If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the sweet, juicy essence of summer berries, then you’re in for a treat with Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe. This delightful pie is a wonderfully simple blend of fresh strawberries and a luscious, glossy filling, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s the kind of pie that bursts with freshness in every bite, making it an absolutely irresistible crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from family dinners to casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors just right in Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe depends on a handful of simple but key ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and that gorgeous strawberry shine we all love.
- Frozen pie crust: The buttery, flaky foundation that holds the whole pie together, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Sugar: Adds the essential sweetness that brings out the natural flavors of the strawberries without overpowering them.
- Cornstarch: The thickening hero that turns the filling into a silky, glossy glaze for the strawberries.
- Water: Works with the cornstarch to create the smooth filling base.
- Strawberry jelly: This gives the pie its beautiful sheen and extra punch of strawberry flavor.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: The star ingredient, offering vibrant color, juicy bursts of freshness, and tender texture.
How to Make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Pie Crust
Start by baking the frozen pie crust according to the package directions. This step is crucial because a golden, crisp crust provides the perfect contrast to the soft, sweet filling. Once baked, let it cool completely—about 30 minutes—so it holds the filling without getting soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
While your crust cools, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. As the mixture heats, it will thicken beautifully—just keep stirring to avoid lumps. This filling is the magic that transforms your fresh strawberries into a pie that’s glossy, luscious, and irresistible.
Step 3: Add Strawberry Jelly
Once your filling has thickened, whisk in the strawberry jelly and remove the pan from heat. The jelly adds a lovely shine and deep strawberry flavor that makes this pie truly special. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the next step.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Now comes the fun part: layering your sliced fresh strawberries evenly in the cooled pie crust. Then, gently pour the cooled strawberry filling over the fruit, making sure all those lovely slices get coated in that sweet, glossy glaze. This combination is exactly what Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is all about—showcasing fresh berries surrounded by that silky filling.
Step 5: Chill
Pop your pie into the refrigerator for a few hours to let everything set perfectly. Chilling isn’t just about coolness; it helps the filling firm up, making slicing the pie cleaner and each bite more delightful.
Step 6: Serve
Once your pie is chilled and set, serve it up with a big smile! This strawberry pie is best enjoyed fresh, when its flavors and textures are at their peak.
How to Serve Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh touch by whipping up some cream or topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves pairs beautifully with the strawberries, lending a pop of color and a refreshing hint of herbal aroma that complements the pie’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This pie stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to add some sides, light and simple options like a crisp green salad or a refreshing lemon sorbet make excellent companions. They help balance the pie’s sweetness and keep your meal feeling fresh and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little flair, serve your strawberry pie in clear glass dishes for everyone to admire the layers, or cut it into bite-sized tartlets for a fun, party-friendly presentation. You can even sprinkle some toasted almond slices on top for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor that elevates this classic dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days while maintaining the fresh taste and texture.
Freezing
While Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze the baked pie crust ahead of time to save prep work later. However, avoid freezing the assembled pie as fresh strawberries and gelatinous fillings don’t freeze well and can alter the texture upon thawing.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you’d rather have it slightly warmed, a quick few seconds in a microwave just to take off the chill works, but keep it subtle to preserve the fresh texture of the strawberries.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your own crust, go right ahead. Just bake it until golden and crisp before adding the filling. Homemade crust can add a lovely personal touch to Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe.
What if I don’t have strawberry jelly?
If you don’t have strawberry jelly on hand, you can substitute with apricot preserves or even leave it out, though the glossy finish and extra strawberry flavor might be less pronounced.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for this pie due to their texture and moisture content. Frozen strawberries may release too much water and soften the filling undesirably, so fresh berries really make a difference with this recipe.
How can I make the pie gluten-free?
Simply swap the frozen pie crust with a gluten-free version, and ensure the cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Everything else stays the same and the pie will be just as delicious.
Is it possible to make this pie vegan?
This recipe is mostly vegan-friendly, but double-check your pie crust and strawberry jelly ingredients to avoid any animal products. Alternatively, use a vegan pie crust and jelly made without gelatin for a vegan-friendly dessert.
Final Thoughts
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is a timeless classic that celebrates the bright, juicy flavor of strawberries in the most delightful way. It’s quick to prepare, visually stunning, and bursting with fresh, sweet goodness in every bite. I truly hope you give it a try soon and make it a favorite in your dessert rotation – it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
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Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including 30 minutes cooling and 10+ minutes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert featuring a crisp baked pie crust filled with a luscious strawberry filling made from fresh strawberries and a sweet, slightly thickened strawberry jelly mixture. Perfectly chilled, this pie offers a vibrant berry flavor ideal for summer gatherings or any time you crave a fruity treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 frozen pie crust
Filling
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 3 tbsp strawberry jelly
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Bake the Pie Crust: Bake the frozen pie crust according to the package directions. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
- Add Strawberry Jelly: Whisk in the strawberry jelly, remove from heat, and set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Pie: Place the sliced strawberries into the cooled pie crust. Pour the cooled strawberry jelly mixture over the strawberries.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for a few hours until it has fully set.
- Serve: Enjoy your fresh and delicious strawberry pie!
Notes
- Make sure the pie crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- For a glossier finish, you can brush a little extra strawberry jelly on top before chilling.
- If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and drained well.
- Chilling the pie for at least 3 hours ensures the filling sets properly for clean slicing.
- This pie is best served within 2 days of making for optimal freshness.
