This delightful strawberry pie features a flaky crust filled with fresh strawberries enveloped in a sweet, glossy glaze. It’s a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for showcasing the vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 ounces strawberry-flavored gelatin mix

Directions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Ensure the pre-baked pie crust has cooled to room temperature.
2. Arrange Strawberries: Evenly distribute the sliced strawberries in the cooled pie crust.
3. Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes clear. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved.
4. Assemble the Pie: Pour the glaze over the strawberries in the pie crust, ensuring all berries are well-coated.
5. Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, or until the glaze is set.
6. Serve: Optionally, top each slice with whipped cream before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 2g

The Origin of Strawberry Pie

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie has long been a staple dessert, beloved for its fresh taste and simple yet decadent nature. The pie, often found in Shoney’s restaurants across the United States, is renowned for its vibrant, fresh strawberries and glossy, sweet glaze. Strawberry pie has a rich history in American dessert culture, and the Shoney’s version has become an iconic representation of how fresh, seasonal ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary.

Importance of Fresh Strawberries

One of the key ingredients in Shoney’s Strawberry Pie is, of course, the strawberries. The fruit plays a crucial role in delivering the pie’s signature taste and texture. Fresh strawberries are sweet, slightly tangy, and packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Using fresh, ripe strawberries makes all the difference in the final flavor of the pie.

The Art of Preparing the Pie Crust

The crust is the foundation of any pie, and in the case of Shoney’s Strawberry Pie, it’s no different. A pre-baked pie crust serves as a sturdy vessel to hold the fresh fruit and the glaze, and it adds a buttery, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.

The Role of the Glaze

The glaze in Shoney’s Strawberry Pie is a key element that elevates the entire dessert. Made with sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin, the glaze provides both flavor and visual appeal. It is thick, glossy, and slightly sweet, with a hint of strawberry flavor that enhances the fruit’s natural taste.

Why Gelatin is Used

Gelatin plays a pivotal role in giving the glaze its signature texture and consistency. The addition of strawberry-flavored gelatin helps the glaze set properly, ensuring that it holds together when the pie is sliced. Gelatin is derived from collagen, which is a protein found in animal connective tissues, and it provides structure to the glaze. It also contributes to the smooth, silky texture that coats the strawberries.

The Cooling and Setting Process

Once the pie is assembled with the glaze, it’s important to allow it to cool and set in the refrigerator. This setting process allows the gelatin to firm up, giving the pie its distinct structure. Without this crucial step, the glaze would remain runny, and the pie would lack the desired firmness. The cooling time also helps the flavors meld together, with the strawberries becoming more infused with the glaze, resulting in a more flavorful pie overall.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie is delicious on its own, but it can be enhanced by a variety of toppings and pairings. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy richness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pie. For a more decadent touch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the pie, providing a creamy contrast to the fruit and glaze.

Using Alternative Sweeteners

While traditional recipes for strawberry pie rely on granulated sugar, those looking for a healthier or sugar-free option can experiment with alternative sweeteners. Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, and erythritol are popular sugar substitutes that can be used in place of granulated sugar. These alternatives allow individuals to enjoy the pie without the added sugar, making it suitable for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.

Creating a Gluten-Free Version

For those with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet, making a gluten-free version of Shoney’s Strawberry Pie is easy. The pie crust can be substituted with a gluten-free pre-made crust or a homemade gluten-free crust made from almond flour or rice flour. This ensures that individuals with gluten intolerance can still enjoy the delicious flavor of strawberry pie without worrying about their dietary restrictions.

The Versatility of Strawberry Pie

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. While the classic version is always a hit, you can experiment with different fruits to add a twist to the recipe. For example, adding blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the pie can create a mixed-berry version that is equally delicious.

Making the Pie Ahead of Time

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie is an ideal dessert to make ahead of time. The pie needs to chill in the refrigerator for several hours to set, making it a convenient option for preparing the day before a gathering or family meal.

The Popularity of Strawberry Desserts

Strawberry desserts have remained a staple in American cuisine for generations. The sweet and slightly tart flavor of strawberries makes them an ideal ingredient for a wide variety of desserts, from pies to cakes and tarts. Strawberry pies, in particular, have been popular for decades due to their ability to showcase the natural flavor of the fruit while also providing a satisfying, indulgent treat.

Why This Recipe Works

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie is beloved for its simplicity and ability to bring out the best in fresh strawberries. The combination of a buttery pie crust, juicy strawberries, and a glossy, sweet glaze strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The Role of Cornstarch in the Glaze

Cornstarch is another essential ingredient in the glaze for Shoney’s Strawberry Pie. It acts as a thickening agent, helping to give the glaze its smooth, pudding-like consistency. Cornstarch is preferred in this recipe because it has a neutral flavor and creates a clear, glossy finish that doesn’t overpower the natural strawberry taste.

The Appeal of No-Bake Desserts

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie is a no-bake dessert, which adds to its appeal. No-bake desserts are incredibly convenient, especially during warmer months when turning on the oven can heat up the kitchen. This particular pie requires no baking time, which makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a quick and easy dessert.

The Allure of Seasonal Desserts

Strawberry pie is particularly popular during the spring and summer months when fresh strawberries are in peak season. Seasonal desserts, such as strawberry pie, allow cooks to take advantage of the best that nature has to offer. When strawberries are at their ripest and most flavorful, they make the perfect filling for a pie.

Conclusion

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie remains a classic dessert that continues to delight with its simple yet irresistible combination of fresh strawberries, a buttery pie crust, and a smooth, sweet glaze. Whether enjoyed on a warm summer day or as a refreshing treat at any time of year, this pie offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.