There’s something truly special about a classic Strawberry Pie — it’s the heart of summer wrapped in a flaky crust, bursting with sweet, juicy berries and shimmering with a glossy strawberry glaze. This pie is the kind of dessert that turns heads at potlucks, brings smiles to family dinners, and always delivers those “just one more slice” moments. It is simple to make, stunning on the table, and the flavor is pure, vibrant strawberry, making each bite feel like a sweet celebration of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
How to Make Strawberry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Begin by whisking the granulated sugar and cornstarch together in a medium saucepan. This dry mix ensures no lumps remain in your glaze. Slowly pour in the water while continuing to whisk, then place the pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns bubbly — this usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for a glossy, pourable texture that will coat the berries beautifully.
Step 2: Add the Strawberry Gelatin
Once your glaze base has thickened, remove it from the heat. Immediately stir in the strawberry gelatin until it is fully dissolved. Not only does this give the glaze a gorgeous, ruby red hue, but it also intensifies the strawberry flavor and helps the filling set perfectly. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t soften the pie crust or cook the strawberries.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Arrange half of your freshly hulled and halved strawberries in the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust. Don’t worry about perfection here — just spread them evenly. Pour half of your cooled gelatin glaze over the berries, making sure every berry gets coated. Repeat with the remaining strawberries and glaze, gently nudging the berries to ensure every nook is filled. This double-layer approach means every slice is packed with berries and covered in that sweet, shimmering glaze.
Step 4: Chill Until Set
Pop your pie into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours — this is when the magic happens! As the Strawberry Pie chills, the glaze will fully set, binding the berries together. The wait is always the hardest part, but it makes slicing so much easier and allows the flavors to come together beautifully.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Right before serving, crown your beautiful pie with generous dollops of soft whipped cream. Whether you pipe fancy swirls or simply spoon it on, whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the glossy, fresh strawberry filling. Now, stand back and admire your masterpiece!
How to Serve Strawberry Pie
Garnishes
A slice of Strawberry Pie is gorgeous all on its own, but a few finishing touches take it over the top. Try adding extra halved strawberries, a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest for a citrusy hit, or even delicate mint leaves for a fresh pop of color. Of course, nothing beats a cloud of pillowy whipped cream — it’s a must!
Side Dishes
This pie is deliciously light and fruity, so it pairs well with equally bright and refreshing sides. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to cool things down, or offer a platter of mixed summer berries on the side for guests to nibble. If you’re hosting a backyard picnic, a crisp glass of lemonade or a chilled glass of rosé really lets the strawberry flavors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try individual mini pies using tartlet pans or mason jars — perfect for parties or picnics. You can also layer slices in a parfait glass with whipped cream for a lazy-day trifle. For an extra twist, drizzle balsamic glaze over each serving (trust me!), or sprinkle toasted almonds for a bit of crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Pie loosely covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, although the crust may soften slightly from the berry juices. Make sure to keep whipped cream separate and add fresh dollops just before serving.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze whole or sliced pie if needed. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to one month. Be aware that the texture of the berries may soften after thawing, and the crust can become a bit more tender, but the flavor remains irresistible.
Reheating
Strawberry Pie is typically served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve frozen your pie, allow it to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. For best results, top with freshly whipped cream just before serving for that classic creamy touch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Pie?
You can, but fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Frozen berries tend to release more liquid and can make the pie filling a bit watery.
What kind of pie crust works best?
A classic flaky pastry crust is always a winner, but if you love extra sweetness, a graham cracker crust is a fantastic substitute. Both hold up well to the juicy filling.
Can I make Strawberry Pie the day before?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the pie plenty of time to set up in the fridge. Just add the whipped cream topping right before serving for the freshest result.
How do I keep my pie from getting soggy?
Make sure your glaze has cooled a bit before pouring over the strawberries, and always start with a well-baked, fully cooled crust. A thin layer of melted chocolate brushed onto the crust can also help prevent sogginess if you wish!
Can I use different fruits in this pie?
Definitely! While strawberries are the star, you can swap in raspberries or sliced peaches for a fun variation. Just remember, the classic version is called Strawberry Pie for a reason!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious, Strawberry Pie is the one to try! Each slice is bursting with fresh berry flavor, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Gather your berries, whip up that gorgeous glaze, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of summer magic.
Print
Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake with Stovetop Filling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of a homemade Strawberry Pie, a perfect summer dessert that combines the freshness of ripe strawberries with a light and luscious gelatin filling, all nestled in a flaky pie crust.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Create the Gelatin Mixture: In a medium saucepan, whisk sugar and cornstarch. Slowly add water and cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in strawberry gelatin until dissolved, and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pie: Arrange half of the strawberries in the pie crust, pour half of the gelatin mixture over them, then repeat with remaining strawberries and gelatin. Chill for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ripe strawberries.
- You can substitute a graham cracker crust for a sweeter variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 165mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
