Fresh Vegan Strawberry Pie Recipe

There is something truly magical about a Fresh Vegan Strawberry Pie Recipe that brings sunshine to your dessert table and joy to everyone’s heart. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, this pie showcases the simplicity and beauty of fresh fruit paired with a perfectly baked crust. The luscious, glossy strawberry filling is gently thickened to coat every berry, creating a refreshing and delightful treat that’s entirely plant-based without sacrificing flavor or texture. If you’re looking for a pie that feels like summer in every bite, this recipe is your new best friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieve that balance of sweetness, tang, and creaminess in this pie. Each component plays a vital role, from the fresh strawberries offering vibrant color and juicy flavor to the cornstarch that thickens the filling to the perfect consistency.

• Bottom pie crust: Whether homemade or store-bought, a baked crust gives your pie that satisfying, buttery base.
• Fresh strawberries (2 lbs): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a pop of red brilliance.
• Sugar (2/3 cup): Balances the tartness of the strawberries and sweetens the filling beautifully.
• Water (1/2 cup): Helps dissolve the sugar and combine with the cornstarch to create a perfect glaze.
• Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Acts as a gentle thickener for a smooth and glossy pie filling.
• Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the flavors, giving the pie a refreshing lift.
• Dairy-free whipped cream (1-2 cups): Adds that dreamy, fluffy topping that complements the tartness of the strawberries.

How to Make Fresh Vegan Strawberry Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Pie Crust

Start by baking your bottom pie crust at 350°F for 20 minutes, or follow your package instructions if you’re using a store-bought crust. The key is to bake until it reaches a delightful light brown shade, which ensures a crisp, flavorful base that won’t get soggy once the filling is added. Then, set it aside to cool completely while you get the strawberries ready.

Step 2: Prep the Strawberries

Wash your fresh strawberries thoroughly, then remove all the stems. Take about 2 ½ cups of the prettiest, largest berries and slice them in halves, then arrange these halves neatly in the cooled pie crust. Leaving little spaces between these beautifully arranged strawberries allows the filling to fill in those gaps for a lovely mosaic effect.

Step 3: Blend the Filling

Take the remaining 1 ½ cups of strawberries — maybe the less perfect or smaller ones — and place them in a blender along with the sugar, water, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Blend smoothly for about 30 seconds, ensuring there are no lumps of cornstarch left. This mixture will become the glossy glaze that holds your pie together.

Step 4: Cook the Strawberry Glaze

Pour the blended strawberry mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it comes to a boil, maintain it at a low boil for another minute while stirring vigorously. During this time, you’ll notice the sauce turning shiny and thickening beautifully. This step is essential for achieving that irresistible glossy pie filling texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie Filling

Let the strawberry glaze cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then give it another good stir before carefully pouring it over the strawberries arranged in your crust. Make sure the sauce fills all the tiny holes and cracks, enveloping every berry in that luscious glaze. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly over the pie.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Pop your pie into the fridge to cool completely and firm up for at least 3 hours. This chilling time allows the glaze to set properly, so when you slice into it, every piece holds together beautifully with that perfect balance of juicy and set.

Step 7: Finish with Whipped Cream

Just before serving, add your dairy-free whipped cream on top or, if you prefer, decorate it right after assembling the pie with a vegan whipped cream frosting that won’t deflate easily. This touch of creaminess elevates the entire pie experience with its light and airy texture.

How to Serve Fresh Vegan Strawberry Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar works wonders as a simple garnish to brighten up your pie slices. Another fun idea is to add a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce for an extra special treat that complements the strawberry’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

This Fresh Vegan Strawberry Pie Recipe pairs beautifully with a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream. The creamy notes and cool textures of these sides balance the pie’s fruity brightness perfectly, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dazzling presentation, serve individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a few whole strawberries on the side. You could also serve mini versions in mason jars for a fun, casual party pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Fresh Vegan Strawberry Pie Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed chilled to maintain that glossy filling and crisp crust.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie for up to one month, but keep in mind that the strawberry filling may lose some of its fresh texture after thawing. To freeze, wrap the pie securely with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

This pie is best served chilled, so reheating is usually not necessary or recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as that can alter the texture of the filling and crust.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?

While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to drain excess liquid to prevent a watery filling.

Is the crust necessary or can I make a crustless strawberry pie?

The crust adds a wonderful texture contrast and stability, but if you prefer a crustless version, you can bake the filling in a pie dish and serve it with whipped cream, though it will be more like a strawberry pudding.

How do I make my own vegan whipped cream for topping?

Many plant-based stores offer coconut or soy-based whipped creams. You can also whip chilled coconut cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy for a homemade version.

What can I do if my pie filling is too runny?

If your filling doesn’t thicken as expected, gently cook it a bit longer with extra cornstarch dissolved in water, stirring constantly until the desired thickness is reached, then cool before pouring it over the strawberries.

Can this pie be made nut-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally nut-free as long as you choose a crust and whipped cream without nuts, so it’s a safe and delicious option for those with nut allergies.

Final Thoughts

Making this Fresh Vegan Strawberry Pie Recipe is like capturing a burst of summer’s best flavors in every forkful. It’s a vibrant, joyous dessert that proves plant-based treats can be just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional ones. I can’t recommend it enough for your next get-together or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly special and deliciously fresh.

Fresh Vegan Strawberry Pie Recipe

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This Fresh Vegan Strawberry Pie is a delightful and visually stunning dessert featuring a crispy baked pie crust filled with fresh strawberries, a homemade glossy strawberry sauce thickened with cornstarch, and topped with dairy-free whipped cream. Perfectly balanced with natural sweetness and a hint of lemon juice, this pie is easy to prepare and a refreshing treat for any occasion.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Pie Crust

• 1 bottom pie crust (baked)

Filling

• 2 lbs fresh strawberries (about 4 cups)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Topping

• 1–2 cups dairy-free whipped cream

Instructions

1. Bake the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bottom pie crust for 20 minutes or follow the package directions if using a store-bought crust. Bake until it turns a light brown color. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove all stems. Set aside.
3. Arrange Strawberries: Select the best looking strawberries, about 2 1/2 cups, and cut them in halves. Arrange these halves evenly in the cooled baked pie crust, leaving small gaps between the berries for the filling to seep in.
4. Make Strawberry Sauce: Place the remaining 1 1/2 cups of less attractive strawberries into a blender. Add sugar, water, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and no chunks of cornstarch remain.
5. Cook Sauce: Pour the blended strawberry mixture into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue stirring and boil for 1 additional minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Cool and Pour Sauce: Allow the strawberry sauce to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir again to ensure smoothness, then pour the sauce evenly over the arranged strawberries in the pie, filling in all gaps and smoothing the surface with a rubber spatula.
7. Chill the Pie: Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to firm up.
8. Add Whipped Cream: Just before serving, top the pie with 1 to 2 cups of dairy-free whipped cream. If using a vegan whipped cream frosting variant, decorate the pie right after assembling so it maintains its shape.

Notes

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
• The pie crust can be homemade or store-bought; just be sure to bake it fully before assembling.
• Make sure to cook the strawberry sauce thoroughly to activate the cornstarch thickening.
• Chilling the pie is essential for the filling to set properly.
• For added texture, you can garnish with extra fresh strawberries on top of the whipped cream.
• This pie is best served within 2 days when kept refrigerated.