Are you ready to create a dessert that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a breeze to make? Look no further than this Strawberry Crunch Pie. This delightful concoction blends the freshness of ripe strawberries with a satisfying, crunchy topping. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Crunch Pie
- Delightful crunch in a creamy pie
- Delicious Flavors
- A simple no-bake recipe
- Budget-friendly
Simple Ingredients
- Graham cracker pie crust
- Golden Oreos
- Strawberry Flavor Jello
- Vanilla Pudding
- Milk
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cool Whip
- Fresh Strawberries
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Pie
Put a package of Golden Oreo Cookies and Strawberry powder into a big food processor. Blend them on low speed until the Oreos are crumbly.
In a large bowl (or medium bowl), mix Vanilla pudding with milk and heavy cream. Use a hand mixer to blend until the pudding thickens. Once thick, fold in half of the cookie crumbs mixture.
Spoon the pudding into the pie crust and spread it evenly in a thin layer. Top it with Cool Whip. Sprinkle the rest of the strawberry crunchies along with diced strawberries as the Strawberry crunch topping. Chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours. Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Strawberry Crunch Crumble
Creating the perfect Strawberry Crunch Pie is like orchestrating a symphony in your kitchen. Each ingredient and step plays its part in achieving that delightful balance of flavor and texture.
Selecting the Right Strawberries
When it comes to picking strawberries, you want the sweetest, juiciest, and most flavorful ones you can find.
- Color Matters: Look for strawberries that are bright red all over. A deeper red indicates ripeness and sweetness.
- Check the Caps: The green tops should be fresh, not wilted. This means the strawberries were just picked.
- Size Isn’t Everything: Smaller strawberries can sometimes be sweeter and more flavorful than larger ones.
- Sniff Test: A sweet aroma is a good indicator of a tasty strawberry.
Achieving the Right Consistency
Getting the right texture for your filling is crucial in perfecting the pie. Here’s how to avoid pitfalls:
- Mix it Right: When combining your vanilla pudding with milk and heavy cream, mix until it thickens. This prevents a runny filling.
- Blend the Oreo and Jello Carefully: Integrate half of the Oreo and Jello blend into the pudding softly to maintain that creamy consistency.
- Cool Whip Topping: Spread it evenly on top to balance the creamy and crunchy textures.
Making Ahead of Time
A little preparation can go a long way in making your pie-making experience stress-free:
- Plan Ahead: You can prepare the Oreo and Jello mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: This can be made a few hours before assembly, just keep it chilled until you’re ready to construct your pie. This is my favorite way to make the pie ahead of time.
- Pre-Chill the Pie Crust: The best way to maintain the structure of the pie crust is to use a cold crust.
Don’t Have a Pie Pan?
If you make the pie crust yourself, using graham crackers, butter, and a touch of sugar, you can press it into a square pan or rimmed baking sheet. Press the crumbs into an even layer to make the crust.
Delicious Variations of Strawberry Crumble Pie
Who doesn’t love the classic taste of strawberry crunch pie? But sometimes, it’s fun to switch things up a bit and explore new flavors. Here, we introduce a few mouth-watering twists on this beloved dessert that you can try at home. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, on a vegan diet, or in need of a quick no-bake dessert, there’s a crunchy, strawberry-filled delight for everyone.
No Food Processor, No Problem
If you do not have a food processor, you can use a rolling pin to crush the cookies. Place the cookies and Jello together in a ziploc bag. With some elbow grease, you can mix them together similar to the food processor.
Berries
Juicy strawberries are amazing in this recipe, you can also use other fresh berries. Just about all berries will work. You can even use freeze-dried strawberries for the ultimate crunch.
Cookies
Swap Golden Oreo cookies for other cookies for the same crunchy texture. Vanilla wafers have a similar texture and taste.
Chocolate Strawberry Crunch Pie
Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven, aren’t they? Adding chocolate to your strawberry crunch pie gives it a sweet twist that’s sure to impress. Here’s how to make it:
- Chocolate Crust: Start by mixing crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter. Press this mixture into your pie dish as a base.
- Chocolate Layer: Melt some chocolate chips and pour them over the graham cracker crust before adding the strawberry layer. You can also add chocolate chips to your pudding mix for an extra burst of flavor.
- Topping: Sprinkle some shaved chocolate or cocoa powder on top to finish. It’s like enjoying chocolate-covered strawberries in pie form!
Vegan Strawberry Crunch Pie
Eating plant-based doesn’t mean missing out on dessert. This vegan version offers all the delight without any dairy or animal products:
- Dairy-Free Ingredients: Swap the milk and heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk. Use a vegan-friendly pudding mix or make your own with silken tofu blended with sugar and cornstarch.
- Vegan Crust: Many graham crackers and Oreos are already vegan, but be sure to check the labels. Press them into the dish with melted coconut oil instead of butter.
- Vegan Whipped Topping: Use a dairy-free whipped topping or whip up some aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) on medium speed for a fluffy finish.
- Strawberry flavor: You can use strawberry extract to get the strawberry flavor coming from the Strawberry Jello.
How to Store Strawberry Crunch Pie
Strawberry Crunch Pie can be a delightful treat, but ensuring it stays fresh requires proper storage. Whether you plan to enjoy it over a few days or save some slices for later, knowing the right way to store your pie is essential.
Refrigeration Tips
Storing your Strawberry Crunch Pie in the refrigerator is the most straightforward way to keep it fresh for the short term. Here’s how you can do it best:
- Cover the Pie: First, cover your pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep the pie’s surface from drying out and protects it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- Choose the Right Spot: Place the pie on a middle shelf, not too close to the back where it’s coldest. The middle rack usually maintains a consistent temperature ideal for storage.
- Temperature Setting: Make sure your refrigerator is set to a temperature between 35°F and 40°F. This keeps the pie fresh while preventing it from freezing or spoiling too soon.
Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Shortcake Crumble Pie
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Before adding them to your pie, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure they work well with the recipe:
- Thaw Completely: Place the frozen strawberries in a bowl and allow them to thaw at room temperature. This will help in releasing any excess water.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Once thawed, you’ll notice some liquid collecting at the bottom of the bowl. Make sure to drain this off, as too much liquid can make your pie soggy.
- Dry the Strawberries: Gently pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel. This will further remove any residual moisture.
By ensuring your strawberries are thawed and dry, they should blend seamlessly into your Strawberry Crunch Pie, offering the same burst of flavor as fresh ones.
How long does the pie last?
This delightful dessert can last up to 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh:
- Cover the Pie: Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- Avoid Freezing: While it’s tempting to extend the pie’s life by freezing, doing so can alter the texture of the pudding and whipped cream topping, resulting in a less enjoyable taste and consistency.
Enjoy your pie at its best within the first couple of days for the freshest taste and crunch.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Transforming this Strawberry Crunch Pie into a gluten-free treat is simple with a few ingredient swaps:
- Use Gluten-Free Oreos: Substitute the Golden Oreos with gluten-free cookies. Many brands now offer gluten-free versions that taste just as delicious.
- Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust: Look for ready-made gluten-free graham cracker crusts, or make your own using gluten-free graham crackers and some melted butter for the base.
If you gave this recipe a try, drop a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Check out a few more of my favorite desserts:
Ingredients
- 1 9- inch graham cracker pie crust
- 1 package of Golden Oreos
- 1 packet of Strawberry Jello
- 1 package instant Vanilla Pudding
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8- ounce tub of cool whip
- 10 fresh strawberries diced
Instructions
- Add the package of Golden Oreos and Strawberry Jello to a large food processor. Blend the Oreos and Jello until the Oreos have a crumbled consistency.
- In a large bowl add packet of Vanilla pudding, add milk and heavy whipping cream. Use a hand mixer to blend until the pudding starts to thicken. Once thickened, add half of the amount of Oreo/Jello blend and fold into the pudding.
- Transfer pudding to the pie crust, spread out evenly and then top with cool whip. Garnish the top with the remainder of Oreo/Jello blend and diced strawberries. Allow to set in the fridge for 4-6 hours. Serve & enjoy!
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