A Tale of Two Strawberry Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry pie is a timeless dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a smooth, glossy glaze. You can make it with or without strawberry Jell-O, depending on your preference. The crust, whether homemade or store-bought, is the perfect crispy base to hold the vibrant, juicy filling. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy glaze, and a buttery crust makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, it’s a dessert that’s easy to customize based on your tastes.

Ingredients

For Gram's Strawberry Pie (with Jell-O glaze):

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 2 cups water

• 4 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 quart fresh strawberries

• 1 box strawberry Jell-O

• 1 prepared pie crust (using your favorite recipe or store-bought)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the No-Jell-O Strawberry Pie Glaze:

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 ½ quarts fresh strawberries

• 1 prepared pie crust

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For Gram's Strawberry Pie (with Jell-O glaze):

1. Wash and cut the strawberries into pieces—small berries in half, medium berries into quarters, and large berries into six or more pieces. Drain any liquid and set the strawberries aside.

2. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 1 ½ cups sugar. Heat over medium-high heat.

3. Mix the cornstarch with the remaining ½ cup of water until dissolved. Add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes clear (about 5 minutes).

4. Slowly stir in the strawberry Jell-O until it dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

5. Gently fold the strawberries into the warm glaze, making sure the fruit is evenly coated.

6. Spoon the strawberries into the prepared pie shell, adding as much of the remaining glaze as desired.

7. Refrigerate the pie for a couple of hours before serving. Top with whipped cream before serving.

For the No-Jell-O Strawberry Pie Glaze:

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and ½ cup sugar, and bring to a boil.

2. Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to dissolve, then slowly add this to the boiling mixture.

3. Stir constantly until the glaze thickens.

4. Pour the glaze over the strawberries and fold gently.

5. Spoon the glazed strawberries into the prepared pie crust.

6. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving with whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes one 9-inch pie, which typically serves 6-8 people. The total time to make the pie is about 30 minutes of prep time plus 2 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator.

Variations

• Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute to make the pie sugar-free. This will work well with both the Jell-O and homemade glaze versions.

• Vegan Version: Replace the gelatin with agar-agar for a plant-based alternative. Ensure the crust is vegan by using a dairy-free butter substitute.

• Additional Fruit: You can add other berries such as raspberries or blueberries for a mixed-berry pie.

• Crust Alternatives: Swap the traditional pie crust for a graham cracker crust for a lighter alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it's covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods.

• Reheating: Since this pie is served cold, there's no need to reheat. If desired, you can add a fresh layer of whipped cream just before serving.

FAQs

How long does it take to make this strawberry pie?

The pie requires about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them properly before using them in the pie.

Can I skip the Jell-O in this recipe?

Yes, you can skip the Jell-O and make the homemade glaze instead. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.

What type of pie crust should I use?

You can use a homemade or store-bought pie crust. If making your own, Crisco is a great option for achieving a flaky, buttery crust.

Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this pie the day before and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Pre-baking the crust (also known as blind baking) will prevent it from becoming soggy. Ensure the crust is fully baked before filling it with the strawberry mixture.

Can I use other types of fruit for this pie?

Yes! This recipe works well with other berries such as raspberries or blackberries. You can even mix and match for a delicious variety.

Is this pie gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free pie crust, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

Can I add whipped cream to the pie before refrigerating it?

It's best to wait until just before serving to add whipped cream, as it may soften and lose its texture in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this strawberry pie?

This pie is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the crust and filling separately. Once thawed, the texture may not be as crisp, but it will still be tasty.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to stick with the classic Jell-O version or go for the homemade glaze, this strawberry pie is sure to bring a touch of sweetness to any gathering. It’s versatile, easy to make, and filled with the kind of comforting, homemade goodness that everyone loves. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this strawberry pie will definitely be a hit!

Print

A Tale of Two Strawberry Pies

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A timeless strawberry pie recipe with a choice of strawberry Jell-O or a homemade glaze. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a refreshing and sweet treat.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 hours
• Yield: 1 pie (6-8 servings)
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Chilled
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 ½ cups sugar

2 cups water

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 quart fresh strawberries

1 box strawberry Jell-O

1 prepared pie crust (using your favorite recipe or store-bought)

½ cup sugar

1 cup water

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 ½ quarts fresh strawberries

1 prepared pie crust

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Wash and cut the strawberries into pieces—small berries in half, medium berries into quarters, and large berries into six or more pieces. Drain any liquid and set the strawberries aside.
2. For Gram's Strawberry Pie (with Jell-O glaze): In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 1 ½ cups sugar. Heat over medium-high heat.
3. Mix the cornstarch with the remaining ½ cup of water until dissolved. Add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes clear (about 5 minutes).
4. Slowly stir in the strawberry Jell-O until it dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
5. Gently fold the strawberries into the warm glaze, making sure the fruit is evenly coated.
6. Spoon the strawberries into the prepared pie shell, adding as much of the remaining glaze as desired.
7. Refrigerate the pie for a couple of hours before serving. Top with whipped cream before serving.
8. For the No-Jell-O Strawberry Pie Glaze: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and ½ cup sugar, and bring to a boil.
9. Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to dissolve, then slowly add this to the boiling mixture.
10. Stir constantly until the glaze thickens.
11. Pour the glaze over the strawberries and fold gently.
12. Spoon the glazed strawberries into the prepared pie crust.
13. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving with whipped cream.

Notes

• Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered to prevent it from absorbing other food odors.
• Use a sugar substitute for a sugar-free version or agar-agar for a vegan alternative.
• For a lighter crust, use a graham cracker crust.
• Ensure you pre-bake the crust to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg