If you’re craving a delightfully tangy-sweet treat that feels both comforting and special, look no further than the Strawberry Rhubarb Pastry Pies Recipe. This recipe combines bright, juicy strawberries with tart rhubarb, wrapped in crisp, flaky puff pastry that browns to golden perfection. It’s one of those desserts that instantly transports you to cozy afternoon gatherings or sunny weekend brunches. Each bite brings a perfect balance of luscious fruit filling and buttery crust that’s almost impossible to resist, making it an absolute must-try for any baking enthusiast or berry lover.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal, making your Strawberry Rhubarb Pastry Pies Recipe truly special.
- Frozen puff pastry (1 sheet): This provides a flaky, buttery base that puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating the perfect crust.
- Unbleached all-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the fruit filling while keeping it silky and luscious.
- Large egg plus a splash of water: Used as an egg wash to give the pastry a shiny, golden finish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and enhances the flavor of the fruit mixture.
- Chopped rhubarb (1¼ cup): Offers tartness that balances the sweetness from strawberries perfectly.
- Halved strawberries (1¼ cup): Provide natural sweetness and a juicy texture that makes the pies irresistible.
- Granulated white sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the fruit.
- Fine salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness in the pies.
- Lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon): Brightens the filling with a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the fruit mixture.
- Powdered sugar (1 tablespoon): For an optional dusting that adds a touch of elegance.
- Coarse sugar: Optional, for sprinkling on the crust to add a delightful crunch and sparkle.
- Vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream (optional): Perfect for serving, transforming these pies into a full-on indulgence.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Pastry Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry
Begin by thawing your frozen puff pastry sheet as per package instructions. Once pliable, lightly dust your work surface with flour and unfold the pastry. This airy dough is the foundation for your pies, so taking care to handle it gently will help maintain those layers that puff up so beautifully in the oven.
Step 2: Make the Fruit Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, halved strawberries, granulated sugar, flour, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything gently together to coat the fruit evenly. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the rhubarb and strawberries to release their juices and mingle their flavors. This step is key to achieving a juicy, flavorful filling without being too watery.
Step 3: Shape the Pies
Cut the puff pastry into your desired shape—whether squares, circles, or rectangles. Spoon a generous amount of fruit filling onto one half of each pastry piece, leaving a little border for sealing. Dot with small bits of butter for extra richness. Fold the pastry over the filling and carefully seal the edges using a fork or your fingers. This locks in all the luscious fruit and juices, promising a perfectly enclosed pie.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash and Sugar Topping
Whisk together the large egg and a splash of water, then brush this egg wash over the surface of each pastry. This will give the pies that irresistible golden sheen. If you love a little crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for an added texture and sparkle.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), then place your pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are puffed and golden brown, and the filling is bubbling through any vents or edges. The smell alone at this point will have you eager for the first bite.
Step 6: Finish with Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven and slightly cooled, dust your pies lightly with powdered sugar. This adds a delicate sweetness and makes them look extra inviting—a beautiful finishing touch that’s so simple but effective.
How to Serve Strawberry Rhubarb Pastry Pies Recipe
Garnishes
To highlight the freshness of these pies, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a perfect partner. For a little extra flair, sprinkle a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. These garnishes not only add flavor but elevate the presentation to something special.
Side Dishes
Consider serving your Strawberry Rhubarb Pastry Pies Recipe alongside a light salad or a refreshing cup of tea for a balanced afternoon treat. Something with a subtle bite like arugula salad or a citrusy iced tea contrasts wonderfully with the dessert’s sweet and tart notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these pies at a gathering, try plating each with a small drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a crunchy twist. You could also present mini versions in individual ramekins for a charming single-serving delight. Play around with how you layer garnishes and sides to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crust crisp. For longer storage, placing them in the refrigerator is fine but the crust may lose some of its flakiness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked pies by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is an excellent way to have a quick treat ready whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your cooled pies in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh the crispness of the pastry and warm the fruit filling. Avoid microwaving as it can turn the crust soggy, robbing away the magic of a flaky finish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh puff pastry instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh puff pastry works just as well if you have it handy, but frozen puff pastry is a convenient option that still delivers excellent results once thawed properly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can make a vegan version by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative and using a flax egg or another egg replacer for the egg wash. The fruit filling is naturally vegan, so it’s easy to adapt!
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries and rhubarb?
Yes! While the strawberry-rhubarb combo is iconic and delicious, feel free to experiment with other berries, apples, or even apricots for a new twist on this pastry pie.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure to coat the fruit filling with flour and don’t overload the pies with too much liquid. Also, adding butter on the filling helps create a barrier that keeps the crust from getting soggy.
What is the best way to cut the puff pastry?
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice clean edges without squashing the layers. This ensures an even puff and uniform appearance when baked.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly enchanting about the Strawberry Rhubarb Pastry Pies Recipe that makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. The union of flaky pastry and the perfect balance of sweet and tart fruit is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again whenever you want to add a little bit of homemade joy to your day.
PrintStrawberry Rhubarb Pastry Pies Recipe
These Strawberry Rhubarb Pastry Pies are a delightful combination of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for dessert or a special treat, these individual pies are topped with a shimmering sugar crust and a dusting of powdered sugar, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 individual pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
- 1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, plus a splash of water for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
Filling
- 1¼ cup chopped rhubarb
- 1¼ cup halved strawberries
- 1/3 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, for sprinkling on crust (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- Vanilla ice cream
- Homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package instructions, then sprinkle a clean surface with 1 tablespoon of unbleached all-purpose flour. Roll out the pastry slightly to smooth creases and cut into desired pie sizes. Place the pastry pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped rhubarb, halved strawberries, granulated sugar, fine salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything gently to coat the fruit evenly and let it macerate for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Assemble the Pies: Divide the fruit filling evenly among the pastry pieces, placing it in the center and leaving edges free for sealing. Dot each with small bits of butter to add richness during baking.
- Seal and Egg Wash: Beat the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash to help seal the pies and give them a shiny golden finish once baked. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top of the crust if desired for added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake the Pies: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet with the pies on the center rack and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving for a pretty finishing touch. Serve with vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream if preferred.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed to make rolling and shaping easier.
- Adjust sugar levels according to the tartness of the rhubarb and strawberries.
- Use coarse sugar on top for a sparkling finish and added texture, but this is optional.
- The pies are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in an oven to maintain crispness.
