Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie
Strawberry season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to celebrate this bountiful fruit than with a delectable Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie. This iconic dessert combines the fresh, juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries with the buttery, crunchy topping of a classic crumble, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a family gathering, or simply craving a comforting treat, this Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie is sure to be the star of the show. Its timeless appeal and ability to please a crowd make it a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie apart is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy. The juicy, ruby-red strawberries provide a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the rich, buttery crumble topping. The addition of toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that takes this dessert to new heights.
Beyond its unbeatable flavor, this recipe is also incredibly accessible and versatile. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward, making it a breeze to whip up for any occasion. Plus, the Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie ❓
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
The beauty of this Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of fresh strawberries, crunchy almonds, and a buttery crumble topping creates the classic American-inspired flavor profile that has made fruit-based desserts perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cubed butter, and brown sugar. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the toasted sliced almonds.
• Step 4: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the strawberry filling, covering the entire surface.
• Step 5: Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
• Total time: 60-65 minutes
Compared to traditional fruit pies which can take up to 90 minutes to prepare, this Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie saves you 30% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 193mg
These Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pies provide approximately 12% of your daily fiber requirements and 8% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace some of the all-purpose flour in the crumble with almond flour or ground oats, and use a sugar substitute in place of the granulated sugar.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use vegan butter or coconut oil in the crumble topping and a pre-made dairy-free pie crust.
• Added protein: Fold in a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the crumble mixture for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Boost vegetables: Incorporate diced rhubarb or sliced peaches along with the strawberries for a colorful and nutrient-rich filling.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh berry salad or a light, citrusy sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
• Complement the pie with a cup of fragrant, aromatic herbal tea or a bold, full-bodied coffee.
• For a summer gathering, serve the Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie alongside grilled chicken or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Create an eye-catching dessert platter by arranging slices of the pie alongside other seasonal fruit-based treats and a selection of nuts and berries.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Underbaking the crumble: Be sure to bake the pie until the crumble topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, ensuring a crisp, crunchy texture.
• Not chilling the butter: Using room-temperature or softened butter in the crumble will result in a dense, heavy topping rather than the desired light and flaky texture.
• Overcrowding the pie plate: Make sure to use a 9-inch pie plate and not overfill it, as this can cause the filling to bubble over and create a mess in your oven.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the baked pie to cool completely before slicing is crucial for the filling to set properly and the textures to develop fully.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pies retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the pie as directed, but do not bake. Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat slices of the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore the crispness of the crumble topping.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the unbaked pie and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake the pie directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can bake the pie up to 2 days in advance, allow it to cool completely, and then refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Simply thaw the strawberries and pat them dry before tossing them with the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but the end result will still be delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free or dairy-free, but you can easily adapt it to suit those dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pre-made pie crust or make your own gluten-free crust. Replace the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free adaptation, use vegan butter or coconut oil in the crumble and a dairy-free pie crust.
Why is my crumble topping not turning out crisp?
If your crumble topping isn’t achieving the desired crisp texture, there are a few things to check. Make sure the butter is well-chilled before incorporating it into the flour mixture. Also, be sure not to overmix the crumble, as this can lead to a dense, heavy topping. Finally, ensure that you’re baking the pie long enough for the crumble to fully brown and crisp up.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Absolutely! This Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie recipe is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of fruit combinations. Try adding diced rhubarb, sliced peaches, or a mix of berries (such as raspberries or blueberries) to the filling. Just be mindful of adjusting the sugar and cornstarch amounts to accommodate the different fruit juices.
Conclusion
These Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pies represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a show-stopping dessert at a backyard barbecue or a comforting treat for a cozy family gathering, they’re sure to impress with their irresistible combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this Strawberry-Almond Crumble Pie demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking. So why not indulge in the taste of summer and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert today?
