If there’s one dessert that truly captures the taste of summer, it’s Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie. This pie is a celebration of juicy, ruby-red strawberries nestled in a flaky crust and glazed with a sweet, luscious strawberry filling that shimmers like sunshine. Whether you grew up enjoying this classic at your favorite diner or you’re discovering it for the first time, this recipe is your ticket to pure nostalgia and irresistible flavor. With a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of chilling time, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or anyone lucky enough to grab a slice.

Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pie Base
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Topping (optional)
- Whipped cream

How to Make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly—this is how you avoid lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth glaze. After about 5 to 7 minutes, the mixture will thicken and turn beautifully translucent, signaling that it’s ready for the next step.

Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the strawberry gelatin. Keep mixing until the powder is completely dissolved and the mixture takes on a vibrant, rosy hue. This is the secret behind that signature Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie color and flavor!

Step 3: Cool the Glaze

Let the gelatin mixture cool for around 15 minutes. You want it to be lukewarm—not hot enough to wilt the berries, but not so cool that it starts to set. This step ensures your strawberries stay plump and fresh once the glaze is poured over them.

Step 4: Arrange the Strawberries

Place your hulled and halved strawberries, cut side down, in the pre-baked pie crust. Don’t be afraid to pack them in snugly—this is what gives Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie its signature look and every bite a burst of berry goodness.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Carefully pour the slightly cooled gelatin mixture over the arranged strawberries, making sure every berry gets its share of the glossy glaze. Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is fully set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, slice up the pie and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream if you like. Savor every bite of this nostalgic, fresh, and fruity treat!

How to Serve Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Garnishes

For that classic diner look, top each slice with a swirl of whipped cream and a few extra strawberry slices. A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and freshness, making every plate irresistible.

Side Dishes

This pie shines brightest as the star of the table, but if you’re planning a summer spread, pair it with a light lemony iced tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A crisp salad or a platter of fresh fruit keeps things bright and seasonal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie in individual mason jars for a picnic-perfect twist, or cut it into bite-sized squares for a fun dessert bar at your next gathering. A drizzle of dark chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted almonds can also add a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your leftover Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though the crust may soften slightly over time.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this pie, the texture of the strawberries and gelatin glaze may change once thawed. If you do want to freeze it, wrap slices tightly and thaw in the fridge before serving, keeping in mind that the berries may not be quite as perky.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. There’s no need to reheat—just slice, serve, and enjoy that cool, refreshing flavor!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie because they hold their shape and provide the best flavor and texture. Frozen berries tend to release more water and may make the filling runny.

What type Dessert

You can use either a homemade or store-bought pre-baked pie crust. A traditional pastry crust delivers the classic texture, but a graham cracker crust is also delicious for a slightly different twist.

How do I know when the glaze is thick enough?

The glaze is ready when it turns clear and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient and keep stirring to avoid lumps and to achieve the perfect consistency.

Can I make this pie in advance?

Yes! In fact, Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before you plan to serve for the best flavor and set. Just keep it chilled until ready to slice.

Is there a way to make this pie vegetarian?

Absolutely! Most strawberry gelatin is already vegetarian, but if you’re avoiding animal products, look for a gelatin brand made with plant-based ingredients to keep your pie veggie-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about slicing into a homemade Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie and seeing those glistening berries nestled in the perfect crust. Whether you’re reliving a cherished memory or making new ones, this pie has a way of making any gathering feel extra special. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with every sweet, strawberry-filled bite!

Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for summer. Featuring a pre-baked pie crust filled with fresh, juicy strawberries and a glossy strawberry gelatin topping, this pie is easy to make and sure to impress. The filling is cooked on the stovetop to achieve the perfect thick, translucent consistency, then chilled to set beautifully. Serve it with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Base

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Filling

1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

Topping (optional)

Whipped cream

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Instructions

Prepare the gelatin mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Dissolve the gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin powder until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 15 minutes, but make sure it does not set.
Arrange strawberries in crust: Place the fresh strawberries, cut side down, evenly into the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust, forming a single layer to create the base for the filling.
Pour gelatin over strawberries: Carefully pour the slightly cooled gelatin mixture over the strawberries, ensuring all are evenly coated to hold them in place and provide a shiny finish.
Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours until the filling is fully set and firm.
Serve: Once set, slice the pie and serve chilled. Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice for added creaminess and flavor.

Notes

Use ripe, sweet strawberries at their peak for the best flavor and texture.
Slice strawberries smaller if a different texture or appearance is preferred.
Consume the pie within 2 days for optimal freshness and to maintain the best texture of the filling and crust.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake (with stovetop filling)
Cuisine: American