There’s nothing quite like the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries in a homemade pie. This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a nostalgic favorite, bringing back memories of classic diner desserts. With a crisp, buttery crust and a glossy strawberry glaze, this pie is as beautiful as it is delicious.
I first tasted this pie during a road trip stop at a Big Boy restaurant, and I was hooked from the first bite. The balance of fresh berries and sweet, tangy filling was absolutely perfect. Now, it’s a go-to dessert in my kitchen whenever strawberries are in season.
Why You'll Love This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible.
This pie is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Unlike heavily processed desserts, this recipe keeps the natural sweetness and vibrant taste of real strawberries front and center.
It’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a showstopping dessert in no time.
Not to mention, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a summer gathering, or simply craving something sweet, this pie is always a hit.
Finally, this recipe is light and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for warm-weather desserts. No heavy creams or complicated fillings—just pure strawberry goodness.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this pie is in its simple, fresh ingredients, each contributing to its delicious flavor and perfect texture.
The strawberries are the star of this pie, so using ripe, in-season berries makes all the difference. Look for bright red, firm strawberries with a natural sweetness.
For the pie crust, a classic buttery crust works best, providing a flaky contrast to the soft filling. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience or make a homemade one for extra flavor.
The strawberry glaze is made with a combination of sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin. This not only enhances the strawberry flavor but also gives the filling that signature glossy finish.
A touch of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the glaze, bringing out the natural tartness of the strawberries.
For the best presentation and texture, allow the pie to chill completely before serving. A few hours in the fridge ensures a firm, sliceable consistency.
How To Make This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Creating this stunning pie is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to bring it to life.
Start by preparing your pie crust. If using a store-bought crust, bake it according to package instructions. If making homemade, roll out the dough, place it in a pie dish, and blind bake until golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
While the crust cools, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent. Remove from heat and whisk in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Next, prepare the strawberries. Wash and hull the berries, then slice them in half or quarters, depending on their size. Arrange them in the cooled pie crust, ensuring even distribution.
Gently pour the cooled strawberry glaze over the berries, making sure they are evenly coated. The glaze will seep between the layers, binding everything together beautifully.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours, allowing the glaze to set completely. Once chilled, slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Storage Options
This pie is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Avoid freezing, as the fresh strawberries and gelatin glaze don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. The texture can become watery and less appealing.
For the best results, always serve the pie chilled straight from the refrigerator.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun variations you can try.
For a chocolate twist, brush the baked crust with melted chocolate before adding the strawberries. This adds a delicious depth of flavor and prevents the crust from getting soggy.
If strawberries aren’t in season, try using mixed berries instead. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries work wonderfully with the same glaze recipe.
Want to make it sugar-free? Swap out the sugar for a sugar substitute and use sugar-free gelatin to cut down on sweetness while keeping the same great flavor.
For a creamier version, add a layer of sweetened cream cheese or vanilla pudding before adding the strawberries. This gives the pie a luscious, indulgent texture.
This pie is one you’ll come back to time and time again. With its simple ingredients and incredible flavor, it’s a classic that never goes out of style. Enjoy!
PrintBig Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delicious dessert featuring a flaky pie crust filled with fresh, juicy strawberries and a sweet, glossy glaze. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for summer gatherings and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (except for the crust)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Arrange the fresh strawberries evenly in the baked pie crust.
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in strawberry gelatin until dissolved. Let it cool slightly.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the strawberries in the pie crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring to prevent a soggy crust.
- Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 120mg
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