If you adore bright, juicy flavors wrapped in a flaky crust, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe. It’s the perfect way to showcase those luscious berries at their peak, glazed just right to hold them together while still letting a few sweet strawberries tumble out, teasing you with every bite. The balance of fresh fruit, a tender pre-baked crust, and a shiny glaze makes this pie a true showstopper for any occasion—whether it’s a sunny summer picnic or an intimate dinner with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe shines because of its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—fragrant vanilla and almond extracts enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness, lemon juice adds a bright zing, and a smooth glaze keeps those strawberries beautifully coated and glossy.
- Chilled pie dough for one 9-inch pie: Provides a buttery, flaky base that holds all the delicious filling perfectly.
- 1 ½ pounds quartered and hulled strawberries (about 5 cups): The star of the dish, make sure to pick ripe and juicy berries for maximum flavor.
- 2/3 to 3/4 cup sugar: Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of your strawberries to achieve the ideal balance.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Thickens the glaze to coat the strawberries without making it too stiff.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm, inviting note that elevates the fresh taste of the berries.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty hint that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the glaze and keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts the overall depth of flavor.
- 1 egg yolk: Used for the egg wash to give the crust a gorgeous golden shine.
- 1 tablespoon cream: Mixed with the egg yolk for that perfect egg wash gloss.
- Homemade whipped cream or whipped coconut cream: Creamy topping that perfectly contrasts the tartness of the strawberries.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Prebake the Pie Crust
Start by rolling out your chilled pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into place without stretching. Trim the edges to about half an inch, then fold and crimp the border for a pretty finish. Piercing the bottom with a fork prevents air bubbles during baking. Line the crust with foil and fill it with pie weights, rice, or dried beans to keep the crust from shrinking or puffing up. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes—this step is crucial for a crisp, flaky base.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 425°F, placing a baking sheet on the middle rack to warm. Transfer the crust on the baking sheet, reduce heat to 400°F, and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until golden and inviting. After removing the weights and foil, brush the crust with an egg wash made from egg yolk and cream for a glossy finish, then bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before filling.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze
While the crust cools, mash 2 cups of your strawberries in a small saucepan, leaving it slightly chunky for texture. Stir in sugar, cornstarch, vanilla and almond extracts, lemon juice, and salt. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens—this should take about five minutes. Allow the glaze to cool thoroughly before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Carefully fold the remaining 3 cups of quartered strawberries into the cooled glaze, coating every berry with that luscious shine. Spoon the strawberry mixture into your cooled crust, spreading evenly. Refrigerate the pie for at least two hours to allow the filling to set, remembering that it will stay slightly loose and juicy rather than firm like jelly.
Step 5: Finish with Whipped Cream
Just before serving, top your beautiful Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe with a generous dollop of whipped cream or whipped coconut cream for a creamy, refreshing contrast to the sweet berries. This finishing touch makes the pie an irresistible treat.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, decorate the pie with a few extra whole strawberries placed in a pretty pattern on top of the whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can add a touch of elegance and freshness that complements the vibrant red of the strawberries.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of yogurt for a delightful mix of temperatures and textures. Light tea or sparkling water with lemon also balances the pie’s sweetness, making it the perfect dessert to round out any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe into mini individual pies by using tart pans? Or serve it in clear glass parfait cups layered with granola and fresh berries for a chic twist. You can even top slices with toasted almond flakes for a little crunch that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep your Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe refrigerated, loosely covered with plastic wrap or a reusable cover like beeswax wrap to avoid sogginess and moisture buildup. Best enjoyed within three days, though the crust may soften and the filling might become a bit watery as time passes.
Freezing
Freezing this pie is not recommended because the fresh fruit and glaze lose their texture and become watery upon thawing, compromising the pie’s fresh and vibrant character. Instead, consider freezing the pie crust dough ahead of time to save prep work on a busy day.
Reheating
Since this pie is served chilled to highlight the freshness of the strawberries and the crispness of the crust, reheating is not necessary or advised. If you prefer a warm dessert, consider making a different strawberry crumble or cobbler.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe?
Frozen strawberries tend to release too much water and won’t hold their shape well in this pie. For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries whenever possible.
How do I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?
Prebaking the crust and applying an egg wash creates a moisture barrier that keeps your crust crisp. Also, avoid airtight covers when storing the pie to prevent trapped moisture from softening the crust.
Can I make the strawberry glaze in advance?
Absolutely! The glaze can be prepared a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge, saving you time on serving day.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch in the glaze?
You can substitute tapioca starch or arrowroot powder, but cornstarch gives the best clear, smooth finish without affecting the flavor.
What’s the best whipped cream to use as a topping?
Homemade whipped cream is ideal for its fresh, airy texture and natural flavor, but whipped coconut cream is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that still gives a luscious finish.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is a joyful celebration of summer’s finest fruit and simple baking pleasures. With its vibrant color, balanced sweetness, and delightful texture, it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try, and watch how this classic dessert brings smiles to everyone gathered around your table.
PrintFresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
This Fresh Strawberry Pie features a homemade pie crust filled with a luscious strawberry glaze and fresh strawberries, topped with whipped cream. The glaze is just thick enough to hold the strawberries together while maintaining a beautifully fresh and juicy texture. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries for a perfectly balanced dessert.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie (about 8 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Chilled pie dough for one 9-inch pie
Strawberries and Filling
- 1 ½ pounds (680g) quartered and hulled strawberries (about 5 cups)
- 2/3 to 3/4 cup (135g to 150g) sugar, adjusted to taste
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cream
Topping
- Homemade whipped cream or whipped coconut cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently without stretching. Trim edges to 1/2-inch over the dish, then fold edges under to create a 1/4-inch thick border and crimp decoratively.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Pierce the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbles. Line crust with two sheets of aluminum foil and fill with dried rice, beans, or pie weights. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
- Bake Crust: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with a baking sheet inside. Place the chilled crust on the hot baking sheet, reduce temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Apply Egg Wash: Remove foil and weights. Whisk egg yolk with cream, brush onto crust bottom and sides, then bake an additional 3-5 minutes until egg wash is dry and shiny. Cool completely before filling.
- Prepare Strawberry Glaze: Mash 2 cups of strawberries in a saucepan until chunky. Add sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, almond extract, lemon juice, and salt. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until glaze thickens and sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes). Cool completely.
- Assemble Pie: Fold the remaining 3 cups of strawberries gently into the cooled glaze until well coated. Spoon this mixture into the cooled pie crust evenly.
- Chill Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. The filling will be softer than jello but will hold together.
- Serve: Top the chilled pie with homemade whipped cream or whipped coconut cream before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- This pie is best eaten the day it’s made to avoid sogginess; store leftovers loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can make the strawberry filling and prebaked crust a day or two in advance for convenience.
- Avoid airtight storage to prevent moisture build-up which can make the crust soggy.
- The filling won’t set as firmly as gelatin but will hold well enough to slice and serve.