Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with fresh strawberries
- Perfect summer dessert
- Beautiful presentation
- Easy to make ahead
- Light and refreshing
- Great for holidays and parties
- Delicious with whipped cream
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- Fully cooled before filling
For the Strawberry Filling
- 2 pounds (900g) fresh strawberries
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves
- Extra strawberry slices
- Lemon zest
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie dish
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Wire whisk
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and dry all strawberries thoroughly.
Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops.
Set aside:
- 1½ pounds strawberries, halved or quartered
- ½ pound strawberries for the glaze
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Glaze
Place the reserved ½ pound strawberries into a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth.
Measure approximately 1 cup strawberry puree.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
In a medium saucepan combine:
- Strawberry puree
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Water
Whisk until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until:
- Thickened
- Glossy
- Slightly translucent
Remove from heat.
Stir in:
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
Allow the glaze to cool for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Fill the Pie
Place the prepared fresh strawberries into a large bowl.
Pour the cooled glaze over the berries.
Gently fold until every strawberry is coated.
Transfer the mixture into the baked pie crust.
Arrange berries attractively for a beautiful presentation.
Smooth the top lightly.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours.
The filling should fully set before slicing.
For best results, chill overnight.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream
Just before serving, combine in a chilled bowl:
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Beat until medium-stiff peaks form.
Do not overwhip.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top each slice with:
- Fresh whipped cream
- Additional strawberries
- Mint leaves (optional)
Serve chilled.
Homemade Pie Crust (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
Method
- Combine flour and salt.
- Cut in butter until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Add ice water gradually until dough comes together.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll into a 12-inch circle.
- Fit into a pie plate.
- Blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before filling.
Chef’s Tips
Use Peak-Season Strawberries
Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Dry the Berries Thoroughly
Excess moisture can make the filling watery.
Cool the Glaze Slightly
Hot glaze can soften the berries and affect texture.
Chill Overnight
The pie slices cleaner and develops better flavor after a full chill.
Use Fresh Whipped Cream
Homemade whipped cream tastes significantly better than store-bought toppings.
Variations
Strawberry Blueberry Pie
Replace 1 cup strawberries with fresh blueberries.
Strawberry Lemon Pie
Add:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Extra lemon juice
for a brighter citrus flavor.
Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese in the crust before adding strawberries.
Chocolate Strawberry Pie
Brush the crust with melted chocolate before filling.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Not recommended, as fresh strawberries release water after thawing.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 25g
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pie with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh lemonade
- Iced tea
- Sparkling rosé
- Fresh berry salad
Recipe Notes
Classic Fresh Strawberry Pie is one of the most beloved summer desserts for good reason. With its vibrant red berries, glossy homemade glaze, flaky crust, and pillowy whipped cream, it’s a simple yet stunning dessert that lets fresh strawberries shine. Whether served at a backyard barbecue, holiday picnic, or family dinner, this pie delivers pure summer flavor in every bite.
