This Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a glossy, luscious glaze nestled in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for warm days, it’s a nostalgic dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh and Fruity: Every bite is bursting with the vibrant flavor of ripe strawberries.
Easy-to-Make Glaze: The homemade strawberry glaze comes together in minutes and elevates the pie to perfection.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a holiday dessert, this pie fits right in.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a few hours in advance, and it’s ready to impress.
Customizable: Garnish with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or both for an extra touch of indulgence!
Key Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, bright-red strawberries for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
Cornstarch: The thickening agent that ensures a glossy, stable glaze.
Pie Crust: A classic buttery pie crust forms the crispy, golden base.
Cold Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch smoothly for the glaze.
Salt: A tiny pinch enhances the overall flavor profile.
Red Food Coloring (Optional): Adds a pop of vibrant red to the glaze, making the pie visually stunning.
Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional): The perfect toppings to complement the sweet, fruity pie.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Hull and Halve the Strawberries:
Wash the strawberries thoroughly.
Remove the green stems and white cores (hull the strawberries).
Halve the strawberries and measure out 6 cups.
Set aside 1 cup of the halved strawberries for mashing.
Step 2: Create the Strawberry Glaze
Mash the Strawberries:
In a small bowl, mash the reserved 1 cup of halved strawberries with a fork or potato masher. Set aside.
Combine Sugar and Cornstarch:
In a medium saucepan, mix together 1 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until no lumps remain.
Add Water and Salt:
Stir in ¾ cup cold water and ¼ teaspoon salt until well combined.
Add Mashed Strawberries:
Mix the mashed strawberries into the saucepan.
Cook the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
(Optional) Add a few drops of red food coloring for a vibrant hue.
Thicken the Glaze:
Continue stirring and cooking for about 3 minutes after boiling, until the glaze is thick and clear.
Cool the Glaze:
Remove from heat and let the glaze cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Arrange the Strawberries:
Place the remaining 5 cups of halved strawberries into a pre-baked pie shell. Distribute them evenly.
Spoon the Glaze Over the Strawberries:
Pour the cooled glaze over the arranged strawberries, ensuring each berry is coated, and the glaze fills the gaps between the berries.
Step 4: Chill the Pie
Refrigerate the Pie:
Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours. This allows the glaze to set completely, creating a firm, sliceable texture.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the pie with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Slice and enjoy your fresh strawberry pie!
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie shines on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments takes it to the next level:
A Dollop of Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it balances the pie’s sweetness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, the ice cream melts beautifully into each slice.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a refreshing drink pairing that’s perfect for summer.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Sprinkle a few on top for a touch of elegance and an aromatic twist.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This pie doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh strawberries and glaze, which can become watery upon thawing.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the pie crust and glaze a day in advance. Store the crust at room temperature and the glaze in the fridge. Assemble and chill the pie on the day of serving.
Reheating: Serve this pie cold for the best flavor and texture—no reheating needed!
Variations
Mixed Berry Pie: Swap some of the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a medley of berry flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust or make your own with almond or oat flour.
Sugar-Free: Substitute granulated sugar with a low-calorie sweetener like erythritol or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a fancy twist.
Lemon Zest Addition: Mix a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest into the glaze for a tangy kick.
Conclusion
This Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie is the perfect dessert for any strawberry lover. Its vibrant, juicy filling paired with a flaky crust and customizable toppings makes it a timeless classic. Whether you’re whipping it up for a summer barbecue or just because you’re craving something sweet, this pie is as delightful to make as it is to eat. So grab those fresh strawberries, roll out that pie crust, and get ready to impress everyone with this simple yet stunning dessert. Enjoy!
Old Fashioned Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust baked
- 6 cups fresh strawberries hulled and halved, divided
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- red food coloring optional, for vibrant color
- whipped cream or vanilla ice cream optional, for serving
Instructions
- Wash and hull the strawberries. Halve them and set aside 1 cup for mashing.
- Mash 1 cup of strawberries. In a saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Stir in water, salt, and mashed strawberries. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and clears. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Place the remaining 5 cups of strawberries into the baked pie crust. Pour the cooled glaze over the strawberries, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the pie for 1-2 hours to set the glaze.
- Slice and serve cold, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
