Fluffy Strawberry Pie
This light and fluffy strawberry pie is the perfect dessert to serve after a hearty meal. Its velvety texture, combined with the bright, fruity flavors of fresh strawberries, makes it an irresistible treat. With the help of gelatin, the pie holds its shape while remaining airy and delicate. A graham cracker crust offers the perfect balance to the creamy topping, while the sweet-tart lime zest adds a refreshing twist. This dessert needs a little time to chill in the refrigerator, so itโs best to plan ahead, but the result is well worth the wait. Hereโs how to make this delightful pie that will surely become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 1/2 cups |
| Butter, melted | 1/3 cup |
| Margarine | 3 – 4 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Boiling water | 1 cup |
| Strawberry gelatin | 1 package (3 oz.) |
| Lime zest | 1 teaspoon |
| Lime juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Powdered sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Fresh strawberries | 2 cups, crushed |
| Fresh strawberries (for garnish) | Whole, for topping |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3249.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 207.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 123 g |
| Cholesterol | 651.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1739.3 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 343.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g |
| Sugars | 254.1 g |
| Protein | 25.7 g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximations and may vary based on ingredient choices.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling time)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Be sure to pack it tightly to create a sturdy crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until it turns a light golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
-
Prepare the Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, pour the boiling water over the strawberry gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add the lime zest and lime juice to the gelatin mixture, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature for a few minutes.
- Refrigerate the gelatin mixture for about 1 hour, but be cautious not to let it fully set. The gelatin should be very thick but not firm. Keep an eye on it, as it will not whip properly if it sets too much.
-
Whip the Gelatin:
- Once the gelatin mixture is thickened but not fully set, remove it from the fridge. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the gelatin for about 4 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Continue beating until the mixture is thick, fluffy, and resembles soft peaks.
- Set the whipped gelatin mixture aside.
-
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a chilled large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form. This will create a thick and airy whipped cream.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the gelatin mixture, ensuring the two are well incorporated. Take care to keep the mixture light and airy.
-
Add Fresh Strawberries:
- Gently stir in the crushed fresh strawberries, mixing them into the fluffy filling. The strawberries will add a burst of fresh flavor and color to the pie.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the prepared filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even layer of the creamy filling.
-
Chill the Pie:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, or until the filling is fully set. This step is crucial for the pie to hold its shape when sliced.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the pie with additional whipped cream and whole fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the fluffy, fruity goodness of this delectable strawberry pie.
Tips and Variations
- Crust Variation: If you prefer a different crust, you can swap out graham crackers for crushed digestive biscuits or even a cookie crust, like an Oreos-based crust, for a different flavor.
- Gelatin Tip: Ensure the gelatin mixture is thickened to the right consistency before whipping. If it sets too firmly, it won’t achieve the desired airy texture.
- Whipped Cream: To make the whipped cream extra stable, use chilled heavy cream and a chilled mixing bowl. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the whipped cream.
This Fluffy Strawberry Pie is an ideal dessert for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a special holiday celebration. The combination of a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy filling, and sweet, fresh strawberries makes each bite a delightful experience. Its light texture and vibrant flavor will leave your guests asking for seconds. Make sure to plan ahead and give this pie plenty of time to set in the refrigeratorโthis no-bake dessert will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
