Strawberry Crumble Pie is a delicious and very simple dessert to prepare, ideal for breakfast with a glass of milky coffee or to serve at the end of a meal to end a dinner with guests on a sweet note. In our recipe, a crumbly crumbled shortcrust pastry shell contains a delicious filling made with custard and chopped fresh strawberries: for a fragrant and melt-in-the-mouth result that is truly irresistible.
What is Strawberry Crumble Pie?
Strawberry crumble pie, with its delightful combination of sweet strawberries and crumbly topping, traces its roots to traditional European baking, particularly in countries like Germany and the UK, where fruit crumbles and streusels are popular desserts. These regions are known for their love of incorporating seasonal fruits into baked goods, creating rustic, comforting dishes that make the most of fresh produce.
The addition of custard to strawberry crumble pie likely evolved from the British penchant for pairing fruit desserts with custard sauce, a tradition that enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. Custard, with its creamy richness, provides a perfect balance to the tartness of strawberries and the crispness of the crumble, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors. This practice of incorporating custard into fruit desserts has become a beloved twist, elevating the simple strawberry crumble cake into a more indulgent and satisfying treat.
Tips to Get the Best Strawberry Crumble Pie
We recommend using a 7 inches diameter mold, preferably hinged and with a removable bottom, this will make it easier to take out the cake and prevent it from breaking. If you prefer, instead of butter and flour, you can line it with a sheet of parchment paper.
Make sure to use cold ingredients, especially the butter. It is necessary to work them quickly and with your fingertips, to prevent the pastry from becoming a compact and not crumbly mass when heated.
Fill the base with the very cold custard and, if possible, let the cake rest in the refrigerator for several hours before cutting it, even better if the next day. The final result will be even more compact.
You can customize this dessert as you want with some variations. You can fill your crumble cake with a delicate lemon cream, a mascarpone cheese one, or a whipped cream. On the other hand, if you want to make it light, you can prepare a filling based on ricotta cheese or plain Greek yogurt.
You can also add other red fruits to strawberries, such as raspberries, cherries and currants; or you can replace them with the seasonal fruit you love most.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead?
Yes, you can! However, it’s important to thaw and drain the frozen strawberries well to remove excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the cake. Adjusting the sugar levels might also be necessary, as frozen strawberries can be slightly more watery and less sweet than fresh ones.
