a balanced ratio for optimal flavor.
• Not Prepping the Crust Properly: If the crust is not chilled adequately, it may become tough. Make sure to chill your dough for at least an hour before rolling it out.
• Ignoring the Filling’s Liquid: Adding excess liquid from the fruit filling can lead to a soggy bottom crust. Always discard any extra juice before adding the filling to the crust.
• Baking at Wrong Temperature: Baking at too high or too low of a temperature can affect the texture and cooking time of your pie. Follow the specified temperatures closely for best results.
• Skipping Cooling Time: Cutting into the pie too soon can result in runny filling. Allowing it to cool for at least three hours helps thicken up the filling properly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Strawberry Rhubarb Pie in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

• Wrap your pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb for Strawberry Rhubarb Pie?

Yes, you can use frozen fruits. Just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid before using them in your pie.

How do I know when my Strawberry Rhubarb Pie is done?

Your pie is done when the crust is golden brown and you see bubbling from the filling in the center.

What should I serve with Strawberry Rhubarb Pie?

This pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your Strawberry Rhubarb Pie a day in advance or even freeze it, as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Rhubarb Pie offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors that many love. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on seasonal fruits or toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every slice!