If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with bright, sweet flavor and a vibrant pop of color, then you absolutely must try Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe. This classic pie takes the humble strawberry to a dazzling new level with a glossy, homemade strawberry jelly glaze that holds all that juicy goodness in place atop a perfectly baked crust. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying — a pie that feels like a celebration of summertime any time of the year. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply craving a fresh, fruity treat, this pie is sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, yet each one plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture that make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe so special. From the crisp pie crust providing the perfect crunchy base to the luscious combination of fresh strawberries and a silky, sweet glaze, every component has its purpose.
- Frozen pie crust: A convenient, buttery base that bakes up crisp and golden, giving your pie structure and a delicious flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens the filling to complement the natural tartness of fresh strawberries beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to create a glaze that’s glossy and perfectly set.
- Water: The liquid element that combines with cornstarch and sugar to form the filling’s smooth texture.
- Strawberry jelly: Adds an extra boost of strawberry flavor and helps create that irresistible shiny finish.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: The star of the show; juicy and sweet with a natural vibrancy that makes the pie shine.
How to Make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven and baking the frozen pie crust according to its package instructions. This baked crust is the foundation of your pie, providing that delightful crunch with just the right amount of buttery flavor. Once baked, set it aside to cool completely for about 30 minutes — a critical step to ensure the filling sets perfectly without making the crust soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
While your crust cools, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously as the mixture heats up. Eventually, it will come to a boil and begin to thicken — that’s your cue to reduce the heat and keep simmering gently for about 5 minutes until the filling reaches the ideal consistency, silky but firm enough to hold the pie together.
Step 3: Add Strawberry Jelly
Once the filling has thickened, whisk in the strawberry jelly. This step is what gives Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe its signature gloss and intensified strawberry flavor. After combining, remove the saucepan from heat and let the filling cool for a bit. The cooling process is essential so the glaze doesn’t melt your fresh strawberries.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Place the fresh, sliced strawberries into your cooled pie crust in an even layer. Then, gently pour the cooled strawberry jelly mixture over the fruit, making sure each slice is beautifully coated. This careful assembly ensures every bite boasts vibrant flavor with the perfect balance of juicy fruit and sweet glaze.
Step 5: Chill
Transfer your assembled pie to the refrigerator and let it chill for a few hours. During this time, the strawberry filling fully sets, giving the pie that stunning shiny surface and a pleasingly firm texture that’s easy to slice and serve.
Step 6: Serve
After chilling, your Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is ready to shine! Slice it up, serve it chilled, and prepare to delight in every bite of this fantastic fresh strawberry treat.
How to Serve Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a little extra flavor, consider garnishing your pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves. Not only does this add a lovely contrast in texture and color, but it also enhances the fresh, summery essence of the strawberries.
Side Dishes
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments such as a crisp green salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These side options complement the pie’s sweetness and offer a pleasing temperature and texture contrast, making the whole meal feel balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking about making an impression? Serve the pie on a pretty cake stand to highlight its bright colors. Or, consider adding fresh whole strawberries around the base or decorating each slice with a thin drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a touch of decadence. It’s all about letting this fresh pie take center stage in the most eye-catching way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pie, make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe the next day with minimal effort.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for preserving the texture of the fresh strawberries, you can freeze the pie crust ahead of time if you want to save on prep. The assembled pie itself can be frozen, but expect some softening of the fruit after thawing. If you choose to freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This pie is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Serving it cold preserves the glossy glaze and the fresh strawberry experience that makes Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of a frozen one?
Absolutely! A homemade crust can add a personal touch and extra flavor. Just make sure to bake it thoroughly and cool completely before filling to maintain the perfect texture.
What if I can’t find strawberry jelly?
If strawberry jelly isn’t available, you can substitute with strawberry jam or preserve, but you might want to slightly reduce the sugar in the filling mixture to balance the sweetness.
How fresh should the strawberries be?
For the best flavor and texture, use the freshest strawberries you can find. Look for bright red berries that are firm and ripe but not mushy.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?
Fresh strawberries are preferred because frozen berries can release too much water and make the pie soggy. If you must use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before assembling.
How long does the pie need to chill?
Chilling for at least 3 hours allows the filling to set properly. For an even firmer set, you can refrigerate it overnight.
Final Thoughts
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is one of those delightful desserts that feels as good as it tastes — fresh, sweet, and just a little bit special. It’s simple to make, yet the perfect balance of textures and flavors will impress anyone lucky enough to try it. So gather those strawberries and start baking; this pie is guaranteed to become a treasured staple in your kitchen and heart.
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Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including crust cooling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert featuring a flaky baked pie crust filled with fresh sliced strawberries coated in a smooth, sweet strawberry jelly glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings or any special occasion, this pie combines the bright flavor of fresh strawberries with a luscious, homemade fruit glaze.
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 so it becomes firm and ready to hold the filling.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Add Strawberry Jelly: Whisk in the strawberry jelly thoroughly into the thickened mixture, then remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature to prevent cooking the fresh strawberries.
- Assemble the Pie: Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly into the cooled pie crust. Carefully pour the cooled strawberry jelly mixture over the strawberries, coating them evenly to create a glossy, sweet glaze.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled pie for several hours, at least 2-3, until the filling is fully set and chilled, ensuring the pie holds its shape when sliced.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy this fresh and delicious strawberry pie, perfect as a summery dessert or party treat.
Notes
- Ensure the pie crust is completely cooled before assembling to prevent a soggy crust.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- You can substitute strawberry jelly with seedless strawberry jam if preferred.
- Adjust the sugar amount according to the sweetness of your strawberries.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for freshness.
