There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about a slice of fresh strawberry pie — especially when it’s bursting with juicy, ripe strawberries suspended in a glistening glaze, nestled into a flaky crust. Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie captures the simplicity of summer in every bite. This retro dessert has delighted generations of diners, and now you can recreate the magic at home with this easy, tried-and-true recipe.
Unlike complicated fruit tarts or fussy multi-step cakes, this pie is a low-effort, high-reward treat. With only a handful of pantry staples and fresh strawberries, you’ll be amazed by how quickly it comes together. The key lies in the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and the smooth, shiny strawberry glaze that coats the fruit just enough to hold everything together without becoming gelatinous or overly sweet.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step, provide expert tips for perfecting the pie, share serving ideas, and even offer some tasty variations. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or just craving something light and fruity, this strawberry pie is bound to be a showstopper.
Ingredients with US Cup Measurements
Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this iconic strawberry pie:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Frozen pie crust | 1 (9-inch, unbaked) |
| White granulated sugar | 1 1/4 cups |
| Cornstarch | 3 tablespoons |
| Water | 1 1/4 cups |
| Strawberry jelly | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh strawberries | 2 cups, sliced |
Prep & Cook Time
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Preparation time: 20 minutes
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Cooling/setting time: 3–4 hours (chill time)
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Total time: Approximately 4 hours, including cooling
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Calories: Approximately 280–300 kcal per slice (1/8 of a pie)
How to Make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Bake the Pie Crust
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Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the frozen pie crust package — typically around 375°F to 400°F.
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Place the frozen crust in a pie pan if it’s not already in one. Poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
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Bake the crust for the time indicated on the package — usually 10 to 12 minutes — until lightly golden brown.
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Remove from oven and allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the glaze from melting into the crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
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In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch until combined.
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Gradually add 1 1/4 cups water, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently as it thickens.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5–6 minutes, or until the consistency is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
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Remove from heat and whisk in the strawberry jelly until fully melted and incorporated.
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Let the glaze cool for about 15–20 minutes before assembling the pie.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
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While the glaze cools, slice the strawberries and pat them gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
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Arrange the strawberries inside the cooled pie crust. You can lay them out in a pattern or simply fill the crust evenly with the sliced fruit.
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Slowly pour the cooled strawberry glaze over the strawberries, ensuring even coverage. Use a spatula or spoon to gently spread the glaze if needed.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
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Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3–4 hours, or until the glaze is set and firm to the touch.
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Slice with a sharp knife and serve cold. Optionally, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for a classic touch.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Pie
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Use ripe strawberries: Choose strawberries that are bright red, firm, and aromatic for the best flavor and appearance.
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Dry your berries: Patting the sliced strawberries dry before assembling helps prevent a soggy pie.
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Chill thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling process. The glaze needs time to firm up for clean slices.
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Use a glass pie dish: This allows you to see the bottom and ensure even baking of the crust.
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Glaze consistency: Simmer until it resembles a loose jelly; it will thicken more as it cools.
Optional Add-Ons and Variations
Want to get creative? Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:
1. Add a cream cheese layer
Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese or whipped cream cheese over the crust before adding strawberries.
2. Top with whipped cream
Finish each slice with a swirl of homemade whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla yogurt for added richness.
3. Chocolate-dipped crust edge
Before filling, brush the cooled crust edges with melted chocolate and chill — it adds a decadent twist and extra texture.
4. Add blueberries or raspberries
Mix in a handful of other fresh berries for a red-white-and-blue theme perfect for patriotic holidays.
5. Gluten-free version
Use a gluten-free frozen pie crust and substitute cornstarch with arrowroot or a GF thickener.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store the pie in the fridge, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Best consumed within 2–3 days for optimal texture.
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Freezing not recommended: Due to the fresh strawberries and gelatinous glaze, freezing may result in a watery or mushy texture when thawed.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream.
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Pair with a glass of lemonade, iced tea, or even a rosé wine for summer entertaining.
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Garnish with mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for a presentation boost.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice)
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Calories: 280
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Fat: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 44g
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Sugar: 27g
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Fiber: 2g
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Protein: 2g
Based on 8 slices per pie. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.
History of Big Boy’s Famous Strawberry Pie
This pie is inspired by the iconic dessert served at Big Boy restaurants, a beloved American diner chain that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Known for its comfort food menu and family-friendly atmosphere, Big Boy restaurants have been a nostalgic fixture in many communities.
Their fresh strawberry pie is a seasonal favorite that usually appears on menus in the spring and early summer, timed with peak strawberry season. The dessert became known for its light, fruity flavor, glistening glaze, and easy-to-eat texture — making it a perfect finish to a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is the definition of a nostalgic summer dessert. Simple yet elegant, it’s ideal for picnics, family reunions, holidays, or just a lazy afternoon treat. With minimal ingredients and no need for fancy equipment, it’s a perfect recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Whether you’re reviving a favorite from your childhood or discovering this dessert for the first time, this strawberry pie is guaranteed to impress. Make it once, and it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
So grab a basket of strawberries, roll out that crust, and enjoy a slice of sunshine — no reservations required.