There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about a slice of strawberry pie. With its vibrant red color, naturally sweet flavor, and buttery crust, strawberry pie is the perfect way to highlight fresh strawberries—especially during peak season. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a spring gathering, or simply craving a refreshing dessert, this classic pie never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pie Recipe
Simple Ingredients – You likely have most of the basics in your pantry.
Incredibly Fresh Flavor – The strawberries are the star of the show.
Visually Stunning – The red filling against a golden crust is picture-perfect.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Chill and serve when you’re ready.
Great for All Skill Levels – A perfect pie for beginners and pros alike.
What Is Strawberry Pie?
Strawberry pie is a fruit-based dessert made with a flaky pastry crust and filled with fresh strawberries, often held together with a gelatin or cornstarch glaze. Unlike traditional baked fruit pies, many versions of strawberry pie are only partially baked (for the crust), while the filling is chilled to preserve the freshness and texture of the berries.
Ingredients List
For the Pie Crust:
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
3–5 tbsp ice water
Or use a store-bought pie crust for convenience.
For the Strawberry Filling:
4–5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
¾ cup water
2 tbsp strawberry gelatin powder (or plain gelatin)
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh whipped cream
Mint leaves
Sliced almonds or toasted coconut
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (for crust)
Chill Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: 3–5 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Strawberry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until dough forms.
Form into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll out on a floured surface and place in a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp edges.
Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line crust with parchment and fill with pie weights or dry beans.
Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before adding filling.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and water.
Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
Remove from heat and stir in gelatin and lemon juice.
Let cool slightly (but not set) before pouring over berries.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Arrange fresh strawberries in the cooled pie crust.
Pour the glaze over the berries evenly.
Chill for 3–4 hours until set.
Step 5: Serve
Slice and serve with whipped cream or your favorite garnish.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Pie
1. Use Ripe, Sweet Strawberries
Choose bright red, fragrant berries for the best flavor and color.
2. Chill Thoroughly
Give the pie enough time to set before slicing—it’s worth the wait.
3. Keep the Crust Crisp
Blind bake and cool the crust fully before adding filling to prevent sogginess.
4. Cut Strawberries in Half
Halved berries give better texture and hold their shape in the pie.
5. Adjust Sweetness
Taste your strawberries first and reduce or increase sugar accordingly.
Popular Variations of Strawberry Pie
1. No-Bake Strawberry Pie
Use a graham cracker crust and skip baking altogether. Perfect for hot summer days.
2. Cream Cheese Layer
Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese or whipped cream on the crust before adding strawberries.
3. Chocolate Strawberry Pie
Drizzle melted chocolate over the crust or berries for a rich twist.
4. Mixed Berry Pie
Add blueberries or raspberries for a more complex flavor.
5. Strawberry Cream Pie
Fold whipped cream into the strawberry glaze for a mousse-like filling.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead Tips
Bake the crust and prep the glaze up to 1 day ahead.
Assemble and chill the pie on the day you plan to serve it.
Storing Leftovers
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The crust may soften slightly over time but still tastes great.
Freezing Strawberry Pie
Not recommended, as strawberries lose texture after freezing.
However, you can freeze baked crusts in advance.
What to Serve with Strawberry Pie
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for contrast
Fresh mint leaves for color and aroma
Iced tea or lemonade for refreshing balance
Coffee or espresso to complement the sweetness
Healthier Strawberry Pie Alternatives
Whole Wheat Crust
Use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for extra fiber.
Reduced Sugar Glaze
Cut back on sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or stevia.
Coconut Milk Whipped Cream
A dairy-free topping that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Gluten-Free Crust
Use a gluten-free pie crust mix or almond flour-based crust.
How to Stabilize Whipped Cream Topping
Want your whipped cream to hold its shape longer?
Add 1 tsp cornstarch or 1 tbsp instant pudding mix during whipping.
Chill the mixing bowl and beaters beforehand.
Pipe onto pie just before serving for the best results.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s not ideal. Frozen berries release too much liquid and won’t hold up in the glaze.
Q2: How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Brush a thin layer of melted chocolate or egg white on the crust before filling.
Q3: What gelatin should I use?
Strawberry-flavored gelatin adds extra color and taste, but plain gelatin works well too.
Q4: Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based butter for the crust and dairy-free whipped cream on top.
Q5: How do I cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wipe between slices for neat servings.
Conclusion
Strawberry pie is the perfect example of a dessert that’s both timeless and endlessly customizable. With a buttery crust, a sweet strawberry glaze, and layers of fresh berries, it captures the essence of warm weather and seasonal produce. Whether you’re baking one for a summer picnic, holiday dessert table, or just a treat for your family, this recipe delivers a fresh and vibrant taste that everyone will love.
Once you try making strawberry pie from scratch, you’ll never want the store-bought version again. It’s simple, beautiful, and bursting with real fruit flavor—everything a great dessert should be.