Strawberry Pop Tart Pie Recipe
This Strawberry Pop Tart Pie is a delightful twist on the classic pop tart, featuring a homemade strawberry filling encased in a flaky pie crust, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and colorful sanding sugar. With a perfectly cooked strawberry filling thickened to a glossy finish and a golden-brown crust, this dessert combines the nostalgic flavors of pop tarts with the comforting appeal of a traditional pie, creating an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Strawberry Filling
- 5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced (approximately 1½ pounds)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pie Crust and Wash
- 14.1 ounces refrigerated pie crusts (2 (9 inch) crusts, Pillsbury brand recommended)
- 1 large egg, room temperature (for egg wash)
Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 to 2½ tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon rainbow sanding sugar sprinkles
- Cook Strawberries: In a large 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until juices are released and liquids boil rapidly. This extracts natural sweetness and softens the fruit.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: Whisk fresh lemon juice and cornstarch together in a small bowl until smooth, creating a slurry to thicken the strawberry filling.
- Thicken Filling: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling strawberries while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook 1-2 minutes until filling thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and transfer to a shallow bowl to cool for about 30 minutes; it should be warm but not hot before filling the crust.
- Preheat Oven: Adjust oven racks to the lower two-thirds position and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Pie Dish: Place a 9-inch pie dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbling overflow during baking.
- Arrange Bottom Crust: Unroll one pie crust and press it into the bottom and sides of the pie dish, fitting it neatly.
- Whisk Egg Wash: Beat the large egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash for sealing and browning the crust.
- Brush Bottom Crust: Using a pastry brush, apply egg wash evenly over the bottom and sides of the crust to prevent sogginess and help seal the top crust.
- Add Filling: Pour the warm strawberry filling into the prepared bottom crust evenly.
- Top Crust Placement: Place the second pie crust over the filling. Trim excess dough and crimp edges together with a fork to seal the pie.
- Brush Top Crust: Lightly brush the entire surface of the top crust with the remaining egg wash to ensure a golden finish.
- Cut Steam Vents: Use a sharp knife to cut four 1-inch slits on the top crust for steam release to prevent bubbling over.
- Bake Pie: Bake in the preheated oven on the lower racks for 40-45 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 5-6 hours until fully cooled before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Add more milk by teaspoon if needed to reach desired thickness.
- Glaze Pie: Spoon and spread the glaze evenly over the cooled pie surface, avoiding the crimped edges to mimic classic pop tart look. Sprinkle rainbow sanding sugar evenly over the glaze.
- Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to harden for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving the strawberry pop tart pie.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberry filling is warm but not hot when adding to crust to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- Using a rimmed baking sheet under the pie dish helps contain any overflow during baking for easier cleanup.
- Allow the pie to cool thoroughly before glazing to ensure the glaze adheres properly and does not melt.
- For thicker glaze, add milk gradually; too much will make it runny.
- Store the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Keywords: Pop Tart Pie, Strawberry Pie, Homemade Pie, Strawberry Dessert, Fruit Pie, Pie with Glaze, Sweet Pie