If you have a soft spot for bright, juicy berries and crave a pie that bursts with fresh flavor and vibrant color, then you are going to absolutely adore Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe. This classic American dessert is the perfect blend of sweet strawberries nestled in a glossy gelatin glaze, all resting on a flaky pie crust. It’s refreshingly light, beautifully simple, and offers that nostalgic taste that makes every bite feel like a summer celebration. Whether you’re serving a family gathering or just treating yourself, this strawberry pie is a timeless delight you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the pre-baked pie crust providing a buttery foundation, to the fresh strawberries that give the pie its irresistible pop of color and natural sweetness. The gelatin and cornstarch work together to create that signature glossy, firm yet tender filling that holds everything beautifully in place.
- Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: Use homemade for extra love or a quality store-bought crust to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances the tartness of the strawberries ensuring the filling is perfectly sweet.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Thickens the filling to the perfect consistency so the pie slices cleanly.
- Water (1 cup): Acts as the base for dissolving the gelatin and sugar, giving the pie its smooth texture.
- Strawberry gelatin (1 package, 3 oz): Adds vibrant color, a hint of strawberry flavor, and that signature jelly-like finish.
- Fresh strawberries (4 cups, hulled and halved): Choose the sweetest, ripest berries for maximum flavor and beautiful presentation.
- Whipped cream (optional): A light, airy topping that complements the sweetness and richness of the pie.
How to Make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin Mixture
Start by combining the sugar, cornstarch, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the ingredients constantly as the mixture warms—it’s crucial to avoid lumps and ensure everything dissolves smoothly. After about 5 to 7 minutes, the filling will thicken and become translucent, signaling it’s ready. Take it off the heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until it dissolves completely. This combination gives your pie that enticing glossy sheen and delightful firmness once chilled.
Step 2: Cool the Mixture
Let your hot gelatin mixture sit for about 15 minutes to cool slightly. Be careful not to let it set; it needs to stay pourable but not steaming hot, so it won’t cook or wilt the fresh strawberries you’re about to add. This step ensures the perfect texture, blending the fresh fruit with the silky glaze.
Step 3: Arrange the Strawberries in the Pie Crust
While the gelatin cools, arrange the hulled and halved strawberries cut side down in your pre-baked pie crust. Position them snugly to fill the crust evenly, creating a lovely, textured surface that will shine through the glossy gelatin topping. This step transforms the pie into a stunning visual centerpiece.
Step 4: Pour the Gelatin Over the Fruit
Gently pour your slightly cooled gelatin mixture over the arranged strawberries, tilting the pie pan for even coverage. This step is where all the magic happens—those bright strawberries get beautifully coated and suspended in a shimmering glaze that sets into a luscious, firm filling once refrigerated.
Step 5: Chill Until Fully Set
Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours. This wait time lets the filling firm up perfectly, melding flavors and textures into a harmonious treat. It’s worth the patience because you’ll want a clean slice that holds together with all those juicy strawberries perfectly embedded.
How to Serve Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate the charm of this pie is by adding a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream just before serving. The light creaminess balances out the gelatine’s firmness and the natural sweetness of the strawberries. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for a perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve alongside tea sandwiches or a light citrus salad to add a fresh contrast to the sweet, fruity pie experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try slicing the pie into individual mini servings in clear cups for a darling presentation. You can also layer slices with whipped cream parfait-style in tall glasses, adding crushed graham crackers or almonds for a delightful texture contrast. The vibrant red of the strawberries always adds a festive pop of color wherever you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strawberry pie covered in the refrigerator, ideally wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This will preserve the freshness of the strawberries and keep the gelatin from drying out. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy leftovers within 2 days.
Freezing
Because of the fresh strawberries and gelatin, this pie doesn’t freeze well—the texture of the fruit becomes watery and the gelatin loses its smoothness. It’s best to prepare this pie fresh and enjoy it within a couple of days for peak deliciousness.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled and should not be reheated. The gelatin filling and fresh fruit will lose their charm if warmed, so keep it cold, slice it, and savor each bite as is.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe since they hold their shape and texture better. Frozen strawberries release excess water when thawed, which can make the filling runny and affect the pie’s structure.
Is it necessary to use a pre-baked pie crust?
Yes, pre-baking the crust ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy once the gelatin filling is added. Whether homemade or store-bought, a baked crust is essential for the best texture.
Can I substitute the strawberry gelatin for another flavor?
You can try other flavors like raspberry or cherry gelatin, but strawberry really enhances the natural berry flavor in this recipe, complementing the fresh fruit perfectly. Experiment with caution to keep the pie’s signature taste.
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
A minimum of 4 hours is necessary to let the gelatin set firmly. For best results, chill overnight so the flavors meld wonderfully and the filling is perfectly set.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use a gelatin brand made from non-animal sources or vegetarian gelatin substitutes if preferred.
Final Thoughts
Making Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is like capturing the essence of summer in a slice. It’s easy, refreshing, and absolutely show-stopping with its glossy, jewel-toned strawberries and crisp crust. I promise once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite dessert that everyone will ask for again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of this classic strawberry pie!
Print
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful American dessert featuring a crisp pre-baked pie crust filled with fresh, juicy strawberries coated in a sweet, translucent strawberry gelatin glaze. This easy-to-make pie offers a perfect balance of fruity freshness and creamy texture, making it an ideal summer treat that can be enjoyed chilled with optional whipped cream topping.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
Topping (Optional)
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Gelatin Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Stir in the strawberry gelatin into the hot mixture until it fully dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes, but ensure it does not set.
- Arrange Strawberries: Place the fresh strawberries cut side down evenly into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Pour Gelatin Over Strawberries: Carefully pour the slightly cooled gelatin mixture over the arranged strawberries, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Chill Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin filling is fully set.
- Serve: Serve the pie chilled, optionally topped with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess and flair.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe, sweet strawberries at their peak of freshness.
- Slice the strawberries smaller if you prefer a more even berry distribution in each slice.
- This pie is best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness and texture.
