Get ready to embark on a journey of sweetness with our Easy Strawberry Slab Pie recipe! Bursting with the fresh flavors of juicy strawberries and crowned with a cloud of whipped cream, this delightful dessert is the perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of summer. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, potluck, or simply craving a treat for yourself, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit. Join us as we dive into the world of baking and uncover the secrets to making this irresistible strawberry sensation.
Ingredients:
- 1 (11 oz.) package refrigerated pie crust
Filling:
- 32 oz. fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (we used Sprite)
- 6 oz. strawberry Jello
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Frozen whipped topping or whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crust and press it into the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish, trimming any excess dough.
2. Making the Filling:
- In a large saucepan, combine the lemon-lime soda, strawberry Jello, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Assembling the Pie:
- Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the prepared pie crust.
- Pour the slightly cooled Jello mixture over the strawberries, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until the Jello has set.
4. Serving:
- Once the pie has set, slice it into squares and serve with a dollop of frozen whipped topping or whipped cream on top.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Crust Variations: If you prefer a homemade crust, feel free to use your favorite pie crust recipe instead of the refrigerated pie crust.
- Topping Ideas: Get creative with your toppings by sprinkling crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut over the whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish: Fresh mint leaves or additional sliced strawberries can be used to garnish the pie for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make this recipe keto-friendly, replace the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Use a low-carb gelatin mix instead of strawberry Jello, and opt for a low-carb soda or carbonated water flavored with natural fruit extracts. Serve the pie with a sugar-free whipped cream made from heavy cream and a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Low-Carb Version: Follow the same instructions as the keto version, but you can also reduce the amount of strawberries used to lower the carb content further. Additionally, you can use a coconut flour or almond flour crust instead of traditional pie crust for a lower-carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw and drain them before using in the recipe, and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly based on their sweetness.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add the whipped cream or topping just before serving for the best results.
Q: Can I use a different flavor of Jello? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Jello such as raspberry, cherry, or peach for a fun twist on this classic dessert.
Easy Strawberry Slab Pie is a celebration of summer’s bounty, featuring the irresistible combination of sweet strawberries and creamy Jello atop a flaky crust. Whether enjoyed at a backyard barbecue or shared with loved ones on a lazy afternoon, this pie is sure to bring smiles to faces and delight to taste buds. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in a slice of sweet bliss!
Savor the sweetness of summer with each heavenly bite of Easy Strawberry Slab Pie. Your taste buds will thank you for the burst of fruity flavor and creamy goodness!
