Name: Brown Butter Strawberry Crumble Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 9-inch pie dough (homemade or store-bought); 1 egg; 1 Tablespoon water (for egg wash); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 2 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced in half; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon); 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of Kosher salt; Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

If you adore the sweet freshness of strawberries combined with a rich, nutty twist, then you are absolutely going to love this Brown Butter Strawberry Crumble Pie Recipe. It’s a stunning dessert that brings together buttery, caramelized notes with the light tartness of ripe strawberries, all nestled under a delectably crisp crumble topping. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or treating yourself, this recipe turns a simple summer fruit into a spectacular centerpiece that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface with a pink tone. There is one white shallow bowl in the center filled with bright red strawberries, fresh and shiny with green leaves on top. To the top right of the strawberries is a white plate holding six pieces of off-white butter squares. Near it, a small cup contains a raw egg yolk and white. Around these, various small white bowls and a wooden bowl hold white sugar, brown sugar, oats, salt, and a white powdery substance. A wooden spoon with some flour is placed near the oats bowl. Two strawberry fruits are on the surface next to the bowls. At the bottom, a small white cup contains a light brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. White eggshells and a white cloth are at the patch on the right side of the image. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this pie are delightfully straightforward yet essential to creating that perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of richness, sweetness, and freshness that shine through in every bite.

1 9-inch pie dough: Your buttery base—homemade or store-bought both work beautifully to cradle the filling.
1 egg: Whisked for that gorgeous golden egg wash that gives the crust and edges a glossy finish.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: The star of brown butter magic that adds deep, caramelized notes to the crumble.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the crumble topping, keeping it crisp yet tender.
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats: Adds that delightful chewiness and texture contrast.
1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the crumble gently without overpowering.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings molasses richness that complements the browned butter.
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 pounds strawberries: Hulled and halved for a fresh, juicy filling bursting with natural sweetness.
3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the filling while working with the berries’ own tartness.
1/4 cup cornstarch: The secret to thickening your strawberry filling perfectly without it becoming runny.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds bright citrus notes, lifting the fruit flavors beautifully.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the strawberry mixture.
Pinch of Kosher salt: Enhances the filling’s overall flavor.
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional): Perfect for serving, to add a cool, creamy contrast.

How to Make Brown Butter Strawberry Crumble Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Roll out your pie dough into a 12-inch circle, then gently transfer it to your pie plate. If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply unroll and fit it into the plate. Crimp the edges either with your fingers or fork tines for a charming, rustic look. Pop it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to chill and firm up while you prepare the rest—this ensures a flaky, crisp shell!

Step 2: Make the Egg Wash

Whisk together the egg with one tablespoon of water. This simple egg wash will give your crust a beautiful golden shine and help seal the base a bit when you use it later.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 425°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet on the lower third rack to heat. This preheating trick helps achieve a wonderfully crisp bottom crust by giving it immediate heat from below.

Step 4: Brown the Butter for Streusel

Melt your butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. Keep stirring as it simmers and foams. You’ll notice the butter gradually turning a deep golden color with those irresistible brown bits forming on the bottom—that’s where the magic happens. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning, then pour into a heatproof bowl so it cools slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping

Mix flour, oats, sugar, brown sugar, and salt together in a small bowl. Add four tablespoons of the warm brown butter and gently toss with a fork or your fingers until it forms coarse crumbs. The crumble should hold together lightly when squeezed but remain crumbly—if it’s too dry, add more browned butter a tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Filling

In a large bowl, toss the hulled and halved strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. This ensures a juicy but not watery filling that holds together beautifully.

Step 7: Assemble the Pie

Take your chilled pie dough and brush the bottom and sides lightly with the egg wash. Sprinkle a small handful of the crumble on the bottom—this acts as a barrier to absorb excess juices and keeps the crust delightfully crisp. Pour the strawberry filling over the crumble, leaving behind any extra liquid for a perfect texture balance. Top evenly with the remaining crumble topping for that irresistible golden finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place your pie on the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the filling bubbles vigorously, the crust is beautifully golden, and the crumble topping is crisp and caramelized. Allow it to cool fully before slicing to let the filling set perfectly.

How to Serve Brown Butter Strawberry Crumble Pie Recipe

A round tart with a golden brown crust sits in a metal pie pan, with three slices removed and placed on small white plates around it. The tart has a bright red strawberry filling visible under a crumbly golden brown oat topping, creating a textured look with bits of strawberry peeking through. Fresh red strawberries with green tops are scattered on a white marbled surface around the plates. Two silver forks and a silver pie server with ornate handles lie near the plates and tart. The setting is bright with a soft pink background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This pie shines on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates it into pure indulgence. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty, fresh touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your pie with a light, crisp salad of mixed greens and citrus vinaigrette or enjoy it alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. This dessert complements simple sides perfectly, letting the pie be the star.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Brown Butter Strawberry Crumble Pie Recipe in individual ramekins or mini tart pans for personal-sized treats. You can also layer the filling and crumble in a trifle dish for a stunning presentation that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a slice or two after the initial feast.

Freezing

This pie freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat pie slices in a warm oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. A quick reheat brings back that just-baked aroma and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, frozen can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to limit extra moisture that could make the pie runny.

Is it necessary to brown the butter for the crumble?

Browning the butter adds a wonderful nutty richness to the crumble topping that plain melted butter simply can’t match. It’s worth the extra step for that deep caramelized flavor.

Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Absolutely! Making your own pie dough adds a lovely personal touch, and it pairs perfectly with the fruit filling. Just be sure to chill the dough well before rolling it out.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Sprinkling some of the crumble topping on the bottom crust before adding the fruit filling helps absorb extra juices, ensuring a crisp, non-soggy base every time.

What if my crumble topping is too dry or too wet?

If it’s too dry, add additional brown butter a tablespoon at a time until it holds lightly. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour or oats to help balance moisture and maintain crumbly texture.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Strawberry Crumble Pie Recipe truly brings together the best of summer’s bounty and comforting dessert flavors in one irresistible pie. From the nutty brown butter crumble to the luscious strawberry filling, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the delicious memories it creates!