If you have a love for all things fresh and fruity, let me introduce you to a true classic that always steals the show: Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe. This delightful dessert is bursting with juicy strawberries, a luscious glossy filling, and a tender pre-baked crust that all come together to create a stunning summer treat. Sweet, vibrant, and refreshingly light, this pie is the perfect way to celebrate the season’s best berries while impressing everyone at your table without any fuss. Trust me, once you try Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for every warm-weather gathering or whenever you need a slice of pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe. Each element is simple but essential, contributing to that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and eye-catching color that makes this pie irresistible.
- Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: Whether homemade or store-bought, this flaky base holds everything together beautifully and adds a buttery crunch.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling just right, enhancing the natural strawberry flavor without overpowering it.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): This thickener ensures the filling sets perfectly while keeping it smooth and glossy.
- Water (1 cup): The liquid that brings the filling ingredients together and cooks the cornstarch.
- Strawberry gelatin (3 oz package): Adds that classic shimmering strawberry hue and a hint of concentrated flavor.
- Fresh strawberries (4 cups, hulled and halved): These juicy gems are the star of the show, providing freshness, texture, and vibrant color to every bite.
- Whipped cream (optional): For serving, a fluffy topping that complements the sweetness and adds a creamy finish.
How to Make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Thickened Strawberry Filling
Start by placing sugar, cornstarch, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly as it heats, allowing the mixture to thicken into a translucent glaze—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until it dissolves completely. The transformation here is magical: the mixture turns into a shiny, sweet base that will perfectly coat your fresh strawberries without becoming runny or dull.
Step 2: Let the Filling Cool Slightly
Patience is key here. Let your strawberry gelatin mixture cool for around 15 minutes, but don’t let it set! This ensures it will remain pourable and coat the berries beautifully without clumping or hardening too soon.
Step 3: Arrange the Strawberries in the Pie Crust
Carefully arrange your hulled and halved fresh strawberries into your pre-baked pie crust, cut side down. Placement matters — packing them snugly will make the pie look stunning when sliced and ensure you get a perfect berry-to-filling ratio in every bite.
Step 4: Pour the Filling over the Strawberries
Slowly pour the cooled gelatin mixture over and around the strawberries, making sure each piece is evenly coated with that glossy glaze. This step adds that wonderful shine and locks in freshness, giving the pie its signature look and luscious texture.
Step 5: Refrigerate Until Set
Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial — chilling allows the filling to set completely so the pie slices cleanly and holds its shape while you indulge in every delicious forkful.
How to Serve Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Though gorgeous on its own, a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a creamy, airy contrast that enhances the pie’s natural sweetness. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped fresh mint or a few extra sliced strawberries for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with light summer accompaniments. Think simple green salads, vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea—each complements the pie’s fruity brightness without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning party centerpiece, serve slices on vintage dessert plates and add edible flowers around the plate edges. You can also turn this pie into mini parfaits by layering diced strawberries, crust crumbles, and gelatin filling in individual glasses for a fun twist during gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once enjoyed, store any leftover Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days without losing freshness or texture. After that, the berries and gelatin can start to weep, so best to indulge quickly!
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this pie since the fresh berries and gelatin filling do not freeze well — the texture suffers and the pie can become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled. Reheating is not advised, as warm temperatures will melt the gelatin setting and alter the texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best for this pie because frozen ones release too much moisture and can dilute the gelatin filling, resulting in a soggy crust and less vibrant flavor.
Is it necessary to prebake the pie crust?
Yes, prebaking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy once the gelatin filling is poured in. A crisp, sturdy crust is essential for the best texture.
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
Plan to refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better to allow the filling to fully set and flavors to meld.
Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?
While this recipe shines brightest with fresh strawberries, you could experiment with similar berries like raspberries or blackberries, but keep in mind the gelatin flavor and setting times may vary.
What is the best way to serve this pie to guests?
Serve the pie chilled with whipped cream and a few fresh strawberry slices on top for a classic presentation that always impresses.
Final Thoughts
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is a timeless dessert that brings together the sweetness of fresh berries and a dazzling, glossy finish in a way that feels both homey and special. It’s simple to make but endlessly satisfying and perfect for sharing with loved ones on any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire, reminding you of sunny days and joyful moments with every delightful bite.
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, no-bake dessert featuring a crisp pre-baked pie crust filled with fresh, juicy strawberries coated in a luscious homemade strawberry gelatin glaze. Simple to make and perfect for summer, this pie balances sweetness and fresh fruit flavor with a smooth, glossy finish.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 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)
Optional Topping
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Gelatin Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and turns translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Dissolve Strawberry Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin package until fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Cool the Gelatin: Allow the gelatin mixture to cool for approximately 15 minutes, but do not let it set solid; it should remain pourable.
- Arrange Strawberries: Place the fresh hulled and halved strawberries cut side down evenly over the pre-baked pie crust.
- Pour Gelatin Over Strawberries: Carefully pour the slightly cooled gelatin mixture over the arranged strawberries, coating them evenly.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to allow the gelatin and filling to fully set.
- Serve: Once set, serve chilled. Optionally, top with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe, sweet strawberries at their peak season for optimum flavor.
- You can slice the strawberries into smaller pieces if you prefer smaller bites in the pie.
- This pie is best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain freshness and texture of the strawberries and crust.
