This iconic strawberry pie brings back memories of classic American diners, where fresh berries met glossy glaze in perfect harmony. Unlike traditional baked fruit pies, this no-bake version preserves the bright, juicy essence of fresh strawberries, making it the ultimate summer dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 quarts fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin powder
- Few drops red food coloring (optional)
For Serving:
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Make the crust: Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until dough comes together. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Bake the crust: Roll out dough and place in a 9-inch pie pan. Prick bottom with a fork. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, mash enough strawberries to yield 1 cup. Add water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, then strain, pressing solids to extract juice.
- Thicken the glaze: Return strawberry liquid to saucepan. Whisk together sugar and cornstarch, then add to the liquid. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and becomes clear. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin powder until dissolved. Add food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the pie: Arrange whole strawberries, pointed end up, in the cooled pie shell. Pour warm glaze evenly over berries, ensuring all are coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 285 per slice
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Berries: Select firm, uniformly red strawberries with fresh green caps. Medium-sized berries work best for even arrangement and elegant presentation.
Perfect Your Crust: Blind baking ensures a crisp base that won’t get soggy. Always prick the bottom to prevent bubbling.
Master the Glaze: Stir constantly while cooking to avoid lumps. The glaze should coat a spoon but remain pourable.
Arrangement Matters: Place larger berries around the edge and smaller ones toward the center for the most attractive presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead? Yes! This pie actually benefits from chilling overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and the glaze sets perfectly. Just add whipped cream right before serving.
What if I can’t find strawberry gelatin? You can substitute with unflavored gelatin (1 envelope) plus an extra 2 tablespoons sugar and a bit more food coloring for the classic ruby color.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are essential for this recipe. Frozen berries become too soft when thawed and won’t hold their shape in the pie.
How long does the pie keep? Stored covered in the refrigerator, this pie stays fresh for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within 48 hours.
Variations
- Strawberry Cream Pie: Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese on the crust before adding berries
- Mixed Berry: Replace half the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries
- Chocolate Bottom: Brush melted chocolate over the cooled crust before filling
- Mini Pies: Make individual servings in tartlet pans for elegant portion control
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 285 calories, 10g fat, 45g carbohydrates, 3g protein, 3g fiber
Fresh strawberries provide exceptional nutrition—one slice delivers nearly 100% of your daily vitamin C needs, plus folate, potassium, and powerful antioxidants. Because the berries aren’t cooked, these nutrients remain intact.
Storage Instructions
Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains excellent. This pie doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruit and gelatin glaze.
Final Thoughts
This fresh strawberry pie has earned its place as a beloved classic for good reason. The combination of buttery crust, pristine berries, and that signature shiny glaze creates something truly special. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or bringing it to a potluck, this pie always disappears quickly. Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to recipe whenever strawberry season rolls around.