Strawberry Grand Traverse Pie from Shari's Cafe & Pies features fresh, juicy Grand Traverse strawberries, a flaky golden crust, and a luscious, sweet glaze, delivering a refreshing and vibrant dessert experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Pie pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry blender or food processor
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
- Knife
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- 5 cups fresh strawberries (hulled, sliced)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
Using fresh, juicy Grand Traverse strawberries is crucial for the authentic flavor and vibrant color of the pie. Make sure the unsalted butter is cold and cubed before incorporating it into the flour to achieve a flaky, golden crust. The cornstarch and lemon juice help thicken the filling and balance the sweetness, so accurate measurement is important for the right texture. Ice water should be added gradually to form the dough without overworking it, ensuring tenderness. You can recreate the delightful Strawberry Grand Traverse Pie from Shari's Cafe & Pies by following this copycat menu with these key ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Cut in cold butter using pastry blender or food processor until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until dough forms.
- Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- On floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit pie pan.
- Transfer rolled dough to pie pan, trim and crimp edges.
- In a mixing bowl, toss strawberries with 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Pour strawberry mixture into prepared pie crust.
- Roll out second dough disc and cut into strips for a lattice crust or cover as desired.
- Place crust on pie, seal edges, and trim excess dough.
- Whisk egg and milk; brush over top crust using pastry brush.
- Place pie on baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes.
- Cool on cooling rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
Substitution
Strawberry Grand Traverse Pie from Shari's Cafe & Pies copycat menu calls for fresh Grand Traverse strawberries to capture its signature flavor, but you can substitute with other varieties like Albion or Seascape if needed. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen strawberries can be thawed and drained to maintain the ideal texture without excess moisture. When mixing the crust, use a food processor for a quicker process or a pastry blender to achieve the desired flaky consistency by hand. In case you lack corn starch as a thickener for the glaze, tapioca starch or arrowroot powder serve as effective alternatives. Your egg wash, made with egg and milk, ensures a golden crust but can be replaced by a milk wash for a slightly less shiny, yet still appetizing finish.
Tips
Ensure your butter is cold and cut it into small cubes before mixing to create a flaky pie crust. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent toughness; mix just until it comes together. When rolling out your dough, use light dusting of flour to keep it from sticking and carefully transfer it to the pie pan without stretching. You should allow the pie to cool completely on a rack to let the filling set properly for clean slices and optimal flavor.
Nutritions
Strawberry Grand Traverse Pie offers a balanced source of carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and strawberries, providing natural sugars and dietary fiber. The butter in the crust contributes essential fats, while the fresh strawberries supply vitamins C and antioxidants that support immune health. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent without adding significant calories, making the filling smooth and low-fat. Your serving delivers a delightful nutrient profile with moderate sugar content, ideal for an occasional treat.
Storage
Store your Strawberry Grand Traverse Pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to preserve its freshness and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid storing at room temperature for extended periods to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with a buttery almond crust by substituting 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor. Swap the vanilla extract with a splash of almond extract to enhance the strawberry's sweetness and add depth. Instead of a lattice crust, use a crumb topping made from oats, brown sugar, and butter for a crunchy texture contrast. To intensify the filling, macerate your fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar before mixing with sugar and cornstarch.
Allergies
The Strawberry Grand Traverse Pie contains common allergens such as wheat (all-purpose flour) and dairy (unsalted butter, milk). Eggs are also present, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies to these ingredients, be cautious when enjoying this dessert.
Why this recipe?
Strawberry Grand Traverse Pie from Shari's Cafe & Pies features juicy, locally sourced Traverse City strawberries layered in a perfectly flaky, buttery crust that balances sweetness and tartness. The pie's fresh fruit filling and handmade pastry offer an authentic taste of Michigan's renowned cherry and berry harvests, making it a seasonal favorite. You'll appreciate how easily this iconic dessert can be recreated at home using simple ingredients, capturing the essence of Shari's signature flavor. Replicating this pie allows you to enjoy a slice of Traverse City tradition anytime, with a fresh, homemade touch.