Name: Big Boy's Fresh Strawberry Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 frozen pie crust; 1 ¼ cups sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 ¼ cups water; 3 tablespoons strawberry jelly; 2 cups strawberries, sliced

This classic Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a beautiful dessert that showcases bright, juicy strawberries in a glossy, sweet glaze. The contrast of the flaky crust with the fresh berries makes this a perfect springtime or summer treat that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry pie is beloved for good reason. The simplicity of fresh strawberries means their natural flavor truly shines through. Unlike baked fruit pies, this recipe keeps the strawberries in their natural state, preserving their texture and vibrant color. The glossy glaze adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming the berries, while the flaky crust provides the perfect foundation. It’s also incredibly easy to make with minimal cooking time, making it perfect for beginners or when you need a quick but impressive dessert.

Ingredients

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

Frozen pie crust provides a convenient base for this pie, saving you time and effort. While homemade crust is always an option, a quality frozen crust yields excellent results with significantly less work. Pre-baking ensures it’s perfectly crisp before adding the filling.
Sugar creates the sweet base for the glaze. It dissolves completely during cooking, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup that enhances the natural sweetness of the berries without making the dessert cloying.
Cornstarch acts as the thickening agent in this recipe. It transforms the sugar-water mixture into a glossy, translucent gel that coats the strawberries beautifully and sets firmly when chilled.
Water dilutes the sugar and cornstarch to create the perfect consistency for the glaze. Using cold water when mixing with cornstarch helps prevent lumps from forming.
Strawberry jelly intensifies the berry flavor in the glaze and adds a beautiful color. The jelly melts into the sugar mixture, creating a rich, smooth texture with concentrated strawberry flavor throughout.
Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert. Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor. Larger strawberries work well when sliced, creating an attractive pattern in the pie, while smaller berries can be halved or used whole for a different presentation.

Directions

Bake frozen pie crust according to package instructions. Remove and let cool for 30 minutes.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Whisk in strawberry jelly. Remove from heat and let cool.
Place sliced strawberries evenly in the cooled pie crust.
Pour the strawberry jelly mixture over the strawberries.
Refrigerate for a few hours until set before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. The preparation is quick, taking only about 10 minutes of active time, with an additional 10 minutes of cooking time. However, you’ll need to factor in cooling time for both the crust and the completed pie—about 3 hours total for the pie to set properly. Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.

Variations

Chocolate-Dipped Base: Brush the inside of the cooled crust with melted chocolate and let it set before adding strawberries for a chocolate-strawberry combination.
Mixed Berry Pie: Substitute half the strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful mixed berry version.
Cream Cheese Layer: Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese on the bottom of the pie crust before adding the strawberries for a creamy contrast.
Almond Flavored: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the glaze for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy note.

Storage/Reheating

This strawberry pie is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it. Store the pie covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from absorbing moisture from the air. The plastic wrap should not touch the surface of the pie to avoid disturbing the glaze.
This dessert is not suitable for freezing as the strawberries will become mushy and release excess water upon thawing, resulting in a soggy crust.
As this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. Simply remove from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow the flavors to become more pronounced.

FAQs

Why is my strawberry glaze cloudy instead of clear?

This typically happens when the cornstarch mixture hasn’t been cooked long enough or at a high enough temperature to become fully transparent. Make sure to bring the mixture to a full boil and then simmer until it’s thick and clear.

Can I use fresh strawberry puree instead of jelly?

Yes, you can substitute 3 tablespoons of strawberry jelly with 4 tablespoons of strawberry puree. You may need to add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to achieve the same thickness.

My pie didn’t set properly. What went wrong?

The most common reason is insufficient chilling time. The pie needs at least 3 hours in the refrigerator to set properly. Another possibility is that the cornstarch mixture wasn’t cooked long enough to activate its thickening properties.

Can I make this pie with frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are strongly recommended for this recipe. Frozen strawberries release too much liquid as they thaw, which can make the pie soggy and prevent it from setting properly.

How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?

Make sure your pie crust is completely cooled before adding the strawberries. You can also brush the inside of the crust with a thin layer of egg white and bake for an additional 2 minutes to create a moisture barrier.

Can I make this pie ahead of time for an event?

Yes, you can make this pie up to 24 hours in advance. It’s actually better when it has time to set overnight in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to slice strawberries for this pie?

For the most attractive presentation, slice larger strawberries to about 1/4 inch thickness. Make sure they’re uniformly sliced for even distribution of the glaze.

Can I use a graham cracker crust instead of a regular pie crust?

Absolutely! A graham cracker crust provides a nice sweet, crunchy contrast to the fresh strawberries. No pre-baking is necessary for a store-bought graham cracker crust.

Why add strawberry jelly when there are already fresh strawberries?

The jelly intensifies the strawberry flavor in the glaze and ensures the glaze has a vibrant color. It also helps with the consistency and setting properties of the glaze.

How can I tell when my cornstarch mixture is thick enough?

The mixture should coat the back of a spoon and when you run your finger through it, the line should remain clear. It will also noticeably thicken and become more transparent as it cooks.

Conclusion

Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a timeless dessert that celebrates the natural beauty and flavor of fresh strawberries. With its glistening glaze, fresh fruit, and flaky crust, it’s a dessert that impresses with minimal effort. While simple to prepare, the results are truly spectacular—a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors.

This recipe is versatile enough to be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed as a weeknight treat when strawberries are at their peak. By following the key steps of properly thickening the glaze and allowing adequate time for chilling, you’ll create a dessert that rivals any found in a restaurant or bakery. Enjoy this taste of nostalgia and the pure celebration of strawberry season!