Strawberry Balsamic Pie

A sunny day in the kitchen is perfectly complemented by the vibrant hues and sweet aroma of a freshly baked Strawberry Balsamic Pie. This delightful dessert takes about an hour to prepare, with an additional hour for baking. The combination of juicy strawberries and the deep flavor of balsamic vinegar creates a uniquely sweet and tangy profile, setting this pie apart from traditional fruit desserts.

This recipe is ideal for berry lovers and anyone looking to impress at gatherings or parties. It’s perfect for summer picnics or as an end-of-meal treat when you’re craving something special. You can make the pie crust in advance and store it in the refrigerator, making assembly a breeze on the day of serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The flaky, buttery crust perfectly complements the sweet-tart filling.
• Fresh strawberries bring a bright, vibrant flavor that bursts with each bite.
• The addition of balsamic vinegar elevates the dish to gourmet status.
• Tapioca starch ensures a perfectly thick and luscious filling.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to make this delectable pie:

For the Pie Dough

• 2 ½ cups (375g) flour
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tsp (8g) sugar
• 225g (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup (240ml) cold water
• 1 cup ice
• ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar

For the Filling

• 1200g trimmed and quartered strawberries (weights taken after trimming)
• 80g granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp tapioca starch
• 75g granulated sugar
• 75g raw/turbinado sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

For Assembly

• 1 egg, whisked with 1 Tbsp water
• Raw sugar to finish (optional)

For a different flavor, use red wine vinegar instead of balsamic.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free.
• Use cornstarch instead of tapioca starch.
• Any type of vinegar can work here for a twist.
• Swap strawberries with other berries as desired.

How to Make It

Create your own delicious Strawberry Balsamic Pie by following these straightforward steps:

1. Combine dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until well combined.

2. Cut in butter

Add the cold unsalted butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Mix liquids

In another bowl, stir together the cold water, ice, and apple cider vinegar.

4. Form dough

Gradually add the liquid mixture into the flour mixture, combining just until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.

5. Chill dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up.

6. Prepare filling

While the dough chills, combine the quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, tapioca starch, raw sugar, salt, vanilla, and balsamic vinegar in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine.

7. Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. Roll out dough

Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it in half. Roll out one half on a floured surface to fit your pie pan.

9. Add filling

Transfer the rolled-out dough into the pie pan and pour the strawberry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.

10. Cover with top crust

Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal and make slits in the top crust for venting.

11. Egg wash

Brush the top crust with the whisked egg and water mixture, then sprinkle raw sugar on top for a nice finish.

12. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure your butter and water are very cold to maintain flakiness.
• Let the pie cool completely to allow the filling to set.
• Choose ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and sweetness.
• Experiment with different vinegars to find your preferred taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
• Pair with fresh whipped cream for added richness.
• Enjoy with a chilled glass of sweet white wine during summer gatherings.