Few desserts capture the essence of summer quite like Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie. With its glossy, jewel-toned filling nestled in a crisp pie crust and brimming with sun-ripened strawberries, this is an effortless showstopper that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Each bite bursts with juicy berry flavor, silky glaze, and a melt-in-your-mouth base, making it the kind of treat everyone craves as soon as strawberry season hits. It’s the perfect dessert for backyard barbecues, family picnics, or anytime you want to end a meal with something sweet and cheerful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch pre-baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Strawberry Filling:
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Serving:
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
How to Make Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by making sure your 9-inch pie crust is baked and completely cool. You can lean on a homemade crust for that extra flaky touch, or opt for store-bought if you’re in a hurry—both deliver excellent results. A well-baked shell keeps everything crisp under the juicy filling of this Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie.
Step 2: Arrange Fresh Strawberries
Take about half of your hulled and halved strawberries and arrange them attractively in the cooled pie crust. This layer gives incredible texture and showcases the natural look of the strawberries, promising that every slice is packed with vibrant, fruity goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Strawberry Glaze
Place the remaining strawberries in a medium saucepan, then stir in the granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a gentle boil. Watch as the strawberries break down and the sauce transforms into a luscious, thickened glaze—this usually takes 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Pour
Once your glaze has thickened nicely, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Immediately pour the strawberry glaze evenly over the berries in the pie crust, being sure to cover every berry with the shiny, sweet sauce so the pie sets up beautifully.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Let your pie cool down to room temperature—it’ll start to set as it cools. Afterwards, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 to 4 hours. This patience pays off, as the flavors meld and the filling sets to that irresistible, sliceable consistency.
How to Serve Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie
Garnishes
A dreamy dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar takes this Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie to the next level. If you want extra shine, gently brush the top with a bit of warmed apricot jam for that pro bakery finish.
Side Dishes
Light and fruity side dishes pair well with the pie—think a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a small fruit salad, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. These flavors keep things bright and perfectly balanced without overshadowing the pie’s star qualities.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your pie into wedges and serve on vintage plates for a touch of nostalgia, or cut into bite-size squares for a fun twist at picnics. You can even layer slices in mini mason jars for adorable, portable desserts that make any gathering memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie in the fridge, loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness. The crust may soften a bit with time, but the flavors only deepen and become more irresistible over a day or two.
Freezing
While this pie shines brightest when enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to a month. Just note that the texture of the strawberries will change and the crust may lose some crispness after thawing.
Reheating
Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie is best eaten chilled, straight from the fridge, but if you prefer it slightly warm, leave a slice at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the filling runny and the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie?
Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the tastiest results, as they hold their shape and deliver that bright flavor. If frozen strawberries are your only option, thaw and drain them thoroughly before using, but be prepared for a softer, more jammy texture.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Using a well-baked, fully cooled crust is key. If you want extra insurance, brush the inside of the crust with a thin layer of melted chocolate or egg white before adding the strawberries—this acts as a moisture barrier and keeps things crisp.
Can I make the pie a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie a day in advance gives the filling plenty of time to set and lets the flavors mingle beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What kind of pie crust works best?
You can use a classic buttery pastry crust or switch things up with a graham cracker crust for a touch of sweet crunch. Both options complement the strawberries perfectly, so it’s just a matter of your mood and what you have on hand.
How long does the pie keep?
Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie will stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the filling can become watery, so be sure to enjoy those sweet slices while they’re at their very best!
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie is pure joy, a treat that celebrates the best of the season and creates sweet memories at every gathering. I hope you’ll grab some fresh berries and a pie crust soon—the reward is a beautiful, shareable dessert bursting with simple, summery goodness!
Print
Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with stovetop cooking)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the fresh flavors of summer with this delightful Homemade Fresh Strawberry Pie. A buttery pie crust filled with juicy strawberries coated in a sweet glaze, this no-bake dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch pre-baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Strawberry Filling:
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Serving:
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Arrange Strawberries: Place half of the strawberries in the pre-baked pie crust.
- Prepare Glaze: In a saucepan, combine remaining strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook until thickened.
- Add Glaze: Stir in vanilla extract and pour the glaze over the fresh strawberries in the pie crust.
- Chill: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 3–4 hours until set.
- Serve: Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream.
Notes
- For a shinier glaze, brush the top with warmed apricot jam.
- Try a graham cracker crust for a tasty variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
