There’s nothing quite like a fresh strawberry pie to welcome the warmer months. This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a classic, bursting with juicy, sweet strawberries and wrapped in a glossy, flavorful glaze. It’s the perfect no-fuss dessert that brings nostalgia with every bite!
Inspired by the iconic Big Boy restaurant’s famous strawberry pie, this homemade version is incredibly simple to make. A crisp, flaky pie crust serves as the perfect base for ripe, fresh strawberries, all coated in a luscious strawberry glaze made with just a few pantry staples. The best part? It requires minimal effort and absolutely no baking beyond the crust!
This pie is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, potlucks, or just as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream, and watch it disappear within minutes!
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
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1 frozen pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
For the Strawberry Glaze:
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1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
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3 tablespoons cornstarch
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1 ¼ cups water
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3 tablespoons strawberry jelly (or strawberry Jell-O for a more vibrant color)
For the Filling:
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2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Pie Crust
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Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your frozen pie crust packaging.
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Remove the crust from the freezer and poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing.
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Place the crust on the middle rack and bake until golden brown and fully cooked (usually around 10-12 minutes).
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely (about 30 minutes).
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze
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In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk well to dissolve the cornstarch completely.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens into a smooth, syrupy consistency.
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Stir in the strawberry jelly (or Jell-O) and mix until completely melted and well incorporated.
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Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly at room temperature.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
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Arrange the sliced strawberries in the cooled pie crust. You can lay them flat or pile them in a decorative mound.
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Pour the cooled strawberry glaze evenly over the strawberries, making sure they are well-coated.
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Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours, or until the glaze is fully set.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
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Once chilled, slice the pie and serve as-is or with a generous scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Pie
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Use the freshest strawberries – The juicier and riper they are, the better the pie will taste!
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Cool the pie crust completely before adding the strawberries to prevent sogginess.
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For a stronger strawberry flavor, add 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract to the glaze.
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Whisk the cornstarch mixture constantly while cooking to avoid lumps.
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Chill the glaze before adding it to the strawberries if you want a firmer consistency.
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Make it glossy – Brush the strawberries with a little extra warmed jelly for a beautiful sheen.
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Slice the strawberries evenly for a uniform look and texture.
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Use a glass pie dish to check if the crust is fully baked.
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If the glaze thickens too much, add a tablespoon of warm water and stir to loosen it.
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Don’t overfill the crust – Too many strawberries can make it difficult to slice cleanly.
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Add a touch of lemon zest to the glaze for a bright citrus kick.
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Chill the pie overnight for a firmer texture.
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For a firmer glaze, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
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Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful finishing touch.
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Make individual mini pies using small tart shells for a fun party treat.
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Substitute raspberries or mixed berries for a different fruity twist.
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Swap the frozen crust for a graham cracker crust for a no-bake version.
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Top with homemade whipped cream for an extra indulgent finish.
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Add a drizzle of white chocolate for a gourmet touch.
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Serve with a cold glass of milk or iced tea for the perfect summer treat!
Variations to Try
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Chocolate Strawberry Pie – Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate on the pie crust before adding the strawberries.
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Strawberry Banana Pie – Layer sliced bananas with the strawberries.
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Mixed Berry Pie – Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
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No-Bake Version – Use a graham cracker crust instead of a baked crust.
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Sugar-Free Pie – Swap sugar for a sugar substitute and use sugar-free jelly.
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Whipped Cream Topping – Pipe fresh whipped cream around the edges.
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Nutty Crust – Add crushed almonds or pecans to the crust.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Pie – Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese at the bottom before adding strawberries.
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Strawberry Lemon Pie – Mix lemon zest into the glaze for a citrusy kick.
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Frozen Strawberry Pie – Freeze the pie for an ice-cold summer dessert.
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Strawberry Cream Pie – Fold the strawberries into vanilla pudding before adding to the crust.
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Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free crust and cornstarch.
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Honey-Sweetened Pie – Replace sugar with honey.
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Coconut Strawberry Pie – Add toasted coconut flakes to the topping.
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Caramel Strawberry Pie – Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
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Strawberry Shortcake Pie – Add biscuit crumbles on top for a shortcake feel.
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Strawberry Meringue Pie – Top with a fluffy meringue layer.
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Spiced Strawberry Pie – Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the glaze.
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Savory-Sweet Pie – Sprinkle with a bit of sea salt for a flavor contrast.
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Tropical Twist – Add pineapple chunks for a fruity mix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie actually tastes better after it has chilled for a few hours, so making it a day in advance is a great idea.
2. How long does strawberry pie last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. However, the crust may soften over time due to the moisture from the strawberries.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best, but if you only have frozen, thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess liquid from making the pie runny.
4. How can I keep the pie crust from getting soggy?
Let the baked pie crust cool completely before adding the filling. For extra protection, you can brush the inside of the crust with melted white chocolate or a thin layer of egg wash before baking.
5. Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! A classic buttery pie crust or graham cracker crust both work well. If using homemade, pre-bake and let it cool completely before filling.
6. What’s the best way to thicken the glaze?
Cornstarch is key! Be sure to let the sugar, cornstarch, and water mixture simmer long enough (about 5 minutes) to reach a syrupy consistency. If too thin, cook it a little longer.
7. Why is my glaze too thick?
If the glaze thickens too much, whisk in a tablespoon of warm water until it reaches the right consistency.
8. Can I use Jell-O instead of jelly?
Yes! Strawberry Jell-O gives the pie a brighter color and more intense strawberry flavor. Use the same amount (3 tablespoons) and dissolve it in the hot glaze mixture.
9. Can I freeze this pie for later?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, freeze the crust separately and add the strawberries and glaze fresh before serving. Freezing the whole pie will make the strawberries mushy when thawed.
10. What’s the best way to serve this pie?
Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For extra flavor, drizzle with chocolate sauce or dust with powdered sugar.
11. Can I use other berries instead of strawberries?
Yes! Try using raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for a delicious twist.
12. Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?
Yes! A graham cracker or Oreo crust makes a great no-bake alternative for this pie.
13. Can I make this pie sugar-free?
Yes! Substitute the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener (like Swerve or monk fruit sweetener), and use sugar-free jelly for the glaze.
14. What’s the best way to slice the pie cleanly?
For perfect slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts. Chilling the pie overnight also helps it firm up for cleaner slices.
15. Can I add whipped cream to the pie itself?
Yes! If you want a creamier pie, spread a layer of sweetened whipped cream or cream cheese filling on the crust before adding the strawberries.
16. How can I add more strawberry flavor to the glaze?
For an extra punch of strawberry flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract or use fresh strawberry purée instead of water in the glaze.
17. Can I make mini versions of this pie?
Yes! Use mini tart shells or graham cracker cups to make individual servings for parties or gatherings.
18. How do I keep the strawberries looking fresh in the pie?
Brush the strawberries with a little warmed jelly after assembling the pie for a beautiful glossy finish and to help preserve their freshness.
19. Can I add a layer of chocolate to the crust?
Yes! Brushing the crust with melted white or dark chocolate before adding the filling adds a rich flavor and helps prevent sogginess.
20. Can I make a dairy-free version of this pie?
Yes! This recipe is already dairy-free, as long as you double-check your pie crust ingredients. If serving with whipped cream, opt for coconut whipped cream instead.