Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie is a sweet, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for celebrating love and special moments. The pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a luscious strawberry filling made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice, all glazed with a bright, sweet strawberry syrup. The pie is often topped with whipped cream or fresh whipped cream roses, adding a light and airy contrast to the rich, fruity filling. Its vibrant red color makes it a beautiful addition to any Valentine’s Day celebration.
I first made this Strawberry Pie for Valentine’s Day when I wanted something both light and indulgent to celebrate the occasion. The fresh strawberries bring a burst of flavor, and the silky glaze holds everything together in a beautiful, irresistible way. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, yet it looks so impressive. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed solo, this pie is the perfect way to end a romantic meal or to simply treat yourself on a special day!
Perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day
- Romantic dinners
- Anniversaries
- Birthdays
- Strawberry lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie will become your favorite treat:
- Fresh and Sweet Strawberries: Juicy strawberries are the star of this pie, providing a refreshing sweetness.
- Buttery, Flaky Crust: The homemade pie crust is light, flaky, and perfectly complements the rich filling.
- Creamy Filling: The creamy base made with strawberry puree and cream cheese is smooth and indulgent.
- Gleaming Strawberry Glaze: A glossy glaze adds a beautiful finish and enhances the strawberry flavor.
- No-Bake Option: Skip the oven and prepare the pie ahead of time—ideal for stress-free entertaining.
- Elegant Presentation: This pie makes a stunning addition to any table with its vibrant red strawberries and glossy finish.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make it easy to prepare without complicated techniques.
- Perfect for Sharing: This pie serves several people, making it a great option for family gatherings or a romantic celebration.
- Versatile Flavor: While perfect for Valentine’s Day, this pie is ideal for any occasion, from birthdays to summer picnics.
- Naturally Beautiful: With its natural strawberry color, this pie is as visually pleasing as it is delicious.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2.5 hours
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
The Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Whipped cream
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, these strawberries shine in both the filling and the topping.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and smoothness to the pie filling.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to perfection, it lightens the filling and gives it a creamy texture.
- Cornstarch in Glaze: Helps thicken the glaze for a shiny, smooth finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Pie Crust:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, pulse together flour and salt. Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, pulsing until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Bake: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim excess dough, then prick the bottom with a fork. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- Prepare Strawberries: Slice the fresh strawberries and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Combine with Strawberry Puree: Stir in the strawberry puree and mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Filling: Spoon the strawberry mixture into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top.
Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
- Cook the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine strawberry puree, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Cool the Glaze: Let the glaze cool to room temperature before using.
Assemble the Pie:
- Top with Strawberries: Arrange the fresh strawberry slices in a decorative pattern over the pie filling.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the cooled strawberry glaze over the top of the arranged strawberries, ensuring an even coat.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for 2-3 hours to allow the glaze to set.
Serve:
- Garnish and Slice: Top with fresh mint leaves and whipped cream, then slice and serve chilled.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie:
- As a Romantic Dessert: Serve after a special Valentine’s Day dinner for a sweet ending.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
- For a Tea Party: Serve smaller slices alongside a cup of tea.
- With Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle chocolate syrup over the pie for a decadent touch.
- On Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration with loved ones.
- For Afternoon Snacks: Enjoy a slice with coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a delicious contrast.
- As a Gift: Gift a homemade pie to someone you care about for a thoughtful gesture.
- At a Picnic: This pie is ideal for enjoying outdoors during a sunny day.
- For Dinner Parties: Serve as a light and elegant dessert to impress your guests.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Filling: Make sure the cream cheese filling is chilled for better consistency.
- Keep the Crust Crisp: Avoid soggy crust by making sure the pie is fully cooled before adding the filling.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries have the best flavor and texture for this pie.
- Smooth Glaze: Ensure the glaze is completely cool before pouring it over the strawberries to avoid wilting them.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the crust and filling in advance for a stress-free dessert.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Pie: Add a layer of melted chocolate to the bottom of the crust for extra flavor.
- Lemon Strawberry Pie: Add a hint of lemon zest to the filling for a tangy contrast.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust for a gluten-free version of this pie.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cream cheese and non-dairy whipped cream for a vegan alternative.
- No-Bake Version: Skip the oven entirely by using a graham cracker crust and refrigerating the pie.
- Strawberry and Rhubarb Pie: Mix in some tangy rhubarb with the strawberries for a tart twist.
Special Equipment
- Pie Dish: A 9-inch pie dish for assembling the pie.
- Food Processor: For making the pie crust dough.
- Electric Mixer: For beating the cream cheese and whipping the cream.
- Saucepan: For making the strawberry glaze.
- Pie Server: For neatly serving slices of the pie.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture. - How long does this pie last in the fridge?
The pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I freeze the pie?
Freezing the pie is not recommended as the filling may lose its texture. - Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought crust can be used to save time. - What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese. - How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Bake the crust fully before filling it to help it hold up better. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger pie dish if serving a crowd. - Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Yes, raspberries or blueberries can be used instead of strawberries. - Can I make this pie without the glaze?
Yes, you can skip the glaze, but it adds a nice finish and extra flavor. - How can I make the pie more festive?
Add decorative heart-shaped sprinkles or red sugar to make it extra special for Valentine’s Day.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie is a romantic and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for celebrating love. This pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with sweet, juicy strawberries, coated in a glossy, strawberry-flavored glaze. The combination of the fresh fruit and the smooth, slightly tart glaze creates a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor that’s sure to impress anyone.
To make the pie, start with a pre-baked pie crust or make your own from scratch. The strawberries are sliced and arranged beautifully in the pie crust. The glaze is made from fresh strawberry puree, sugar, and cornstarch, simmered together until it thickens and becomes a shiny, sweet coating that perfectly complements the fruit. You can top the pie with whipped cream or a swirl of fresh whipped cream and some additional sliced strawberries for a beautiful, festive touch. For an added Valentine’s flair, you could also decorate the pie with heart-shaped sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
I can’t wait to see how your Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!