If you have a fondness for bright, refreshing desserts that capture the essence of summer, this Strawberry Pie Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s a delightful harmony of juicy fresh strawberries nestled inside a crisp, buttery crust, all enveloped in a glossy, luscious strawberry gelatin filling that sets perfectly without baking. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dessert that’s not only beautiful but bursting with the true flavor of ripe strawberries. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a picnic, or just a sweet treat after dinner, this pie is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Strawberry Pie Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role. From the foundation of a flaky crust to the vibrant freshness of strawberries, every component adds texture, flavor, and that iconic red hue.
- Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: This provides a sturdy and buttery base that holds all the goodness, whether homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the gelatin mixture perfectly without overpowering the natural strawberry flavor.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Key to thickening the filling and giving it that ideal, spoonable texture.
- Water (1 cup): Combines with the sugar and cornstarch to form the luscious filling base.
- Strawberry gelatin (3 ounces): Adds a brilliant color and strawberry essence to amplify the fresh fruit.
- Fresh strawberries (1 quart): Hulled and halved, they’re the star of the show bringing juiciness and natural sweetness.
- Whipped cream (optional): The perfect airy topping to complement the richness of the pie.
How to Make Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the gelatin filling
Start by whisking together the sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Gradually add the water while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and turns clear, which usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because it creates the smooth, thick base that will set into a beautiful glossy finish.
Step 2: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin powder until it’s fully dissolved. This addition not only infuses the filling with extra strawberry flavor but also ensures the pie sets nicely once refrigerated. Let this mixture cool for 10 to 15 minutes to prevent the gelatin from melting the fresh berries when poured.
Step 3: Arrange the strawberries in the crust
While the gelatin mixture cools, arrange your hulled and halved strawberries evenly in the pre-baked pie crust. Feel free to pack them close together for a dense, colorful display or scatter them more loosely. For a subtle tang, you can toss the berries in a splash of lemon juice before placement.
Step 4: Pour the gelatin mixture over the strawberries
Slowly pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the strawberries, being careful to coat them evenly. The filling will seep into the crevices, highlighting every berry and enhancing the pie’s vibrant look. The filling will firm up as it chills, binding everything together into one delectable dessert.
Step 5: Chill until set
Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until fully set. This step is the most patient part of the process but well worth it, as it allows the flavors to meld and the pie to develop that signature, sliceable texture.
How to Serve Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of serving this Strawberry Pie Recipe is how it looks almost too good to eat, but adding a few garnishes gives it an extra wow factor. A generous dollop of whipped cream on each slice adds a creamy contrast to the fruity filling. Fresh mint leaves or a few whole strawberries on top can make the presentation even more inviting and fragrant.
Side Dishes
This strawberry pie pairs beautifully with light sides that won’t overpower its delicious sweetness. Consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. For an afternoon tea, lemon-flavored scones or simple buttered biscuits make great companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving individual strawberry pie cups by layering the filling and berries in small mason jars or clear dessert glasses. This not only looks elegant but also makes serving effortless. You can also brush the top berries with a light honey glaze before chilling for added shine and sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Strawberry Pie Recipe leftovers should be refrigerated promptly in an airtight container to keep the crust from becoming soggy and the berries fresh. It’s best enjoyed within two days to maintain the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this pie is not recommended due to the gelatin filling and fresh strawberries, which can lose their texture and become watery when thawed. For the best experience, prepare fresh or store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
Reheating
This Strawberry Pie Recipe is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If desired, allow any refrigerated leftovers to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the filling slightly for a more tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Pie Recipe?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if you drain them well and possibly reduce the sugar slightly to account for any extra sweetness. Just be aware the filling may turn out a bit more watery.
Is it necessary to prebake the pie crust?
Yes, prebaking the crust ensures it stays crisp and holds up against the gelatin filling. Using an unbaked crust can result in sogginess, which affects the overall pie quality.
Can I substitute the strawberry gelatin with fresh strawberry puree?
Fresh strawberry puree is delicious but won’t set as firmly without gelatin or another stabilizer. For this recipe’s signature texture, strawberry gelatin is key to achieving that glassy, sliceable finish.
How long does the pie keep in the refrigerator?
The pie is best enjoyed within two days when stored properly. Beyond that, the crust may become soggy, and the strawberries can release extra moisture, affecting taste and appearance.
Can I make this pie vegan or vegetarian-friendly?
This Strawberry Pie Recipe is naturally vegetarian since it uses gelatin, but it is not vegan. To make a vegan version, you could experiment with agar-agar or other plant-based gelling agents, though the texture and taste may vary.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the classic charm of this Strawberry Pie Recipe. It’s straightforward, uses lovely fresh ingredients, and brings a vibrant pop of color and flavor to any meal or celebration. I can promise you once you make it, this strawberry pie will quickly become a go-to dessert in your recipe collection. So grab those strawberries and get ready to impress everyone with this irresistibly delicious pie!
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Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic American dessert featuring a flaky 9-inch pre-baked pie crust filled with fresh, juicy strawberries and a sweet, glossy strawberry gelatin glaze. This easy-to-make strawberry pie is perfect for summer gatherings and can be topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pre-baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Optional Topping
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the thickened gelatin mixture: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch until combined. Gradually stir in the water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the mixture thickens and becomes clear, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin package until fully dissolved. Let this mixture cool slightly for 10 to 15 minutes to prevent melting the strawberries when assembled.
- Assemble the pie: Arrange the fresh strawberries evenly in the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust, making sure they lie flat and distribute evenly for balanced flavor and texture.
- Pour the gelatin glaze: Carefully pour the cooled gelatin mixture evenly over the strawberries, ensuring that all the berries are fully coated with the glaze to set the filling.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin filling is completely set and firm.
- Serve: Once set, slice the pie and serve chilled. Optionally, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and flavor enhancement.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toss the fresh strawberries with a splash of lemon juice before arranging them in the crust.
- This pie is best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the freshest texture and taste.
