If you’re craving a vibrant dessert that bursts with natural sweetness and juicy freshness, this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together the perfect harmony of a crisp, golden crust and luscious, ruby red strawberries coated in a glossy, tender filling. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon treat or the star of your holiday dessert table, this pie is refreshingly simple yet irresistibly charming. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of bright, tangy lemon juice and the full-bodied flavor of fresh strawberries that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward, each playing a key role in enhancing the pie’s taste, texture, and eye-catching color. From the sweet aroma of ripe strawberries to the flakiness of the crust, every component is essential.
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved: Choose firm, ripe berries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color in your pie.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: It sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: This thickens the filling beautifully, giving the pie that perfect, sliceable consistency.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts and balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9 inches): To keep things simple and stress-free, a good-quality crust delivers the golden, buttery base your pie needs.
- Whipped cream for topping: Adds a light, creamy complement that contrasts perfectly with the fresh strawberry filling.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Press your pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and bake it for 10 to 12 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. This prebake ensures a crisp crust that won’t get soggy once the juicy filling is added. Then, let the crust cool completely to set the stage for the luscious filling.
Step 2: Cook the Strawberry Filling
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of the sliced strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently but consistently for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glossy glaze. This cooking step enhances the fruit’s sweetness and activates the cornstarch’s magic, creating that silky smooth texture we love in the filling. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool just a bit.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Strawberries
Once the cooked filling has cooled slightly, fold in the remaining fresh strawberries. This step keeps some berries whole and juicy, creating a textural contrast that elevates the pie from ordinary to extraordinary. You’ll see the bright red pieces nestled in the thick glaze, looking absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill the Pie
Pour your strawberry filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly. Cover the pie and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours—this chilling stage allows the filling to set perfectly, chilling everything into a refreshing, sliceable treat. Patience here pays off with every delicious forkful.
Step 5: Serve with Whipped Cream
When ready to serve, top each slice generously with whipped cream. The lightness of the cream balances the fruit’s natural sweetness and adds a dreamy finish to your Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe. It’s like a little cloud of joy on every plate!
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar over the whipped cream topping. A few whole strawberries or edible flower petals can also make each slice pop visually and add layers of flavor and freshness. These garnishes transform your pie into a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a crisp green salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The salad adds a pleasant contrast while ice cream melts into the warm crust, creating a decadent combination. For a brunch setup, serve alongside fresh brewed coffee or sparkling lemonade to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe in mini tart shells for an elegant party appetizer or portion it as parfait layers with whipped cream in clear glasses. You could also use heart-shaped cookie cutters on the crust before baking for a fun, festive look. These creative presentations keep things exciting whether you’re hosting or gifting your delicious creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Fresh Strawberry Pie refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days. The filling’s texture and flavor stay fresh, but try to enjoy it soon so the crust doesn’t absorb moisture and become soggy.
Freezing
Because fresh strawberries can lose their texture when frozen, this pie is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze the baked crust separately for up to 1 month if you want to prepare ahead. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature before adding the filling.
Reheating
This pie is served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you warmed the crust separately, allow it to cool completely before filling with the strawberry mixture. Keep the whipped cream fresh and add it just before serving for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones if fresh are unavailable. Just thaw and drain them well to prevent excess liquid from making the filling too runny.
What is the best way to hull strawberries quickly?
A simple trick is to push a straw or skewer through the bottom of the strawberry to pop out the hull quickly and cleanly, saving time during prep.
Can I make this pie vegan?
Absolutely! Use a vegan pie crust and substitute the whipped cream with coconut whipped cream or any plant-based alternative to keep the dessert deliciously dairy-free.
How do I ensure the pie crust stays crisp?
Baking the crust ahead and cooling it thoroughly before adding the filling helps prevent sogginess. You can also brush the crust with a thin layer of melted white chocolate or egg wash before baking for extra barrier protection.
Can I add other fruits to this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe?
Yes, adding blueberries or raspberries can give a nice twist and more complex flavor profile. Just keep the proportions balanced to maintain that signature fresh strawberry appeal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe enough—it’s a treasure of bright flavors, simple ingredients, and straightforward steps that bring a little slice of summer to your table no matter the season. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite to share with friends and family for all the special moments and those perfectly ordinary afternoons that deserve a bit of sweetness.
Print
Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Strawberry Pie features a buttery pre-baked pie crust filled with a luscious strawberry filling made from fresh strawberries sweetened and thickened with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Chilled to set perfectly, it’s a refreshing and vibrant dessert topped with fluffy whipped cream, perfect for warm days and special occasions.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9 inches)
Strawberry Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup sliced strawberries (from the 4 cups, separated for cooking)
Topping
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool completely to prepare for the filling.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice. Stir constantly as the mixture heats until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Combine Remaining Strawberries: Fold the remaining sliced strawberries (3 cups) into the slightly cooled thickened strawberry mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated for a fresh texture.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the strawberry filling evenly into the cooled pre-baked pie crust. Gently spread the filling to reach the edges and create a smooth top.
- Chill to Set: Place the filled pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours so the filling can fully set and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: When ready to serve, cut the pie into 8 slices and top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and decoration.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm strawberries for the best texture and flavor.
- The cornstarch acts as a thickener, so make sure to cook the mixture until it visibly thickens to avoid a runny filling.
- Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
- Chilling the pie for at least 2 hours is essential for proper setting of the filling.
- For a decorative touch, garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices if desired.
