There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a slice of homemade fresh strawberry pie. This easy and delicious recipe brings out the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, paired with a smooth, slightly tangy filling that sets perfectly inside a crisp, buttery pie crust. Whether you’re celebrating a summer gathering, enjoying a family dessert, or simply craving a fruity treat, this fresh strawberry pie is sure to impress. The combination of juicy strawberries and a subtly sweetened filling, thickened with cornstarch and Sure-Jell, creates a pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The addition of lemon juice brightens the filling, enhancing the flavor of the strawberries. This recipe is quick to prepare, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. The pie can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bright red strawberries give the pie an eye-catching look, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion, especially when strawberries are in season.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

This fresh strawberry pie is the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, with a filling that’s light yet rich in flavor. It’s easy to make, especially with the help of a pre-made pie crust, and it doesn’t require any baking except for the crust. The texture of the filling is smooth and gel-like, perfectly complementing the natural juiciness of the strawberries. It’s a refreshing and indulgent dessert that’s not too heavy, making it ideal for warm weather. The combination of fresh ingredients ensures that the pie tastes like summer in every bite. Plus, the recipe is highly customizable—feel free to add a bit of whipped cream on top or sprinkle some fresh mint for added flair. It’s a go-to dessert for any celebration or casual dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Pillsbury pie crust
Fresh strawberries (gently rinsed and dried, hulled)
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
Sure-Jell (for low-sugar recipes, the pink box)
Pinch of salt
Lemon juice

Variations

Add Whipped Cream: Top the pie with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Use a Different Berry: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can swap in other berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a different twist.
Add a Crumble Topping: Instead of a traditional pie crust, make a crumble topping by combining flour, butter, sugar, and oats to create a crisp topping that adds texture to your pie.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a fun variation, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the pie before serving to give it an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make the Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the Pillsbury pie crust packaging. Unroll the pie crust and fit it into a pie pan. Poke a few holes in the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake the crust according to the package directions, then set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, Sure-Jell, pinch of salt, and lemon juice. Stir in 1 ½ cups of water, and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Once it reaches a thick, syrup-like consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 3: Add the Strawberries

Allow the mixture to cool slightly before gently folding in the hulled and halved strawberries. Stir until the strawberries are well coated in the thickened syrup.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust

Carefully pour the strawberry filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula.

Step 5: Chill the Pie

Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or until the filling has set and the pie is firm.

Step 6: Serve

Once the pie has chilled and set, slice and serve. For an added treat, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips for Making the Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The fresher the strawberries, the better the flavor of the pie. Look for ripe, sweet berries for the best results.
Let the Pie Cool Completely: Be sure to allow the pie to chill for a few hours so the filling has time to set. This will make it easier to slice and prevent the filling from running.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar. Taste the filling before adding the strawberries and tweak the sugar if necessary.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps the filling set and gives it a smooth texture. Be sure to follow the recipe for the best results.

How to Serve

This fresh strawberry pie is perfect on its own but can be served with a variety of toppings to enhance the flavor. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate can take it to the next level. For a refreshing contrast, a few fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can still be delicious after a day or two.

Freezing

While the pie can be frozen, the texture of the strawberries may change after thawing, and the filling may not hold up as well. If you decide to freeze it, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

No reheating is needed for this pie, as it’s best served cold. Just let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature if you prefer a slightly less chilled slice.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the filling.

2. Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of a store-bought one?

Yes, you can absolutely use a homemade pie crust if you prefer. Just make sure to pre-bake it as you would with a store-bought crust.

3. Can I make this pie without Sure-Jell?

Sure-Jell is recommended for the best texture and to help the filling set properly. If you don’t have it, you can try substituting with other pectin products or simply use more cornstarch.

4. How do I make the pie crust crispier?

To avoid a soggy crust, bake it completely before adding the filling. You can also brush the crust with a beaten egg wash before baking for a golden, crisp texture.

5. Can I add other fruits to the pie?

Yes, you can experiment by adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to the pie. Just be mindful that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

6. How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?

Allow the pie to cool and chill for several hours. The cornstarch and Sure-Jell will help the filling set as it cools.

7. How long does this pie take to set?

The pie needs to chill for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to fully set and firm up.

8. Can I make this pie the day before serving?

Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead. You can make it the day before and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

9. Can I use a pre-made pie crust from the frozen section?

Yes, a frozen pre-made pie crust works perfectly in this recipe. Just follow the instructions for pre-baking it before filling it with the strawberry mixture.

10. Can I make a sugar-free version of this pie?

Yes, you can use sugar substitutes in place of the granulated sugar. Look for a sugar substitute that can be used for baking, and follow the package instructions for the correct ratio.

Conclusion

Easy fresh strawberry pie is a light, refreshing, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet, tangy filling and buttery pie crust, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that’s simple to make and always a hit. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a casual summer celebration, this pie is sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and an easy process, you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries.

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