There’s something magical about a Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie—a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. The combination of juicy, ripe strawberries encased in a glossy, sweet glaze, all nestled in a flaky pie crust, makes for a truly irresistible treat. Every bite is a mix of crisp, buttery crust and luscious berry goodness.

I still remember the first time I had this pie at a Big Boy restaurant. It was served chilled, piled high with fresh strawberries, and finished with a dollop of whipped cream. That first bite was pure bliss, and ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that nostalgic flavor at home.

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

This classic strawberry pie is a must-make for several reasons, and once you try it, you'll understand why it's such a beloved favorite.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a stunning pie ready to impress your family and friends.

It’s also a perfect warm-weather dessert. Since this pie is served chilled, it’s a refreshing treat on hot summer days, making it an ideal option for picnics, barbecues, or any time you need a cool, fruity dessert.

Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly. Fresh strawberries are typically affordable during peak season, and the remaining ingredients are pantry staples, making this an economical choice without compromising on flavor.

Lastly, it’s absolutely delicious. The natural sweetness of the strawberries shines through in every bite, complemented by the rich glaze and flaky crust. It’s a dessert that looks and tastes like a labor of love—but is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie lies in its high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s what makes each component essential to the pie’s deliciousness.

The pie crust forms the base of this dessert. You can use a homemade crust for that extra flaky, buttery texture, but if you’re short on time, a store-bought crust works just as well. Just make sure to blind-bake it first so it stays crisp under the strawberry filling.

The star of the show is, of course, the strawberries. Look for plump, bright red berries that are fragrant and free of bruises. The fresher the strawberries, the better the final pie will taste.

The strawberry glaze is what brings everything together. This glossy, flavorful coating is made with sugar, cornstarch, water, and strawberry gelatin (Jell-O). The cornstarch thickens the glaze, while the gelatin enhances the color and intensifies the strawberry flavor.

A small amount of lemon juice is added to balance out the sweetness, giving the pie a bright, fresh flavor that keeps it from becoming too sugary.

Lastly, for the perfect finishing touch, whipped cream is a must. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or even store-bought whipped topping adds a creamy contrast to the sweet, juicy berries.

How To Make This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Making this pie is simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely stunning. Follow these easy steps to recreate this classic dessert.

Start by preparing your pie crust. If using a homemade crust, roll out the dough, fit it into a pie pan, and blind-bake it until golden brown. If you’re using a store-bought crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

Next, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and turns translucent. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin and lemon juice. Let the glaze cool to room temperature.

While the glaze cools, wash and hull the strawberries. Slice them in half if they’re large, or leave them whole for a more traditional look. Arrange the berries in the cooled pie crust, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Once the glaze has cooled, pour it over the strawberries, making sure every berry is well coated. Use a spatula to gently spread the glaze, allowing it to seep into the spaces between the berries.

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to allow the glaze to set completely. This step is crucial to achieving that perfect, glossy finish.

Before serving, top with whipped cream, either piped in decorative swirls or dolloped generously on each slice. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), you can store your Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Freezing this pie isn’t recommended, as the fresh strawberries will release excess moisture when thawed, affecting the texture of the filling. However, you can freeze the blind-baked pie crust ahead of time and assemble the pie fresh when ready to serve.

To keep the pie tasting its best, always store it chilled and only add whipped cream just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize the recipe to suit your preferences:

Use a graham cracker crust: If you want a slightly sweeter and crunchier base, swap out the traditional pie crust for a graham cracker crust. It adds a delicious contrast to the juicy strawberries.
Try different fruits: While strawberries are the classic choice, you can mix in raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a fun twist on this recipe.
Make it sugar-free: Use a sugar substitute and sugar-free gelatin to create a lower-carb version of this pie without sacrificing flavor.
Add a cream cheese layer: Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese at the bottom of the pie crust before adding the strawberries for an extra layer of richness.
Experiment with flavored gelatin: While strawberry gelatin is the traditional choice, using raspberry or cherry gelatin can give the pie a slightly different but equally delicious taste.

However you decide to make it, this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is sure to be a hit. Whether you’re making it for a nostalgic treat, a summer gathering, or just because you love fresh strawberries, this pie delivers on flavor, texture, and sheer deliciousness. Enjoy!