There’s nothing quite like the taste of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie—a classic dessert bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and a luscious, glossy glaze. Each bite is the perfect balance of juicy berries and a buttery, flaky crust, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
I remember the first time I had this pie at a Big Boy restaurant, marveling at its bright red filling and refreshing, natural sweetness. Recreating it at home has become a family tradition, especially during strawberry season when the berries are at their peak. Best of all, it’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite summer dessert. This Fresh Strawberry Pie isn’t just delicious—it’s a must-make for anyone who loves fresh fruit and light, refreshing desserts.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a showstopping dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery.
It’s also perfect for warm weather. Since this pie requires no baking (except for the crust), it’s a cool and refreshing treat that’s ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or Sunday brunch.
Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly. Strawberries are often in abundance during peak season, and this pie makes the most of their natural sweetness with minimal added ingredients.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or bringing it to a potluck, expect this pie to disappear quickly!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Fresh Strawberry Pie comes from its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element works together to create a dessert that is both beautiful and delicious.
Fresh strawberries are the star of the show. Choose ripe, vibrant red berries for the best flavor. If possible, go for locally grown strawberries when they’re in season—they’re naturally sweeter and juicier.
The pie crust provides the perfect buttery, flaky base. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, but if you have time, a homemade crust will elevate the pie even more. Just be sure to blind-bake it so it holds up against the juicy filling.
For the glaze, a combination of sugar, cornstarch, and water thickens into a glossy, jelly-like coating that enhances the strawberries’ natural sweetness. Some recipes use gelatin, but this version stays true to Big Boy’s original by using cornstarch.
A touch of lemon juice helps brighten the flavor, balancing the sweetness with a subtle hint of tartness. It also prevents the glaze from being overly sugary.
Finally, a dollop of whipped cream on top is the perfect finishing touch. You can use store-bought whipped topping or whip your own heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla for extra indulgence.
How To Make This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Making this stunning pie is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps to recreate the Big Boy classic at home.
Start by baking your pie crust. If you’re using a store-bought crust, follow the package directions for pre-baking. For homemade, roll out your dough, fit it into a pie dish, and prick the bottom with a fork. Line with parchment and pie weights, then bake until golden brown. Let it cool completely before filling.
While the crust cools, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water, whisking until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a glossy, clear glaze. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the glaze cool slightly.
Next, prepare your strawberries. Wash, hull, and slice them in halves or quarters, depending on size. Arrange the berries in the cooled pie crust in an even layer, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Pour the glaze over the strawberries, making sure every berry is coated. The glaze will settle in between the fruit, binding everything together and giving the pie its signature glossy finish.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set. This step ensures the glaze firms up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Once chilled, top with fresh whipped cream and serve! The pie is best enjoyed the same day for maximum freshness and flavor.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The longer it sits, the softer the crust will become due to the moisture from the strawberries.
To keep the crust as crisp as possible, consider storing the filling separately from the crust and assembling just before serving.
Unfortunately, this pie does not freeze well due to the high water content in the strawberries, which can make it turn mushy upon thawing.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Fresh Strawberry Pie is how easily it can be adapted to suit your preferences.
Want an extra burst of flavor? Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze for a subtle sweetness that enhances the strawberries.
For a fun twist, mix in other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. They add a beautiful color contrast and a slightly different flavor profile.
If you prefer a firmer filling, use a bit of strawberry-flavored gelatin in place of cornstarch. This will give the pie a slightly different texture but still maintain its delicious taste.
Looking for a lighter option? Swap out the traditional pie crust for a graham cracker crust. It adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch while making the recipe even easier.
No fresh strawberries? Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but they need to be fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture ruining the crust.
No matter how you make it, this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a timeless dessert that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. Give it a try, and enjoy a slice of sweet nostalgia!
PrintBig Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert featuring a flaky crust, fresh strawberries, and a glossy homemade glaze. This easy-to-make pie is a refreshing treat perfect for summer gatherings or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Arrange the fresh strawberries in the pre-baked pie crust.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the strawberries in the pie crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries.
- A store-bought crust can be used for convenience.
- Allow the pie to chill thoroughly for a firmer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 120mg
Leave a Reply