Strawberry almond crumble pie is the kind of dessert that makes you stop mid-bite and say, “Wow.” If you’re craving something fruity, nutty, and irresistibly crumbly, this pie is calling your name. It’s a sweet escape in every bite—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just treating yourself, this pie is the perfect showstopper. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to create your own bakery-worthy strawberry almond crumble pie—because you absolutely deserve a dessert this good. Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s dive in!
The Allure of Strawberry Almond Crumble Pie
Strawberries are renowned for their sweetness and delightful flavor. Combining these berries with almonds not only heightens the taste but also adds a lovely texture to the pie. The crumble topping brings a crispy element that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit filling.
One of the great things ’bout this pie is its seasonal versatility. You can enjoy it in the spring and summer when strawberries are at their freshest. But with frozen strawberries, you can whip it up any time!
Nutritional Benefits
Fruits, in this case, strawberries, are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. A typical serving of strawberries contains:
- High in Vitamin C
- Low in calories
- Rich in fiber
- Contains beneficial antioxidants
Almonds, too, have their merits. They provide healthy fats, protein, and important minerals. Including almonds in your diet can aid in heart health, weight management, and even skin health.
Flavor Profile
Strawberry almond crumble pie brings together sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. The strawberries give a fruity charm, while the almonds lend a warm, earthy taste. The crumble topping adds a hint of butteriness, making every bite a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures.
Strawberry Almond Crumble Pie Ingredients
Before you get started on this delicious adventure, ensure you have all the required ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pie Crust
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4-5 tbsp cold water
For the Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (or 2-3 cups of frozen)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
For the Crumble Topping
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter
Ensuring Freshness
The key to a tasty strawberry almond crumble pie lies in using fresh ingredients. Opt for strawberries that are bright red and firm. If you’d be using frozen strawberries, make sure they are unsweetened to maintain the integrity of the flavors.
Preparing the Pie Crust
A good pie crust is essential! It not only bears the delicious filling but also adds flavor. Here’s how to make a flaky pie crust:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the diced, cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough is moistened but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Form your dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Importance of Chilling
Chilling the dough is crucial. It firms up the butter, leading to a flakier crust when baked. It can be the difference between a soggy pie and a perfect one.
Making the Filling
The strawberry filling is the heart of this pie. Here’s how to prepare it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, hull and slice them. If using frozen, let them thaw and drain excess liquid.
- Toss Ingredients Together: In a mixing bowl, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract. Toss until everything’s coated evenly.
- Let it Sit: Allow the filling to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps in letting the flavors meld and juices to release.
Fresh vs. Frozen
While fresh strawberries provide a bright flavor, frozen strawberries can still work perfectly well when outta season. Just ensure to adjust the sugar according to their sweetness.
Crafting the Crumble Topping
The crumble topping is where the magic truly happens. It adds a delightful texture and acts as a crown for your pie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, sliced almonds, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add Butter: Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Refrigerate for a Bit: Chill the crumble mixture for a few minutes.
Tips for the Perfect Crumble
For an extra nutty kick, consider toasting the sliced almonds before adding ’em to the crumble. It’ll enhance the flavor immensely.
Assembling the Pie
Now that you have your crust, filling, and crumble ready, it’s time to put it all together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out Pie Crust: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming off any excess.
- Add the Filling: Pour the strawberry filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously over the strawberries.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Checking for Doneness
You can check for doneness by observing the crust. If it’s golden and the filling is visibly bubbling, your pie’s ready to come out.
Cooling Down the Pie
After baking, patience is necessary. Allow your pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the filling set, preventing a runny mess on your plate.
Strawberry Almond Crumble Pie Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, your strawberry almond crumble pie is ready to devour. It also pairs well with various side options. Here are some serving ideas:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds creaminess.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is heavenly.
- Greek Yogurt: For a healthy twist, opt for a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
Creative Variations
Feel free to get creative! Here are some variations to try:
- Add Other Fruits: Blueberries or raspberries can be mixed in with strawberries.
- Use Different Nuts: Consider using walnuts or pecans in the crumble.
- Spice it Up: A dash of nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), storing them properly is key.
For Room Temperature
Your pie can sit at room temp for a day or two. Cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
For Refrigeration
If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the pie. It should last about 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it to keep it fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Conclusion: Savoring Each Bite
Baking a strawberry almond crumble pie is not just about the end product; it’s about the experience and the love you put into it. The juicy strawberries, crunchy almonds, and that delightful crumble make it a must-try dessert.
So whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy evening at home, this pie is sure to make your taste buds sing. Don’t wait—grab those strawberries and get baking! You won’t regret it.
Final Tip
Enjoy every bite and remember, the key to a great pie lies in fresh ingredients and a passion for baking. Happy baking!
