Name: Easy Strawberry Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487036H12M40S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pre-made graham cracker crust or pie crust (store-bought or homemade) 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for extra richness) 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O (or other fruit-flavored gelatin) 1 cup water 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling) Whipped cream or whipped topping (optional, for garnish) Extra strawberry slices (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Strawberry Pie is a dream come true for anyone who loves strawberries. The combination of sweet, ripe strawberries with a smooth, fruity filling and a crisp, buttery crust is hard to beat. It’s light, refreshing, and perfectly sweet, with minimal effort required. Plus, this no-bake pie means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or just looking for a quick, delightful dessert, this pie will be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 pre-made graham cracker crust or pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for extra richness)

For the Filling:

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O (or other fruit-flavored gelatin)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)

For the Topping:

Whipped cream or whipped topping (optional, for garnish)
Extra strawberry slices (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture begins to boil, add the strawberry Jell-O and stir until it’s completely dissolved.
- If you want a thicker filling, whisk in the cornstarch at this stage and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Pie:
- Arrange the halved strawberries in a single layer in the bottom of the pie crust, cut side down.
- Once the filling has cooled for a few minutes but is still pourable, pour the gelatin mixture over the strawberries in the pie crust.
- Gently shake the pie to make sure the filling settles evenly around the strawberries.
Chill the Pie:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or until the filling has set and the pie is firm.
Serve:
- Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with extra strawberry slices, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This Easy Strawberry Pie serves about 8 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and chilling time is at least 2-3 hours. Total time to make and enjoy this dessert is around 3-3.5 hours.

Variations

Use Fresh or Frozen Fruit: While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just thaw and drain them well before using.
Different Pie Crust: Feel free to swap the graham cracker crust for a traditional pie crust if you prefer. You can also use a shortbread crust for extra flavor.
Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free Jell-O and a sugar substitute to make a low-sugar version of this pie.
Whipped Cream Filling: For a more indulgent pie, you can fold some whipped cream into the gelatin mixture before pouring it into the crust for a creamier filling.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover strawberry pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This pie is best served cold, and it will maintain its texture and flavor as long as it’s stored properly. It’s not recommended to freeze this pie, as the gelatin filling may lose its consistency upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare it the day before, let it chill in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to serve the next day.

Can I use other fruits in this pie?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. For a mixed fruit version, simply combine your favorite berries.

Can I use a homemade crust?

Yes, you can use a homemade pie crust instead of a pre-made one. Simply bake the crust according to the recipe instructions and allow it to cool before adding the filling.

How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?

Make sure to allow the gelatin filling to cool slightly before pouring it over the strawberries. This will prevent it from being too liquidy and give it time to firm up as it chills.

Can I add a cream cheese layer to this pie?

Yes, you can make this pie even more decadent by adding a layer of sweetened cream cheese under the strawberries. Simply beat 8 oz of cream cheese with ¼ cup powdered sugar and spread it evenly in the pie crust before adding the strawberries.

How do I make the crust extra crispy?

If you’re using a graham cracker crust, you can brush the bottom with melted butter and bake it for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to give it a little extra crispiness.

Can I use gelatin in a different flavor?

Yes! While strawberry Jell-O is traditional, you can use other fruit-flavored gelatin (like raspberry, blueberry, or even lemon) to create a different flavor for your pie.

How do I keep the strawberries from sinking?

Arrange the strawberries neatly in the crust before pouring the gelatin mixture over them. The gelatin will set around the strawberries, keeping them in place.

Can I make this pie without gelatin?

If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can substitute with agar-agar or pectin to set the filling. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct amounts and method.

Can I make this pie vegan?

Yes, you can make this pie vegan by using a plant-based pie crust, agar-agar in place of gelatin, and a dairy-free whipped topping.

Conclusion

Easy Strawberry Pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy fresh strawberries. With its simple ingredients and no-bake preparation, this pie is easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this pie will be a hit with its vibrant color, sweet strawberry flavor, and creamy filling. Try it today, and enjoy a delightful, easy-to-make dessert!