Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

There’s just something magical about a Fresh Strawberry Pie. It’s sweet, juicy, and bursting with pure strawberry flavor — like a bite of sunshine in dessert form. This pie is wonderfully simple, requires no fancy ingredients, and takes surprisingly little time to make. With a buttery crust, a glossy strawberry glaze, and heaps of fresh berries, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat for spring and summer. Whether you’re entertaining or just want something bright and refreshing after dinner, this pie is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: No baking the filling, no complicated steps — just a straightforward, stress-free pie.
• Fresh and Light: This pie tastes like summer. It’s fruit-forward, not too sweet, and delightfully refreshing.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red strawberries glistening under the glaze are downright showstopping.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead: It needs chilling time, making it an ideal dessert to prep early in the day or even the night before.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Smaller berries tend to be juicier and fit better in the crust.
• Pie Crust: A pre-baked homemade or store-bought crust works great. Go with what saves you time — just make sure it’s crisp and golden.
• Sugar: Enhances the strawberries and sweetens the glaze just enough without overpowering the fruit.
• Cornstarch: Acts as the thickener for the strawberry glaze, creating that shiny, jammy finish.
• Strawberry Gelatin (like Jell-O): Adds extra flavor and that signature bright red color to the glaze.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and cornstarch into a smooth, pourable glaze.
• Whipped Cream (optional): Adds a rich, creamy contrast to the sweet-tart strawberries when serving.

Variations

• Mixed Berry Pie: Add in fresh blueberries or raspberries for a medley of summer flavors.
• Chocolate Crust: Swap the regular pie crust for a chocolate cookie crust for a delicious twist.
• Mini Pies: Use a muffin tin and mini crusts to create individual servings — fun and perfect for parties!
• Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar substitute and sugar-free gelatin for a lighter version.

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Bake your pie crust until golden and fully cooked. Let it cool completely — this helps keep the bottom from getting soggy once the filling goes in.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk it together and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thick and clear. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool slightly, but don’t let it set.

Step 3: Fill the Crust

Arrange your whole or halved strawberries, flat side down, in the cooled pie crust. Try to pack them in tightly for a full, high pie.

Step 4: Pour the Glaze

Slowly spoon or pour the glaze over the strawberries, coating each berry and letting it seep into the spaces. You want a nice, even coating.

Step 5: Chill

Place the pie in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until the glaze is fully set. The longer it chills, the easier it is to slice.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dry the Berries Thoroughly: After rinsing, pat your strawberries completely dry. Excess moisture can water down the glaze.
• Use Fresh Gelatin: Check the expiration date — old gelatin may not set properly.
• Pack the Berries Tightly: The more strawberries, the more structure and flavor your pie will have.
• Cool the Glaze Slightly: Don’t pour hot glaze over the strawberries, or they’ll cook and lose their texture.

How to Serve

This pie is best served chilled, with a generous swirl of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For an extra touch, garnish with mint leaves or a drizzle of melted chocolate. It’s a stunning centerpiece for brunch, picnics, or any warm-weather gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the pie covered and refrigerated. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, though the crust may soften slightly over time.

Freezing

This pie isn’t ideal for freezing due to the fresh strawberries and gelatin glaze. Freezing may cause the berries to become mushy when thawed.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This pie is meant to be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?
No, frozen strawberries release too much liquid and don’t hold their shape. Fresh is the way to go for both flavor and appearance.

Can I make this pie a day in advance?
Yes, and it’s actually better that way! The chilling time helps the glaze set fully and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What type of pie crust works best?
A traditional flaky pie crust is perfect, but a graham cracker or cookie crust works too if you’re short on time.

Can I skip the gelatin?
The gelatin gives the glaze its structure and sheen. If you’d rather avoid it, try a cornstarch-only glaze thickened with pureed strawberries, though it won’t be quite as glossy or firm.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Strawberry Pie is everything you want in a summer dessert — simple, stunning, and packed with flavor. It’s an absolute joy to make and even more satisfying to eat. Whether you’re serving it up for a gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So grab those juicy berries and enjoy every refreshing bite!

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