Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

There's nothing quite like a Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie on a warm day. The vibrant red berries, coated in a glossy, sweet glaze, sit atop a crisp, flaky crust, making each bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

I first fell in love with this pie during a road trip when we stopped at a Big Boy restaurant. The combination of fresh strawberries and the perfect balance of sweetness had me hooked instantly. Now, I make it at home every strawberry season, and it's always a hit with family and friends.

Why You'll Love This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

This strawberry pie is the ultimate way to celebrate fresh, juicy strawberries. Whether you're making it for a summer gathering or simply craving something sweet, this pie never disappoints.

It’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a no-fuss glaze, you can have a stunning dessert ready to impress.

The fresh flavor is unbeatable. Unlike store-bought pies filled with artificial flavors, this one is all about real strawberries shining through.

It’s a crowd-pleaser. The bright red color and glistening glaze make this pie as beautiful as it is delicious. It's perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and special occasions.

If you love make-ahead desserts, this pie is perfect. You can prepare the crust and glaze ahead of time, making assembly a breeze when you're ready to serve.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this pie lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Every element plays a role in achieving that classic Big Boy taste.

Strawberries – Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of this dessert. Look for bright red berries with a natural shine and no soft spots. Smaller strawberries work best since they hold their shape better in the pie.

Pie crust – A flaky, buttery crust is the foundation of this pie. You can use a homemade pie crust for the best flavor or a pre-made frozen crust if you’re short on time. Make sure to blind-bake the crust so it stays crisp.

Strawberry glaze – This is what gives the pie its signature shine. It's made with sugar, cornstarch, water, and strawberry gelatin (Jell-O). The gelatin enhances the strawberry flavor while keeping the glaze thick and luscious.

Sugar – A small amount of sugar helps balance the tartness of the strawberries and enhances their natural sweetness. If your strawberries are extra sweet, you can slightly reduce the sugar.

Cornstarch – This is the key to a thick, glossy glaze that holds the strawberries together in the pie. It also prevents the filling from becoming too runny.

For equipment, you’ll need a 9-inch pie dish, a saucepan, and a whisk to prepare the glaze, along with a pastry brush if you want to add an extra shine to the crust.

How To Make This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Making this strawberry pie is surprisingly simple. With just a few steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery.

Prepare the crust – Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges as desired. Blind-bake the crust by lining it with parchment paper and filling it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-18 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.

Make the glaze – In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup of water, ¾ cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent. Remove from heat and stir in 3 ounces of strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) until fully dissolved. Let the glaze cool for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened but still pourable.

Assemble the pie – Wash and hull 1 quart of fresh strawberries. If they’re large, cut them in half. Arrange them in the cooled pie crust, piling them high for a beautiful presentation. Carefully pour the cooled glaze over the berries, ensuring they’re fully coated.

Chill and serve – Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the glaze to set completely. For the best results, let it chill for 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Options

This pie is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but you can store it for later if needed.

To refrigerate, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store it for up to 2 days. After that, the strawberries may release moisture, making the crust a bit soggy.

If you need to make it ahead, prepare the crust and glaze separately. Store the baked crust at room temperature and the glaze in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie a few hours before serving for the freshest taste.

Avoid freezing this pie, as the fresh strawberries will become mushy when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is already amazing as is, but there are plenty of ways to make it your own!

If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the sugar for a sugar substitute, and use sugar-free strawberry gelatin for a lower-calorie option.

For a different fruit twist, try using fresh raspberries or a mix of strawberries and blueberries. The glaze will still complement these flavors beautifully.

Want a chocolatey twist? Brush the baked pie crust with melted dark chocolate before adding the strawberries. This adds a delicious contrast to the sweet berries.

For a creamier version, spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese over the crust before adding the strawberries. This gives the pie a cheesecake-like flavor that’s absolutely delicious.

If you love a crunchy topping, sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds or crushed graham crackers over the glazed strawberries before serving.

However you choose to make it, this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is bound to become a family favorite. Try it once, and you’ll be making it every strawberry season!

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