Description
This homemade strawberry pie filling is a delicious, fresh-tasting mixture perfect for topping pies, cakes, or enjoying as a fruit sauce. Made with fresh strawberries simmered gently with sugar, lemon juice, and thickened with cornstarch, it offers a sweet and slightly tangy flavor with a smooth yet chunky texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Pie Filling Ingredients
- 4 cups strawberries, hulled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup water, divided
- Pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Slice the strawberries and place them in a large saucepan over medium heat along with ¾ cup of water, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt.
- Simmer Initial Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 5 minutes to soften the strawberries and dissolve the sugar.
- Mash Berries (Optional): Using a potato masher or fork, gently mash the berries to your desired consistency, either keeping some slices or breaking them up for a thicker filling.
- Thicken Filling: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup water until smooth, then pour this slurry into the saucepan with the strawberries.
- Continue Cooking: Simmer the mixture for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling thickens to a luscious, glossy consistency.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the strawberry pie filling to cool completely before using it in your recipes or transferring it to storage containers for later use.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar amount depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and personal taste.
- For a smoother filling, skip mashing the berries or use an immersion blender lightly after cooking.
- This filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for longer storage.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- If the filling thickens too much after cooling, stir in a little water to loosen it up before serving.
