Imagine a luscious, vibrant strawberry pie filling so divine that it transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary masterpieces. This homemade strawberry pie filling is not just a recipe – it's a gateway to creating mouthwatering treats that will have your family and friends begging for more. With just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen magic, you'll be able to capture the essence of summer in a jar, bringing the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries to your favorite desserts all year round.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 jars
Ingredients
- 6 cups strawberries
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your strawberries. Rinse them under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Remove the stems and leaves, then slice the strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on your preference for chunkiness in the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 2 cups of sugar. Gently toss the strawberries in the sugar to coat them evenly. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This will help the strawberries release their natural juices.
- While the strawberries are macerating, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This mixture will help thicken the filling and balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- After the strawberries have released their juices, transfer the mixture to a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Cook the strawberry mixture, stirring frequently, until it begins to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it starts bubbling, continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the filling has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the filling to cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. This recipe yields approximately 6 jars of strawberry pie filling.
- Let the jars cool completely at room temperature, then seal them with lids and refrigerate. The filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for longer storage.
- Use the strawberry pie filling in your favorite pie recipes, as a topping for desserts, or even as a delicious addition to yogurt or pancakes.
Tips
- Choose the Ripest Strawberries: For the most intense flavor, select strawberries that are deep red, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch.
- Maceration Magic: Letting strawberries sit with sugar helps release their natural juices and intensifies the flavor. Don't skip this crucial step!
- Consistency is Key: Keep stirring the mixture while cooking to prevent burning and ensure even thickening.
- Sterilize Your Jars: Always use clean, sterilized jars to ensure the longest possible storage time for your pie filling.
- Freezing Tip: This filling freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers for easy future use.
- Versatility Hack: Beyond pies, use this filling as a topping for cheesecakes, pancakes, yogurt, or as a mix-in for ice cream.
- Lemon Juice Trick: The lemon juice not only adds a bright flavor but also helps preserve the vibrant color of the strawberries.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 80g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
