When the sweet, sunny days of summer finally roll around, nothing beats the classic Fresh Strawberry Pie. With its vibrant red berries nestled in a shiny, sweet glaze and tucked inside a perfectly crisp crust, this dessert simply tastes like joy. Every bite captures the burst of just-picked strawberries, balanced perfectly by a melt-in-your-mouth crust and a nostalgic hint of strawberry gelatin. This is a pie that demands to be the centerpiece of any gathering—easy enough for a weekday treat, yet gorgeous enough for the weekend’s grand finale. If you love making the most of the season’s best fruit, this is the dessert you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pie:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (such as Jell-O)
Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start with a medium saucepan and whisk together your sugar and cornstarch—this ensures there are no lumps in your glaze. Slowly pour in the water while whisking, then place the pan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture heats up and begins to thicken; in just a minute or two at a boil, you’ll see it transform into a glossy, clear base. Once it thickens, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until it’s fully dissolved. Let the glaze cool for about 10 to 15 minutes, so it doesn’t wilt your berries when you assemble the pie.
Step 2: Arrange the Strawberries
While the glaze is cooling, take your time arranging the fresh strawberries evenly in the pre-baked pie crust. Place the cut sides down for a beautiful, jewel-like effect, or create a rustic pile—either way, you want to make sure the berries fill the crust generously and evenly for the perfect bite every time.
Step 3: Glaze and Chill
Once your glaze is no longer steaming hot, gently pour it over your arranged strawberries. Use a spoon or spatula to help the glaze settle around and over the fruit, making sure every berry is coated and glistening. Place your Fresh Strawberry Pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours, allowing time for the glaze to fully set and the flavors to meld. Patience is key—it’s what makes those beautiful, clean slices possible!
Step 4: Serve and Savor
After the pie has chilled and firmed up, it’s ready to slice. Add a generous swirl of whipped cream if you’d like, cut yourself a big piece, and enjoy your homemade celebration of summer’s sweetest strawberries.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie
Garnishes
Give each slice that extra flourish by topping it with a big dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a burst of color, a few extra sliced strawberries or grated white chocolate make for a show-stopping finish. A sprig of fresh mint adds a lovely touch and a hint of green that makes the red berries pop.
Side Dishes
This pie goes beautifully with just about any light summer dish. Try pairing it with a crisp arugula salad or delicate tea sandwiches for a charming brunch. For a truly decadent dessert moment, serve alongside a chilled glass of Moscato or lemonade—perfection on a hot day.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Fresh Strawberry Pie at your next gathering by making mini pies in muffin tins for a personal-sized treat. Or, serve it open-faced on a rustic wooden board with extra berries and whipped cream on the side, letting guests build their own slices. Don’t forget: dusting the crust with powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction can take your presentation to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover slices (which rarely happens!), simply cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 2 to 3 days, staying crisp and fresh for those late-night cravings.
Freezing
While Fresh Strawberry Pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap well in plastic wrap and foil. The texture of the strawberries and glaze may soften upon thawing, but it will still taste delicious!
Reheating
This pie is meant to be eaten chilled, so skip reheating. If you’ve frozen your slices, just let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. They’ll be ready to enjoy without any extra effort.
FAQs
Can I use a graham cracker or shortbread crust instead of traditional pie crust?
Absolutely! Both graham cracker and shortbread crusts add a delightful twist to Fresh Strawberry Pie, lending extra flavor and crunch. Just make sure they’re fully pre-baked and cooled before filling with berries and glaze.
Do I need to use strawberry gelatin, or can I substitute with another flavor?
Strawberry gelatin truly amplifies the berry flavor and color, but if you can’t find it, raspberry gelatin is a good backup. However, the classic taste of Fresh Strawberry Pie comes from using strawberry gelatin, so use it if you can!
What’s the best way to hull strawberries quickly?
A small paring knife or a dedicated strawberry huller makes quick work of removing the green tops. Push the tool or knife under the leafy cap at an angle and pop it right out, keeping as much of the juicy berry intact as possible.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Definitely! Prep the entire Fresh Strawberry Pie one day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until ready to serve. For the crispiest crust, assemble the pie on the day you plan to eat it, but the glaze and crust can be prepped ahead of time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe is not gluten-free due to the pie crust. However, you can use your favorite gluten-free pie crust or a gluten-free cookie crust for a delicious and allergy-friendly adaptation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to share a little extra sunshine at your table, this Fresh Strawberry Pie is the ultimate answer. Every bite celebrates the very best of the season—simple, bright, and bursting with flavor. Gather your favorite berries, whip up this easy showstopper, and enjoy making memories one delicious slice at a time!
Print
Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop + No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of this Fresh Strawberry Pie, a perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion. Made with a luscious strawberry glaze and fresh berries, it’s a refreshing treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
Pie:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (such as Jell-O)
Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Pie Crust: Pre-bake the pie crust as per package instructions or recipe. Let it cool.
- Strawberry Glaze: In a saucepan, whisk sugar and cornstarch. Add water, boil until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in gelatin. Cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Assembly: Arrange strawberries in the pie crust. Pour cooled glaze over the berries. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use the freshest strawberries for optimal flavor.
- Prepare the glaze in advance for convenience.
- Alternative crusts like graham cracker or shortbread can be used.
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