Fresh Strawberry Pie With A Pretzel-Pecan Crust Recipe

The Sweetest Fresh Strawberry Pie with Pretzel-Pecan Crust Recipe

Summer’s sweetest dessert meets an unexpected crunch with this fresh strawberry pie nestled on a pretzel-pecan crust.

The combination of salty, nutty pretzels and buttery pecans creates a mouthwatering base that perfectly complements the vibrant strawberry filling.

Crisp, golden-brown crumbs provide a delightful texture contrast to the luscious, ruby-red strawberries.

Each forkful promises a dance of flavors that balances sweet, tart, and savory notes in one spectacular slice.

The simple yet ingenious crust elevates this classic pie from ordinary to extraordinary.

Rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry goodness, this dessert will become your new summer obsession.

Prepare to be the star of any gathering with this irresistible strawberry pie.

Fresh Strawberry Pie With Pretzel Crust Delight

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  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this entire delicious meal in a single pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick weekend meals that don't sacrifice flavor or quality.

What You Need for Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet base that adds structure and flavor to the pie crust.
  • Pretzels, Pecans: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty texture to the crust.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient that gives the pie its vibrant flavor and color.
  • Boiling Water: Helps dissolve and activate the cornstarch for thickening.
  • Cornstarch: Creates a smooth, glossy filling by thickening the strawberry puree.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the strawberries and adds sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional toppings that add a fresh and decorative touch to the pie.

Instructions for Strawberry Pretzel Pie Success

Step 1: Craft the Crunchy Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the following ingredients:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Crushed pretzels
  • Chopped pecans
  • Granulated sugar
  • Melted butter

Use the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the mixture into a springform pan or pie plate. Pack it down tightly to create a solid base that reaches slightly up the sides.

Pop the crust into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Strawberry Glaze

Pull out a blender and puree fresh strawberries until smooth.

In a saucepan, mix the strawberry puree with:
  • Boiling water
  • Cornstarch
  • Sugar

Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until it begins to boil. Let it bubble and thicken for 3 minutes, stirring continuously.

Remove from heat and splash in some vanilla extract. Allow the glaze to cool slightly.

Step 3: Build the Strawberry Masterpiece

Slice the remaining fresh strawberries into halves or quarters. Gently fold these beautiful berries into the slightly cooled glaze.

Pour the entire mixture into the chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Slide the pie into the refrigerator and let it set for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Serve and Impress

Once the pie has firmed up, remove the springform pan’s outer ring. For an extra touch of elegance, add a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh mint leaves.

Slice into this stunning dessert and prepare for compliments!

Notes Before You Bake Strawberry Pretzel Pie

  • Choose crisp pretzels and fresh pecans to ensure a crunchy, flavorful base that adds texture and depth to the traditional graham cracker crust.
  • Allow strawberry glaze to cool slightly before mixing with fresh strawberries to maintain fruit's structural integrity and prevent excess liquid.
  • Stir constantly while cooking cornstarch mixture and boil exactly 3 minutes to create a thick, glossy strawberry sauce that binds ingredients smoothly.
  • Refrigerate pie for minimum 2 hours to help glaze set completely, allowing slices to hold shape and enhance flavor melding.

Swaps and Styles for Strawberry Pretzel Pie

  • No-Bake Berry Variation: Replace strawberries with mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries for a colorful summer dessert. Use same crust and filling technique with alternative berries.
  • Gluten-Free Nutty Crust Option: Swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers. Keep chopped pecans for added crunch and texture in the crust.
  • Vegan Strawberry Pie Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil in crust. Use cornstarch-based filling with plant-based sweetener like agave. Replace whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for dairy-free topping.

What Matches With Strawberry Pretzel Pie Slices

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the pie's sweet strawberry flavor and balance the rich, buttery pretzel-pecan crust.
  • Enhance with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the pie, creating a delightful contrast between the cold, smooth ice cream and the fresh, fruity pie.
  • Match with Herbal Tea: Brew a delicate chamomile or mint tea to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the pie's sweet and nutty profile.
  • Elevate with Champagne: Choose a brut or extra dry champagne to add a sparkling, sophisticated touch that cuts through the pie's sweetness and highlights the fresh strawberry notes.

Keeping Strawberry Pretzel Pie Tasty and Fresh

  • Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it flat to maintain the crust's integrity and prevent soggy edges.
  • Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices will keep for 2-3 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator for best texture.

FAQs

  • Why use pretzels in the crust?

Pretzels add a unique salty crunch that perfectly balances the sweet strawberry filling, creating a more complex and interesting texture compared to traditional graham cracker crusts.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can make the filling too watery and less vibrant, potentially compromising the pie’s overall quality.

  • How do I know when the strawberry glaze is properly thickened?

The glaze is ready when it reaches a smooth, glossy consistency and coats the back of a spoon, typically after boiling for about 3 minutes while continuously stirring.

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Fresh Strawberry Pie With A Pretzel-Pecan Crust Recipe

Fresh Strawberry Pie With A Pretzel-Pecan Crust Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet strawberry pie brings summer’s essence to life with its crispy pretzel-pecan crust and luscious filling. Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly fresh, you’ll savor each delightful bite of this classic dessert that sings of seasonal charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pretzels
  • 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Craft a rustic crust by pulverizing graham crackers, pretzels, and pecans, then blend with sugar and melted butter until achieving a cohesive texture.
  2. Press the crumbly mixture firmly into a springform pan, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom and slightly up the sides, using a measuring cup to compact the base.
  3. Refrigerate the prepared crust while transitioning to the filling preparation.
  4. Select ripe strawberries and transform 1 1/2 cups into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor.
  5. Merge the strawberry puree with boiling water, cornstarch, and sugar, blending until uniformly combined.
  6. Transfer the liquid mixture to a saucepan, heating over medium temperature and stirring continuously until reaching a robust boil.
  7. Maintain the boil for precisely 3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a glossy consistency.
  8. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, then allow the glaze to cool slightly.
  9. Slice the remaining strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size, and gently fold into the prepared glaze.
  10. Carefully pour the strawberry mixture into the chilled crust, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
  11. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure complete setting and optimal flavor melding.
  12. Once set, release the springform pan’s outer ring and optionally garnish with whipped cream and fresh mint leaves.
  13. Serve the pie thoroughly chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Crush pretzels finely to ensure a consistent, crunchy texture that adds a salty-sweet dimension to the crust.
  • Choose ripe, deep-red strawberries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in the filling.
  • Stir the strawberry mixture constantly while cooking to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
  • Allow ample refrigeration time for the pie to set completely, ensuring a clean slice and perfect texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 234
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 156 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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