Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a fresh strawberry pie to welcome the warm days of spring and summer. The bright, juicy berries are enveloped in a luscious glaze, nestled in a crisp, flaky crust, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream—every bite bursting with sunshine-sweet flavor.

this Recipes

I still remember my first slice of Big Boy’s iconic strawberry pie at a roadside diner. It was love at first bite, and I knew I had to recreate that same fresh, homemade goodness at home. After a few tweaks, this recipe became a family favorite, making an appearance at every summer gathering.

Why You'll Love This Fresh Strawberry Pie

Get ready to fall head over heels for this easy, no-fuss strawberry pie. It's the perfect balance of fresh fruit, light sweetness, and buttery crust.

First, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delicious pie in no time—no complicated techniques required.

It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dessert. The pie sets beautifully in the fridge, making it perfect for preparing in advance for a party or special occasion.

If you're looking for a lighter dessert, this pie fits the bill. Unlike heavy, custard-filled pies, this one keeps things fresh with a natural fruit-forward flavor.

Best of all, it’s a showstopper. The glossy, ruby-red strawberries glisten under the light, making it just as stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this fresh strawberry pie comes from its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the final dessert a masterpiece.

Strawberries are the star of the show, so choose ripe, sweet, and fragrant berries. Look for ones that are deep red all the way through—these will have the best flavor and natural sweetness.

The pie crust is just as important as the filling. A buttery, flaky crust provides the perfect contrast to the juicy strawberries. You can use a homemade crust or a store-bought option if you’re short on time. Just make sure to blind-bake it before adding the filling.

The glaze is made with sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin, creating that signature glossy coating that enhances the natural berry flavor. Some versions use only cornstarch, but the gelatin helps the filling set beautifully and adds a touch of nostalgic diner-style sweetness.

A little lemon juice brightens up the filling and balances the sweetness, giving the pie a fresh, vibrant taste.

For a final touch, homemade whipped cream is the perfect topping. Just a little bit of heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla makes all the difference—light, airy, and the ideal complement to the sweet strawberries.

How To Make This Fresh Strawberry Pie

Making this pie is surprisingly easy, and the results are absolutely stunning. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Start by preparing the pie crust. If using a homemade crust, roll it out, fit it into a pie dish, and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling, then bake until golden and crisp. Let it cool completely before filling.

While the crust cools, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns translucent. Remove from heat and whisk in strawberry gelatin, stirring until fully dissolved. Set the glaze aside to cool slightly.

Next, prepare the strawberries. Wash, hull, and slice them in half (or quarters for extra-large berries). Arrange them neatly inside the cooled pie crust, packing them in so that every slice is bursting with fruit.

Once the glaze has cooled to room temperature, pour it evenly over the strawberries. Use a spoon or pastry brush to ensure all the berries are coated, creating that signature shiny, red finish.

Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, allowing the filling to set completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Just before serving, whip up a batch of homemade whipped cream. Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until soft peaks form. Pipe or dollop it onto each slice for the perfect finishing touch.

Storage Options

This fresh strawberry pie is best enjoyed the same day it’s made, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

If you need to make it ahead, prepare the pie crust and glaze separately, then assemble the pie a few hours before serving. This keeps the crust from getting soggy and ensures the strawberries stay fresh.

Avoid freezing this pie, as the fresh strawberries and gelatin-based glaze don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. The texture becomes too watery, and the pie loses its signature freshness and shine.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this classic strawberry pie is its versatility. Here are a few ways to change things up.

For a mixed berry version, swap out half of the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. This creates a stunning, colorful pie with a delicious blend of flavors.

If you want a sugar-free option, use a sugar substitute and sugar-free strawberry gelatin to cut down on sweetness while keeping the same great taste and texture.

For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the top before serving. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is always a winner.

If you prefer a different crust, try a graham cracker or vanilla wafer crust for a sweeter, no-bake alternative. It adds a nice crunch and pairs beautifully with the juicy filling.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a hint of balsamic vinegar or fresh basil to the glaze for a sophisticated flavor boost. It enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries without overpowering them.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is sure to impress. It's simple, delicious, and bursting with fresh berry flavor—the ultimate summer dessert.

Print