Strawberry Pie with Mint Crumble: A Sweet and Refreshing Dessert Recipe

Strawberry Pie with Mint Crumble: A Sweet and Refreshing Dessert Recipe

Strawberry pie is a classic dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, but adding a mint crumble twist takes it to a whole new level. The combination of juicy strawberries and a crisp, buttery crust with a hint of refreshing mint crumble topping is ideal for summer gatherings or as a simple yet impressive dessert. This recipe will guide you through creating a pie that’s bursting with fresh flavors and textures, bringing a unique twist to a beloved treat.

Ingredients for the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3–4 tbsp ice water

Ingredients for the Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Mint Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1–2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Step 1: Preparing the Pie Crust

1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
   In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

2. Adding the Butter
   Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Incorporating Ice Water
   Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough holds together. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Chilling the Dough
   Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough maintain its shape during baking.

Step 2: Preparing the Strawberry Filling

1. Combining Strawberries with Sugar and Flavorings
   In a large bowl, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently mix until the strawberries are well-coated.

2. Setting the Filling Aside
   Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, preventing the pie from becoming too watery.

Step 3: Making the Mint Crumble Topping

1. Mixing Flour, Oats, and Sugar
   In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, and sugar.

2. Adding Butter and Mint
   Add cold butter cubes and finely chopped mint leaves. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until the crumble resembles coarse crumbs. The mint adds a refreshing flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Step 4: Assembling the Pie

1. Rolling Out the Dough
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess around the edges.

2. Adding the Strawberry Filling
   Spoon the prepared strawberry filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

3. Topping with Mint Crumble
   Sprinkle the mint crumble topping over the strawberries, covering the surface generously.

Step 5: Baking the Pie

1. Baking
   Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. The crumble topping should also be lightly golden.

2. Cooling
   Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 15–20 minutes. This resting time allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice.

Step 6: Serving Suggestions

Serve the strawberry pie with mint crumble slightly warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The creamy addition complements the tartness of the strawberries and the freshness of the mint crumble, making each bite a satisfying treat.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Mint Pie

1. Choosing Fresh Strawberries
   Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe berries may release too much juice, which can make the filling watery, so choose strawberries that are firm and bright red.

2. Experimenting with Other Fruits
   Feel free to add other fruits to the filling, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry pie with a minty twist.

3. Making Ahead
   The pie crust and mint crumble can be prepared in advance. Store the crust dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and keep the crumble in an airtight container.

4. Adding Mint Gradually
   If you’re new to baking with mint, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. Fresh mint has a strong flavor, and a little goes a long way.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pie with Mint Crumble

This strawberry pie with mint crumble is a perfect balance of sweet and refreshing flavors. The buttery crust, juicy strawberries, and aromatic mint crumble topping create a dessert that is both visually appealing and delicious. Ideal for summer picnics, gatherings, or as a light dessert after a meal, this pie is an easy way to impress guests or treat yourself to a unique and flavorful dessert. Try this recipe and enjoy the delicious combination of strawberries and mint in every bite!