There's nothing quite like the sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries in every bite of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie. This classic diner-style dessert features a flaky crust, a glossy, strawberry-filled glaze, and a generous pile of ripe, fresh strawberries. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect way to celebrate strawberry season!
I remember the first time I tried this pie at a Big Boy restaurant—one bite and I was hooked. The combination of fresh fruit and the slightly tangy, jelly-like glaze was simply irresistible. Now, I make this at home whenever I want to bring a little nostalgia to my table. Whether it’s for a summer picnic, a holiday dessert, or just because, this recipe is always a hit.
Why You'll Love This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Get ready to fall in love with this iconic strawberry pie! It's more than just a delicious dessert—it's a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that will keep you coming back for more.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a simple glaze, you’ll have a stunning pie that looks like it came straight from a bakery.
It’s also perfect for strawberry season. If you love using fresh, in-season berries, this is one of the best ways to showcase them in all their juicy glory.
Not to mention, this pie is refreshing and light. Unlike heavy, cream-filled desserts, this one lets the natural sweetness of strawberries shine through, making it an ideal treat for warm days.
And let’s not forget the nostalgia factor. If you’ve ever had this pie at Big Boy, making it at home is a fun way to recreate those memories and share them with friends and family.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this strawberry pie comes from its fresh, simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
The strawberries are the star of the show. Choose ripe, red, juicy berries for the best flavor. Avoid underripe or overripe berries, as they won’t provide the right balance of sweetness and texture.
For the pie crust, a classic flaky crust works best. You can make your own from scratch or use a store-bought version to save time. Just make sure to blind-bake it before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
The strawberry glaze is what gives this pie its signature look and taste. It’s made from sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin, which thickens into a glossy, flavorful coating for the berries.
A little lemon juice enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries, adding just a hint of brightness that makes the flavors pop.
Finally, if you want to take this pie to the next level, whipped cream is a must-have topping! It adds a creamy contrast to the tartness of the strawberries and glaze.
How To Make This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Creating this strawberry pie is easier than you think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Start by baking your pie crust. If you’re using a homemade or store-bought crust, you’ll need to blind-bake it until golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
Next, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
While the glaze is cooling, wash and hull your strawberries. If your berries are large, consider slicing them in half for easier serving. Arrange them in the cooled pie crust, piling them high for a stunning presentation.
Once the glaze is cool, pour it evenly over the strawberries, ensuring every berry gets a glossy coating. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours so the glaze can set properly.
When you’re ready to serve, top with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch. Enjoy every bite of this sweet, refreshing pie!
Storage Options
This strawberry pie is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them delicious.
Store the pie loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The glaze will begin to soften the strawberries over time, so it’s best eaten sooner rather than later.
If you want to prepare components ahead of time, you can bake the pie crust a day in advance and store it at room temperature. The glaze can also be made ahead and refrigerated separately, then gently reheated before assembling the pie.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the strawberries will change once thawed, making the pie watery.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this strawberry pie is how versatile it can be! Here are a few fun ways to change it up.
Want to make it healthier? Try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in the glaze. You can also reduce the sugar amount slightly without compromising the flavor.
For a different berry twist, swap out half the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries. The mix of flavors adds an extra layer of fruity goodness.
If you’re a fan of chocolate, drizzle melted chocolate over the strawberries before pouring the glaze. The combination of chocolate and berries is always a winner!
Not a fan of gelatin? You can create a glaze using strawberry puree, cornstarch, and sugar instead. It won’t have the same bright red color but will still taste amazing.
For a gluten-free option, simply use a gluten-free pie crust. Everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Experiment with different versions and find your favorite! However you make it, this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is sure to be a showstopper at your table.
PrintBig Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert made with a buttery pie crust, juicy fresh strawberries, and a sweet, glossy glaze. This homemade version of the restaurant favorite is simple to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a refreshing, fruit-filled treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Arrange fresh strawberries in the pre-baked pie crust.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture over the strawberries in the pie crust, ensuring even coverage.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use the freshest strawberries for the best flavor.
- A homemade pie crust can elevate the taste, but a store-bought one works well too.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean, firm slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 100mg
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