There’s something uniquely satisfying about a slice of fresh strawberry pie—especially when it’s bursting with ripe fruit, nestled in a flaky crust, and crowned with a soft cloud of whipped cream. This classic dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious, and best of all, it’s remarkably easy to make. With only a handful of ingredients and a simple cooking process, it delivers the pure, sweet flavor of strawberries in every bite.
Whether you’re celebrating summer’s bounty, planning a holiday spread, or simply craving something fruity and refreshing, this fresh strawberry pie is a show-stopper you can count on. Let’s walk through how to make it from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed strawberries (fresh or slightly overripe for maximum flavor)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- One pre-baked pie crust (store-bought, homemade, or graham cracker crust)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Strawberry Glaze
Start by making the rich strawberry glaze that will bind the pie together:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of crushed strawberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the strawberry flavor to intensify.
This base gives the pie its signature glossy, fruity coating.
2. Thicken with Cornstarch
To transform the sweet strawberry syrup into a luscious filling:
- In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with a splash of cold water (just enough to dissolve it). This prevents lumps from forming in the hot mixture.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the hot strawberry glaze. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken into a gel-like consistency.
This takes just a few minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it begins to coat the back of a spoon.
3. Fold in Fresh Strawberries
Once the glaze has thickened:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add 3 cups of fresh sliced strawberries to the mixture. Gently fold them in until each berry is fully coated with the thickened glaze.
This combination of cooked glaze and fresh berries creates the perfect balance of jammy sweetness and juicy bite.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Spoon the strawberry mixture into your pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Whether you prefer a traditional pastry crust or a graham cracker base, both work wonderfully with the fruity filling.
Let the pie cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating.
5. Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 2–3 hours, or until the filling is fully set and firm to the touch.
This step is crucial—it gives the glaze time to solidify and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Top with Whipped Cream
Just before serving:
- Spoon or pipe whipped cream around the edges or over the entire top of the pie.
- For a decorative touch, add a few fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves on top.
Why This Recipe Works
- Fresh Flavor: Combining crushed and sliced strawberries intensifies the fruity flavor while preserving the freshness of whole berries.
- Balanced Sweetness: The glaze has just the right amount of sugar to enhance the berries without overpowering them.
- Easy and Adaptable: Use any crust you like and tweak the amount of cornstarch for a thicker or softer filling.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie sets well in the fridge and holds up for several days.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe strawberries: The riper, the better. They’re sweeter, juicier, and make the best glaze and filling.
- Crush by hand or puree: For the crushed strawberries, you can mash with a fork for a chunkier texture or blend lightly for a smoother finish.
- Pre-bake the crust: Ensure your crust is fully baked and cooled before filling to prevent sogginess.
- Avoid overcooking the glaze: Once the cornstarch thickens the mixture, remove it from the heat to avoid gummy texture.
- Cool before chilling: Letting the pie cool before putting it in the fridge prevents condensation and helps the filling set evenly.
Variations
- Berry Medley: Add blueberries or raspberries for a mixed-berry pie.
- Graham Cracker Crust: For a no-bake version, pair the filling with a graham cracker or cookie crust.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Before topping with whipped cream, drizzle melted chocolate over the set pie for an indulgent twist.
- Mint-Infused Glaze: Add a few torn mint leaves to the glaze while cooking for a refreshing flavor note.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing, as the strawberries may become mushy once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, but only for the crushed portion. Use fresh berries for slicing, as frozen ones tend to release too much moisture and may become soggy.
Q: What’s the best crust to use?
A: Traditional pastry crust is classic, but graham cracker crust adds a lovely texture and flavor contrast. Both hold up well to the juicy filling.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely! This pie is best when made at least a few hours in advance. Make it the night before for optimal set and flavor.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: You can reduce it slightly in the glaze if your berries are very sweet. Avoid cutting too much, as it helps with structure and flavor balance.
Q: How do I prevent a runny pie?
A: Be sure to let the glaze thicken fully and refrigerate until fully set before slicing. Also, drain extra liquid from the sliced berries if they’re especially juicy.
Final Thoughts
This fresh strawberry pie is a simple, classic dessert that celebrates one of nature’s most beloved fruits. With its glossy, vibrant filling and light whipped topping, it brings joy to any table—especially during warm weather months. Best of all, it’s an approachable recipe for beginner bakers and a nostalgic treat for anyone who loves the taste of summer in every slice.
Bake it for your next family gathering, garden party, or just because strawberries are in season. However and whenever you enjoy it, this pie is sure to become a go-to favorite.