The beauty of this strawberry pie lies in its simplicity. Fresh, ripe strawberries are layered into a buttery pie crust, then topped with a luscious, lightly thickened glaze made from more strawberries. The result is a chilled dessert that’s bright, juicy, and as visually stunning as it is flavorful.
Perfect for berry season or any occasion when you need a refreshing no-bake treat, this pie lets the natural sweetness of strawberries shine through. A crown of whipped cream adds a dreamy, airy contrast to the glossy filling. Whether you’re serving this at a picnic, brunch, or summer gathering, it’s sure to impress with both taste and presentation.
Full Recipe:
1 (9 inch) baked pie crust
6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and divided
¾ cup white sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup water
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Directions:
Arrange half of the strawberries in a pre-baked 9-inch pie crust.
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining strawberries with the sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the boiling strawberry mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Pour the cooked strawberry mixture evenly over the fresh strawberries in the crust.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, or until chilled and fully set.
Just before serving, whip the cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks form.
Slice the pie and top each piece with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 slices
The Allure of a Classic Strawberry Pie
Strawberry Pie II is a beloved classic that captures the essence of summertime freshness in every bite. Known for its glossy appearance and vibrant color, this pie has a unique charm that appeals to dessert lovers of all ages. What sets it apart is its simplicity and reliance on just a handful of ingredients—primarily fresh strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and a pie crust—transforming into a luscious and satisfying dessert.
What makes this pie so special is its focus on allowing the natural sweetness and tartness of strawberries to shine through. Unlike overly complicated or sugar-laden desserts, this recipe highlights freshness and texture without overwhelming the palate. It’s light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal and eye-catching enough to become the centerpiece at any gathering.
A Dessert Rooted in American Tradition
Strawberry pie has deep roots in American culinary history. Although fruit pies have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures, the specific use of strawberries in a chilled glaze format became particularly popular in the United States in the mid-20th century. With refrigeration becoming more accessible and the rise of convenience baking, recipes like this one became household staples. Families would prepare strawberry pie to celebrate the beginning of summer, often using freshly picked berries from local farms or even backyard gardens.
This recipe, Strawberry Pie II, follows that nostalgic tradition. It doesn’t rely on gelatin or artificial flavorings, which keeps it closer to its homemade heritage. Instead, a simple glaze made from real strawberries and thickened with cornstarch binds everything together, allowing the natural flavor to take center stage.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of this recipe lies in its smart construction. By layering fresh strawberries in a pre-baked crust and then pouring a cooked strawberry glaze over the top, it creates an appealing contrast in textures. The whole strawberries maintain their structure and juiciness, while the glaze adds sweetness, shine, and a cohesive mouthfeel.
The use of cornstarch as a thickener ensures the glaze sets properly without becoming rubbery or overly stiff. Meanwhile, chilling the pie allows it to firm up while preserving that freshly-made look and taste. The final touch of whipped cream—light, airy, and just a tad rich—adds balance to the fruity base, making every bite complete.
Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Pie
To make the most of this recipe, a few thoughtful tips can elevate it from good to great:
Use the ripest strawberries you can find. Fresh, in-season strawberries will give you the most flavor and the best texture.
Choose a sturdy pie crust. A homemade or store-bought pie crust that’s been fully baked and cooled will prevent sogginess.
Cool the glaze before pouring. Letting the cooked glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the berries can help prevent wilting and maintain the integrity of the fresh strawberries.
Chill thoroughly. Allowing the pie to set in the refrigerator for at least three hours ensures clean slices and a better texture.
Delicious Variations to Explore
One of the joys of Strawberry Pie II is its adaptability. While the classic version is hard to beat, you can easily make small changes to tailor the recipe to your tastes or to suit the occasion.
Mixed Berry Pie: Incorporate raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a colorful and flavorful variation.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a thin drizzle of dark or milk chocolate over the whipped cream for an extra indulgent finish.
Cream Cheese Base: For a richer twist, spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese over the crust before adding the strawberries.
Graham Cracker Crust: Swap out the traditional pie crust for a graham cracker base to add a buttery, crunchy texture.
Balsamic Touch: Macerate the strawberries briefly with a touch of balsamic vinegar before assembling to enhance their natural sweetness and add depth.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
This pie is ideal for a variety of occasions, from everyday desserts to festive celebrations. Its stunning appearance makes it suitable for birthdays, bridal showers, Mother’s Day brunches, and summer barbecues. The red hue and fresh flavor are perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of blueberries for a red, white, and blue effect.
You can serve Strawberry Pie II:
With freshly whipped cream or a scoop of frozen yogurt for a lighter option.
On a dessert buffet alongside lemon bars and chocolate tarts for variety.
In individual tart shells for elegant single-serve presentations.
Slightly warmed and paired with a crisp sparkling wine or rosé for adult dinner parties.
A Pie That Appeals to All Ages
What makes this pie universally loved is how approachable it is. From children to grandparents, the bright flavor and soft, yielding texture offer something comforting and familiar. There’s no complex flavor pairing or hard-to-pronounce ingredient. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home—something you’d find at a family picnic or Sunday dinner.
Additionally, it’s a fantastic recipe to make with kids or baking beginners. The simple techniques and the joy of arranging strawberries make it interactive and rewarding. For many, making this pie becomes a treasured memory as much as eating it.
Storing and Making Ahead
One of the practical advantages of this pie is its make-ahead capability. Once assembled and chilled, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days, making it perfect for planning ahead for parties or events. It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it separately to be poured over freshly arranged strawberries later.
Avoid freezing the pie, as the strawberries may become mushy and the texture of the glaze can suffer when thawed. However, you can freeze the baked pie crust ahead of time to save steps on the day of serving.
Conclusion
Strawberry Pie II is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of simplicity, freshness, and timeless appeal. It embodies everything we love about homemade desserts: ease of preparation, honest ingredients, and a taste that brings joy with every slice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this pie delivers satisfaction without stress.
Its classic flavor profile, combined with the ability to adapt to your creativity, makes it a must-have in any dessert repertoire. With a crisp crust, vibrant strawberries, and a glossy finish, it’s the perfect showcase of what summer desserts are meant to be: light, sweet, and unforgettable.
If you’re looking to add a touch of homemade charm and seasonal flair to your next meal or event, Strawberry Pie II is your answer—a dish that will be requested again and again by friends and family alike.