If you’re hunting for a fresh, vibrant dessert that captures the very essence of summer, look no further than this Strawberry Pie. Imagine plump, juicy strawberries nestled in a sparkling, jewel-bright glaze, all tucked inside a golden, flaky crust. Each bite is sweet, slightly tangy, and bursting with real fruit flavor—the kind of treat that has neighbors “just dropping by” and friends begging for the recipe. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or as a spontaneous afternoon delight, this Strawberry Pie will become the irresistible centerpiece of your summer table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Pie:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons strawberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Pie
Step 1: Make the Glaze
Start by whisking together the granulated sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. This little step prevents lumpy filling later, so don’t skip it! Add the water and cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Within about five to seven minutes, you’ll see it thicken up and start to bubble. Remove from the heat, then stir in the strawberry gelatin until everything is a gorgeous, smooth ruby-red syrup. Let this mixture cool off to just warmer than room temperature—you don’t want to wilt the strawberries when you pour it on!
Step 2: Prep the Strawberries and Pie Crust
While your glaze is cooling, hull and halve those beautiful fresh strawberries. Arrange them cut-side down across your pre-baked pie crust in a single layer or get creative and build up a tall, berry-filled pile. This is where you can make your pie look truly spectacular, so take your time!
Step 3: Pour the Gelatin Mixture Over the Berries
Carefully pour the slightly cooled gelatin mixture over the strawberries, making sure each berry gets coated and the bright glaze seeps into every little nook. The filling will gently settle around the fruit, locking in all those summery juices and flavors.
Step 4: Chill the Pie
Pop the whole pie into the refrigerator for at least four hours, or until it’s completely set. Patience is key here—the pie needs time to firm up so you can slice it cleanly (and so it tastes refreshing and cool). Hint: chilling overnight works great if you want to make it ahead for a party or picnic!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, add billowy clouds of whipped cream as a perfect finishing touch. This is also the time to sprinkle on a few mint leaves or extra berry slices for a showstopping effect—then slice, serve, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Strawberry Pie
Garnishes
Top each slice with a generous swoosh of whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a dreamy finish. If you want to go the extra mile, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a handful of toasted sliced almonds adds a wonderful crunch and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Pie shines alongside a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of lemon sorbet, or a handful of fresh mixed berries. For coffee lovers, a hot cup of espresso or iced latte is the perfect match for its sweet-tart notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving mini Strawberry Pie tartlets at your next garden party, or layer slices with vanilla pudding in clear glasses for a stunning parfait. If you’re feeling extra fun, cut the pie into cubes and skewer them with fresh strawberries and marshmallows for a picnic-friendly treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Strawberry Pie in the refrigerator, loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, ensuring that the crust stays crisp and the berries remain fresh and juicy.
Freezing
Although freezing a Strawberry Pie isn’t ideal (the gelatin filling tends to break down and turn watery upon thawing), you can freeze the baked pie crust or extra strawberries for later use. For best quality, enjoy this pie fresh or within a day or two of making it.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary! Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing if it’s been in the fridge a while, to take off the chill without losing that lovely set texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, but in a pinch, you can use frozen berries—just thaw and drain them well first, as they tend to release more juice after freezing.
What type Dessert
Both a classic buttery pastry crust and a graham cracker crust are delicious with Strawberry Pie. For added flavor, try brushing the crust with a thin layer of melted white chocolate before adding the berries and filling!
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure your pie crust is fully baked and cooled before assembling. A thin spread of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar on the crust also acts as a protective layer if you’re worried about sogginess.
Can I make this Strawberry Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best made a few hours ahead to allow the filling to set properly. Prepare it the night before your gathering, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly or choose a sugar-free strawberry gelatin. For extra tartness, a squeeze of lemon juice in the glaze brightens things up beautifully without extra sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that once you’ve tasted this Strawberry Pie, it’ll be on repeat all summer long. The bright, fresh berries and shimmering glaze create pure dessert magic—so go ahead, give it a try, and share the happiness one slice at a time!
Print
Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with cooked filling)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the fresh flavors of summer with this delightful Strawberry Pie. A sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons strawberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Cook until thickened. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Add the water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in gelatin and cool. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Arrange strawberries and pour gelatin mixture. Arrange the fresh strawberries evenly in the pre-baked pie crust. Pour the gelatin mixture over the strawberries, making sure all the fruit is coated.
- Chill and serve. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until set. Serve chilled with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the gelatin mixture.
- You can also use a graham cracker crust for a sweeter twist.
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