Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
If bright red berries, a sweet jelly glaze, and clouds of whipped cream sound like your idea of summer bliss, then you absolutely have to experience Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie. This charming dessert is famous for a reason: it shows off plump, juicy strawberries at their very best, all snuggled into a flaky pie crust and encased in a luscious, ruby-hued filling. Every bite of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together for a dessert that tastes like pure sunshine. Whether you grew up with this pie or are discovering it for the first time, you’re in for a treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pie:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin (such as Jell-O)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
Topping:
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
How to Make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Step 1: Whisk Together Sugar and Cornstarch
Start by combining sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Give them a quick whisk. This step ensures no lumps sneak into your glaze, setting you up for the delightfully smooth texture that makes every bite of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie shine.
Step 2: Cook to Thicken
Add water to the pan and cook the mixture over medium heat. Stir constantly and watch as it goes from cloudy to clear and thick, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush — patience here creates that gorgeously glossy base.
Step 3: Dissolve the Gelatin
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin. Keep mixing until it’s totally dissolved and the pink hue is brilliantly uniform. Let this mixture cool for about 10 minutes — just enough time for it to thicken ever so slightly but not set up completely.
Step 4: Arrange the Strawberries in the Crust
Nestle your prepared strawberries (hulled and halved) into the pre-baked pie crust. This is your time to get artsy! Arrange them in a snug, even layer for that iconic, fruit-forward look Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is loved for.
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Gently pour the cooled gelatin mixture over your strawberries, being sure they’re all generously glazed. Carefully transfer the pie to the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is fully set and wobbly in the best possible way.
How to Serve Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Garnishes
A crown of pillowy whipped cream is classic, but you can also scatter a few extra strawberry slices, fresh mint leaves, or curls of white chocolate over the top for extra flair. Little touches like these make every slice of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This pie absolutely shines on its own, but if you want to round out your dessert table, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a crisp glass of sparkling lemonade. A simple cheese plate is also a great way to contrast the pie’s sweetness with something savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie in individual mason jars for picnics, or cut into mini squares for a dessert tray at parties. You can even layer slices with whipped cream in parfait glasses for a playful twist on a classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie should be covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s at its juicy best within the first two days, so don’t let those slices linger too long.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this pie, since the fresh berries and gelatin filling don’t always thaw nicely — the fruit can become watery and the texture may turn a bit mushy.
Reheating
This is one dessert that’s best served cold right from the fridge. There’s no need to reheat Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie; in fact, a chilly slice is what makes it so refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are strongly recommended for Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie, since frozen berries tend to release too much liquid and become soggy, which affects the pie’s texture and appearance.
What kind of pie crust works best?
Both homemade and store-bought pre-baked crusts work perfectly! A classic buttery pastry shell or a crisp graham cracker crust both make wonderful bases for this juicy dessert.
How far ahead can I make this pie?
You can prepare the pie up to 24 hours in advance. The filling needs several hours to chill and set, and the flavors actually get even better after some time in the fridge.
Can I use a different flavored gelatin?
Strawberry gelatin provides the signature flavor and color for Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie, but you can experiment with raspberry or mixed berry gelatin for a fun twist — just know the taste will be slightly different.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, try reducing the sugar by a couple of tablespoons or use a lighter whipped topping. You can also choose strawberries that are more tart for a refreshing twist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a more joyful, crowd-pleasing dessert than Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie. Every slice brings a little bit of nostalgia and a whole lot of sunshine to your table. Give it a try — whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is bound to become a treasured favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the fresh flavors of summer with this delightful Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie. A luscious strawberry gelatin filling nestled in a flaky pie crust, topped with whipped cream, makes for a perfect no-bake dessert.
Ingredients
Pie:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin (such as Jell-O)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
Topping:
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Add the water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes clear, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until completely dissolved. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
- Arrange the fresh strawberries evenly in the baked pie crust. Carefully pour the gelatin mixture over the strawberries, making sure they are well coated.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Serve chilled with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe, firm strawberries for best texture.
- For a glossy finish, gently brush extra gelatin mixture over the top strawberries before chilling.
- The pie is best enjoyed within 2 days of making.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
