Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry pie is not only simple to make but also bursting with fresh, fruity flavor. The combination of sweetened strawberries with a smooth, gelatin-based filling creates a perfect balance of textures. The buttery, flaky pie crust adds the perfect crunch, while a dollop of whipped cream on top makes it even more indulgent. This dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, and it’s an excellent way to showcase fresh strawberries when they’re in season.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
- 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream, optional
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Roll out the refrigerated pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Press it into the bottom and sides, trimming off any excess crust.
- Place the pie crust in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until it’s golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then fold in the sliced fresh strawberries, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Pour the strawberry mixture into the cooled pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or until set.
- Once ready to serve, top with whipped cream if desired, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 3 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Sugar-free version: Use sugar-free strawberry gelatin and a sugar substitute for a lighter option.
- Gluten-free crust: Swap the regular pie crust for a gluten-free one to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Berry mix: Add a variety of fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the filling for a mixed berry pie twist.
- Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing citrusy note.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This pie is best served chilled and does not need reheating. If you prefer a slightly warm pie, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?
While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the pie.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pie a day or two in advance. Just ensure that it has enough time to chill in the refrigerator and set properly.
How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the pie crust until it is golden and fully crisp before filling it with the strawberry mixture. You can also brush the crust with a thin layer of melted butter or egg wash before baking to add extra protection against sogginess.
Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade pie crust, feel free to use your favorite recipe. Just be sure to bake it thoroughly before adding the filling.
How do I know when the pie is set?
The pie should be firm to the touch after chilling for at least 3 hours. If the filling jiggles slightly when you shake the pie, it’s likely ready to serve.
Can I add other fruits to the pie?
Yes! You can experiment with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Just ensure the fruits you add complement the sweetness and texture of the strawberries.
What can I use instead of strawberry gelatin?
If you prefer not to use strawberry gelatin, you can substitute with another fruit-flavored gelatin, or make a homemade fruit glaze using fruit juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
How do I make the whipped cream topping?
To make homemade whipped cream, beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spoon or pipe it onto the pie just before serving.
Can I freeze the pie?
While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the pie for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Is this pie suitable for a gluten-free diet?
If you use a gluten-free pie crust, this strawberry pie can easily be made gluten-free. Just make sure the gelatin and other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
This strawberry pie is a timeless treat that’s easy to make, and it’s perfect for any occasion. The sweet, fruity filling paired with a crisp crust and optional whipped cream makes for a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just craving a sweet slice of pie, this recipe is sure to satisfy!
Print
Strawberry Pie
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy-to-make strawberry pie is a delightful dessert, featuring a fresh strawberry filling set in a flaky, buttery pie crust. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Serve with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Ingredients
1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Whipped cream, optional
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Roll out the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim off any excess crust.
-
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
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In a medium saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Add water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until dissolved.
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Let the mixture cool slightly, then fold in the sliced strawberries until evenly coated.
-
Pour the strawberry filling into the cooled pie crust.
-
Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours to set.
-
Serve with whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
-
For a sugar-free version, use sugar-free gelatin and a sugar substitute.
-
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust.
-
Add a variety of fresh berries or a touch of lemon zest to customize the flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American