This Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert, perfect for warm-weather gatherings and celebrating the strawberry harvest. It features a simple yet elegant display of sliced fresh strawberries in a gelled filling, all set in a blind-baked pie crust. The recipe keeps things easy but still delivers a deliciously sweet and tangy treat. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or lavender ice cream for a complete spring or summer indulgence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
• 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the pie crust:
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Unroll the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edge and line the unpricked crust with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil or parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes, remove the foil, and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Allow the crust to cool on a wire rack.

2. Cook the filling:
   In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk until smooth, then bring the mixture to a boil, cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until dissolved. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes.

3. Assemble the pie:
   Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly in the cooled pie crust. Pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the berries. Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or until the filling is fully set.

4. Serve:
   Serve the pie chilled with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving – 1 Piece)

• Calories: 266
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 125mg
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Sugar: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g

Why Choose Fresh Strawberry Pie?

Strawberries are often referred to as the “fruit of summer,” and for good reason. Their vibrant red color, juicy texture, and natural sweetness make them an ideal choice for a refreshing dessert. When paired with a flaky, buttery pie crust, the result is a mouthwatering dessert that highlights the best of strawberry season.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. While many strawberry pies can be heavy or overly complex with layers of cream or custard, this fresh strawberry pie keeps things light and refreshing. The beauty of this pie lies in the use of fresh, seasonal strawberries, which take center stage in the dessert. The gelled filling complements the strawberries perfectly, adding a smooth texture without overshadowing the natural fruit flavor.

A Simple Pie Crust

The base of any great pie is a well-made crust, and this easy strawberry pie recipe makes it simple to achieve a perfectly golden, flaky crust without much hassle. By using a refrigerated pie crust, you save time and effort while still achieving a crust that is buttery and crisp. Blind baking the crust ensures that it holds up well when filled with the fresh strawberry mixture, preventing sogginess and creating a sturdy base for the vibrant filling.

Blind baking is an essential step for many fruit pies, as it helps to set the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy from the wet fruit filling. In this recipe, the pie crust is pre-baked at a high temperature for a short time, just long enough to give it a golden brown color without overcooking. This step ensures that your pie will have a perfectly crisp crust, providing a satisfying crunch to balance the soft filling and juicy strawberries.

The Fresh Strawberry Filling

The true star of this pie is the fresh strawberry filling. By using perfectly ripe strawberries, you get a natural sweetness and juiciness that can’t be replicated with any other fruit. The key to creating a delicious filling is to slice the strawberries evenly so that each bite has a balance of fruit and gelled filling. The sliced strawberries are arranged in a single layer in the pie crust, allowing their beauty and color to shine through.

To create the filling, a simple mixture of sugar, cornstarch, and water is cooked until thickened. This serves as the base for the strawberry gelatin, which adds a slight tanginess and helps to set the filling. The gelatin provides a smooth texture and helps to hold the strawberries together, making it easier to slice and serve the pie.

One of the best aspects of this fresh strawberry pie is its ability to showcase the flavor of the strawberries without being overly sweet or heavy. The sugar in the filling enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit, while the gelatin adds a light, refreshing texture that makes the pie feel airy and indulgent at the same time. The result is a perfect balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and refreshing.

A Quick and Easy Recipe

One of the most appealing aspects of this fresh strawberry pie recipe is how easy it is to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this pie ready in just a few hours. The pie crust is prepped quickly with a simple blind-baking method, and the filling is just a matter of cooking a few basic ingredients on the stove. The pie doesn’t require any complicated techniques or special tools—just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience as it chills in the fridge.

The pie’s simplicity also makes it a great option for beginners or those who want a low-maintenance dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. Even if you’ve never made a pie before, you’ll find that this recipe is forgiving and approachable.

Customizing Your Fresh Strawberry Pie

While this recipe calls for a basic, classic fresh strawberry filling, it is also easy to customize to suit your tastes. For example, you can experiment with different fruit fillings, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, to create a mixed berry pie. You can also add a hint of citrus zest to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. A small amount of lemon zest or orange zest will complement the sweetness of the strawberries and add a refreshing note to the pie.

Another fun way to customize the pie is by adding a variety of toppings. While whipped cream is a classic choice, you can also serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a more indulgent treat. For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish the pie with fresh mint leaves or additional slices of fruit.

Perfect for Every Occasion

This easy fresh strawberry pie is versatile enough for a variety of occasions. It’s the ideal dessert for spring and summer gatherings, especially when strawberries are in season and at their peak of flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday like Easter, hosting a BBQ, or simply enjoying a sunny day with family and friends, this pie is sure to impress.

The pie is also a great option for making ahead of time. It needs to be chilled for at least 3 hours before serving, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert that can be prepared in advance. Simply assemble the pie in the morning, and by the time you’re ready to serve it, the filling will have set perfectly, and the pie will be ready to slice and enjoy.

Conclusion: A Refreshing and Simple Summer Treat

In conclusion, this easy fresh strawberry pie is a perfect dessert for warm-weather months when strawberries are in season. It’s simple to make, refreshing, and packed with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. The combination of a crisp, flaky pie crust and a light, gelled strawberry filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering, as a special family dessert, or for a simple treat, this strawberry pie is sure to be a hit.

Its ease of preparation and versatility make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. You can customize it with various toppings or fruits, making it a dessert that can adapt to your personal preferences. No matter how you serve it, this easy fresh strawberry pie will leave your guests impressed and craving more.