Fresh Strawberry Pie

The smell of fresh strawberries and flaky crust makes this pie irresistible.
This Fresh Strawberry Pie is sweet, juicy, and full of bright summer flavor in every bite.

I made it after a trip to the farmers market, using the ripest berries I could find.
It’s glossy, fresh, and tastes like sunshine on a plate.

If you love simple desserts that celebrate real fruit, this one’s for you.
Let’s slice it up and enjoy that sweet burst of strawberry goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with fresh strawberries and basic pantry staples you likely already have.
• No-Bake Filling: The strawberries stay fresh and vibrant since only the glaze is cooked.
• Stunning Presentation: The glossy red filling looks impressive without requiring fancy decorating skills.
• Perfect for Summer: A cool, refreshing dessert that highlights seasonal berries at their best.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and chill until serving time.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time: Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes (for glaze) Chill Time: 3-4 hours Total Time: About 4.5 hours

Servings: This recipe makes one 9-inch pie, serving 8 people. Planning a larger gathering? Make two pies and use separate pie plates.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. The glaze needs attention while cooking, but the assembly is straightforward.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9-inch pie plate
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander for rinsing berries
• Sharp knife for slicing strawberries

Ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Pie

This beautiful pie comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Each component plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of sweet berries and tender crust.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pie (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Graham Cracker or Pastry Pie Crust: Either homemade or store-bought works perfectly. Graham cracker adds a subtle sweetness.
• Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor. You’ll need about 2 pounds total.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and balances the natural tartness of the berries.
• Water: Helps create the glossy glaze that coats the strawberries.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze to the perfect consistency so it sets but stays glossy.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents the filling from being too sweet.
• Whipped Cream or Whipped Topping: Serves alongside each slice for a creamy contrast.

Variations for Fresh Strawberry Pie

• Mixed Berry Pie: Combine strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a varied flavor.
• Add Vanilla: Stir a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the glaze for extra depth.
• Use Different Crusts: Try a chocolate cookie crust or shortbread crust for a different base.
• Citrus Twist: Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different tang.
• Sweeten Naturally: Use honey instead of some of the sugar for a floral sweetness.

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Pie Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

If using a store-bought crust, follow package directions for pre-baking if needed. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

2. Wash and Slice the Strawberries

Rinse the strawberries gently under cold water and pat them dry. Remove the stems and slice the berries in half or quarters, depending on their size.

3. Make the Glaze

In a medium saucepan, mash about one cup of the less perfect strawberries. Add sugar, water, and cornstarch. Whisk everything together until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. This takes about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Let the glaze cool for 5 minutes.

4. Combine Berries and Glaze

Place the remaining fresh strawberry pieces in a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the berries and gently fold everything together until all the berries are coated.

5. Fill the Pie

Spoon the glazed strawberries into the cooled pie crust. Arrange them in an even layer, making sure the glaze fills any gaps.

6. Chill

Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours until the filling is set and firm. The pie needs this time for the glaze to fully thicken.

Serving and Decoration

Fresh Strawberry Pie looks beautiful just as it is, but you can add a few finishing touches. Pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edge of the pie or place a generous dollop in the center. A few fresh mint leaves add a pop of color. Serve each slice with extra whipped cream on the side.

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie

This pie is perfect for many occasions:

• Summer Gatherings: Bring to potlucks, barbecues, or family reunions.
• Holiday Dessert: Serve at Fourth of July celebrations or Memorial Day picnics.
• Afternoon Tea: Pair with coffee or iced tea for a sweet afternoon treat.
• Dinner Party Finale: End a special meal with this elegant yet simple dessert.
• Just Because: Enjoy any day you want something sweet and refreshing.

Storing Fresh Strawberry Pie

• Refrigerator: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The berries will begin to release moisture after that.
• Not Freezer-Friendly: This pie does not freeze well because the strawberries become mushy when thawed.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the crust and glaze a day ahead, then assemble the pie on the day you plan to serve it.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Choose Ripe Berries: The flavor of your pie depends on the quality of your strawberries. Pick bright red, fragrant berries.
• Don’t Skip Chilling: The pie needs time in the refrigerator for the glaze to set properly.
• Cool the Glaze Slightly: Let the glaze cool for a few minutes before mixing with berries to prevent them from getting mushy.
• Dry Your Berries: Pat strawberries completely dry after washing to prevent watery glaze.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled juice works, but fresh lemon juice gives the best bright flavor.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	285
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	42g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	28g
Protein	3g

Nutrition information is approximate and based on one slice (1/8 of pie) with graham cracker crust and whipped cream.

Fresh Strawberry Pie FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. Frozen berries release too much water and make the pie watery.

Why is my glaze too thin? The glaze needs to cook long enough for the cornstarch to activate. Keep stirring over medium heat until it thickens noticeably.

Can I make this pie the day before? Yes. This pie actually benefits from overnight chilling. Just cover it well in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have cornstarch? You can use an equal amount of arrowroot powder as a substitute for cornstarch.

How do I know when the glaze is ready? The glaze should coat the back of a spoon and have a glossy appearance. It will thicken more as it cools.

Conclusion

Fresh Strawberry Pie is a celebration of summer in every bite. The combination of sweet, juicy berries and a buttery crust creates a dessert that feels both simple and special. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet slice with your afternoon coffee, this pie brings joy to any occasion. The glossy red filling catches the light beautifully, and that first taste of cool, fresh strawberries is pure summer magic.