If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that bursts with vibrant color, fresh flavor, and a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. It combines juicy, ripe strawberries with a luscious, glossy glaze all nestled in a perfectly baked, flaky crust. Whether you’re serving it up for a family gathering, a summertime celebration, or just because you deserve a little fruity indulgence, this pie promises to wow every time with its simple yet irresistible charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each component plays an essential role: the crisp pie crust forms the sturdy base, the fresh strawberries add that natural sweetness and vibrant red color, and the glaze ties everything together with a perfect shine and gentle sweetness.
- Pie crust (Marie Callender frozen or your favorite): Provides a buttery, flaky foundation that holds all the delicious fillings beautifully.
- Fresh strawberries (2 pounds): Choose bright, ripe berries for the best flavor and texture in your pie.
- Strawberry jello powder (3 oz packet): Adds a sweet, fruity glaze that enhances the strawberries and keeps them fresh.
- Sugar (½ cup): Balances the tartness of the strawberries and the jello, adjustable to your preferred sweetness.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the glaze for that perfect consistency that holds the berries together.
- Water (1 cup): Helps dissolve the jello powder and sugar, creating the base for the glossy glaze.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by thawing your Marie Callender pie crust for about 10 minutes. Once soft, use a fork to poke holes all over the crust—this prevents bubbles during baking and helps it cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown shade. Let it cool completely to ensure the glaze won’t melt your crust later on.
Step 2: Wash and Prep the Strawberries
While the crust bakes and cools, wash your strawberries thoroughly. Let them soak in a bowl of water for a few minutes to freshen up, then drain well. Pat them dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture—this is crucial so your glaze will set nicely. Don’t forget to remove the leaves before arranging them on the pie.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small pot, combine the strawberry jello powder, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir all the ingredients together until smooth. Turn the heat to low or medium and keep stirring continuously until the mixture bubbles and thickens into a shiny glaze. Once thickened, remove the pot from heat and allow the glaze to cool to room temperature. This glaze will give the pie that irresistible sheen and help keep the strawberries fresh and juicy.
Step 4: Assemble Your Fresh Strawberry Pie
Lay the prepared fresh strawberries evenly across your cooled pie crust. Arrange them nicely because presentation counts, and this pie is as beautiful as it is tasty. When the glaze has cooled but hasn’t set solid, pour it gently over the strawberries—this step seals in the freshness and adds a sweet, glossy finish that makes everyone’s mouth water.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your strawberry pie even further, sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves on top or dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. A dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice also adds a creamy contrast that complements the juicy strawberries beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments like vanilla ice cream or a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt. The coolness and richness help balance the sweetness and provide a delightful texture variety—making every bite more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve mini versions of this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe in individual tart pans or clear glasses layered with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers. It’s a charming way to impress guests and perfect for celebrations where you want to offer a variety of desserts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your leftover strawberry pie tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days, but for the best texture and flavor, it’s wonderful eaten fresh the same day you make it.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruit and gelatin glaze, freezing is not recommended for this pie—it can alter the texture of the strawberries and make the crust soggy when thawed. If you want to prep ahead, consider freezing just the baked crust and assembling the pie right before serving.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer, let the pie sit out for 10 to 15 minutes after taking it from the fridge to soften slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of a frozen one?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a lovely personal touch and can be tailored to your preferred crispiness and flavor. Just make sure it’s fully baked and cooled before adding the strawberries and glaze.
What can I substitute for strawberry jello powder?
If you don’t have strawberry jello powder, you can try a clear fruit glaze mixed with fresh strawberry puree or a simple homemade glaze using gelatin and sugar. The key is achieving that glossy finish that keeps the berries fresh and beautifully coated.
How can I ensure my crust stays crisp?
Blind baking the crust and letting it cool completely before adding the filling helps keep it crisp. You can also brush the baked crust lightly with melted white chocolate or egg wash before cooling to create a moisture barrier.
Can this pie be made with other fruits?
Definitely! This method works wonderfully with many fresh fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just choose a complementary jello flavor or a neutral glaze for the best results.
How sweet is the pie? Can I adjust the sugar?
The sweetness level is totally customizable. The recipe calls for ½ cup sugar, but you can add more or less depending on your taste and the natural sweetness of your strawberries. Tasting the glaze before pouring can guide your adjustment.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a fresh, vibrant slice of strawberry pie made with love and simple ingredients. This Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is a shining example of how easy it is to bring summer flavors into your kitchen and onto your table. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your dessert rotation!
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Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This Fresh Strawberry Pie features a flaky baked pie crust filled with plump, juicy strawberries and a glossy homemade strawberry glaze made from strawberry jello powder, sugar, cornstarch, and water. It’s a vibrant and refreshing dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 Marie Callender frozen pie crust (or any preferred brand, thawed)
Filling
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries
- 1 small (3 oz) package strawberry jello powder
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Thaw the Marie Callender pie crust for 10 minutes before baking. Use a fork to poke holes evenly across the crust to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Bake the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the pie crust in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Wash and Prep Strawberries: Rinse 2 pounds of fresh strawberries in a bowl of water, letting them soak briefly. Drain and pat dry with paper towels, then remove the leaves from the strawberries.
- Make the Strawberry Glaze: In a pot, combine the 3 oz strawberry jello powder, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 cup water. Stir well to dissolve all ingredients. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring continuously until it bubbles and thickens into a glaze.
- Cool the Glaze: Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool to room temperature to avoid wilting the strawberries.
- Assemble the Pie: Arrange the prepared fresh strawberries evenly over the cooled baked pie crust.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the cooled strawberry glaze gently over the arranged strawberries to coat them and hold the filling together.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sugar in the glaze depending on your preferred sweetness.
- Make sure the pie crust is fully cooled before adding strawberries and glaze to prevent sogginess.
- If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen strawberries can be used but drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- This pie is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- For a firmer glaze, allow the pie to chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
