Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the taste of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie—a perfect balance of sweet, juicy strawberries and a glossy, luscious glaze, all nestled in a crisp, buttery crust. This nostalgic dessert is a summertime classic, bursting with fresh berry flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.

I first fell in love with this pie during a road trip stop at Big Boy, where a single bite transported me straight to dessert heaven. It’s light yet satisfying, making it the ideal ending to a warm-weather meal. Now, I’m excited to share this homemade version that brings all the flavors of the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen.

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

Get ready to fall head over heels for this refreshingly simple dessert. Whether you're making it for a family gathering, summer cookout, or just because, this pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this pie without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s also naturally sweet and fruity. Fresh strawberries are the star here, meaning you don’t need an overload of sugar to achieve a delicious flavor.

This pie is perfectly light yet indulgent. The flaky crust provides just the right amount of richness, while the bright, glossy filling keeps every bite feeling fresh and satisfying.

Best of all, it’s a no-fuss dessert. You can make it ahead of time, letting the flavors meld together beautifully in the fridge before serving.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, each playing a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Strawberries are the heart of this dessert. Make sure to use ripe, in-season berries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant red color. Wash, hull, and slice them before assembling the pie for easy distribution in every bite.

Pie crust provides the perfect buttery contrast to the juicy filling. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience or make your own from scratch for extra flakiness. Pre-baking (blind baking) the crust ensures it stays crisp even after adding the juicy filling.

Strawberry gelatin is what gives this pie its signature glossy finish. It enhances the fresh strawberry flavor while helping to create that thick, sliceable consistency.

Cornstarch and sugar work together to thicken the glaze without making it too heavy. Cornstarch ensures a smooth texture, while sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the berries.

Lemon juice adds a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness, preventing the pie from tasting overly sugary. Just a teaspoon is enough to brighten the flavors beautifully.

How To Make This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Making this pie at home is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect slice every time.

Start by preparing your pie crust. If using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a pie dish, crimping the edges for a decorative touch. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling, then bake until golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Next, make the strawberry glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a translucent, jelly-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Allow the glaze to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, prepare the strawberries. Slice them in halves or quarters, depending on their size, and arrange them evenly in the cooled pie crust. Pour the slightly cooled glaze over the berries, making sure they’re all coated for that classic glossy finish.

Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least four hours to allow the filling to set. This ensures clean slices and a perfectly firm texture.

Once set, serve with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. The creamy topping pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart strawberries, making every bite even more irresistible.

Storage Options

This strawberry pie is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil to maintain its freshness.

For best results, avoid freezing, as the gelatin-based filling can become watery upon thawing. If you must freeze it, wrap the pie tightly and thaw in the fridge before serving, knowing the texture may change slightly.

When reheating, this pie doesn’t require any warming—simply slice and enjoy straight from the fridge. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this pie is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to change things up:

For a healthier twist, swap out the sugar for honey or a natural sweetener. This will alter the glaze slightly but still provide a delicious result.

If you’re avoiding gelatin, try using an agar-agar substitute. This plant-based thickener works similarly to gelatin and is a great alternative for a vegetarian version.

Want to mix up the fruit? While strawberries are classic, this pie works beautifully with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of summer berries for a colorful twist.

For an extra creamy version, spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese or vanilla pudding on the bottom of the pie crust before adding the strawberries. This adds a delicious contrast to the fruit.

If you prefer a graham cracker crust, swap out the traditional pie crust for a no-bake graham cracker version. This adds a slightly crunchy, caramelized flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.

No matter how you customize it, this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it every strawberry season!

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