There’s something magical about the first Strawberry Rhubarb Pie of the season. Maybe it’s the bright red filling bubbling through a golden lattice crust. Maybe it’s the perfect balance of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb. Or maybe it’s simply midlife nostalgia of summer gatherings when we were younger, family picnics, and backyard parties while catching fireflies.
Whatever the reason, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie is the sweet-tart taste of summer in a dish and has earned its place as one of summer’s most beloved desserts.
The Sweet-Tart Taste of Summer
Why Strawberry and Rhubarb Are the Perfect Pair
If you’ve never baked with rhubarb before, you’re not alone. Those celery-like pink stalks can seem intimidating at first, but once you pair them with ripe strawberries, they transform into something special. The start of summer is rhubarb season when they are at their peak of freshness and color. Gorgeous!
Strawberries bring natural sweetness and juicy flavor, while rhubarb adds a bright tartness that keeps the pie from becoming overly sweet. Together, they create a filling that’s balanced, juicy, vibrant and bursting with fresh summer flavor.
A Pie Worth Celebrating
When you see a strawberry rhubarb pie, you know summer has finally arrived. It’s a classic recipe that doesn’t always show up at summer gatherings, yet when it does its gone in a flash. Surprisingly easy to make … this recipe actually uses less refined sugar so the natural fruits take center stage. Now that’s worth celebrating!
Don’t worry about making it look perfect … it’s imperfections make it even more rustic and lovely. Whether you’re serving it after a backyard barbecue, bringing it to a neighborhood gathering, or simply enjoying a slice on the patio with a cup of coffee as an empty nester, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie definitely feels like summer.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
A few simple tricks can help create a delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Pie:
- Use fresh rhubarb — frozen will make it too watery.
- Look for firm crisp rhubarb stalks with vibrant color. Avoid wilted or soft pieces. Cut into 1/2 inch slices to ensure even cooking and softness.
- Don’t forget the thickener — both strawberries and rhubarb release a lot of juice while baking. Cornstarch helps create a thick, sliceable filling rather than a runny pie.
- Let it cool completely — this allows the filling to set properly.
- Add a touch of citrus — A little lemon zest and lemon juice brightens the flavors while enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Make sure your fruit filling is at least as high as your pie dish (depending on size of strawberry slices and size of dish). Add more fruit filling if you find its sitting low.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Equipment
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Pie Dish
- 1 Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 1 Pie Crust Dough (2 rolls)
- 2 1/2 cups Fresh rhubarb, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 3 1/4 cups Fresh strawberries, sliced or quarterd
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp Unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg Egg, beaten for egg wash + water
- Cane sugar, coarse and sprinkled on crust
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, gently combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugars, salt, cornstarch, lemon juice and lemon zest, and vanilla using a soft silicone spatula.Roll out one pie crust and gently use a rolling pin to smooth out. Place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour filling into the crust. Dot top with butter cubes.Add second crust by creating a lattice design (by cutting strips of second roll and laying one row across and then the other strips crosswise) or top with full crust with 4 vents over filling. Using a pastry brush, brush with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse cane sugar. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F. Reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking for 35–40 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Cool before slicing. Serve with vanilla, strawberry ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!
How to Serve It
While delicious on its own, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie becomes truly unforgettable when paired with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- A scoop of strawberry ice cream for extra berry flavor
Serve it slightly warm for the ultimate summer dessert experience.
or with vanilla ice cream
The Sweetest Summer Tradition
In a world filled with trendy desserts and viral recipes, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie remains timeless. It reminds us that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most flavorful moments.
So grab a basket of fresh strawberries, pick up some rhubarb from the farmers market, and bake this easy summer dessert that tastes like summer itself. Baking from scratch is not only healthier, it’s could end up as your new classic summer tradition.
Because some traditions are worth keeping—and Strawberry Rhubarb Pie is definitely one of them.
For more easy summer desserts, check out this No Bake Mixed Berry Ice Cream Cake and more right here.
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