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Whip Up Easy Fresh Strawberry Jello Pie! Perfect for any summer gathering, this no-bake delight combines fresh berries, simple jello mix, and a hint of nostalgia. Discover the secret to the perfect pie crust and indulge in a slice of sweet, cool refreshment. Your new favorite summer treat awaits!
There's something undeniably special about fresh strawberry pie, making it the perfect summer dessert. This easy strawberry pie recipe, complete with a flaky crust and vibrant, juicy berries, is a light and refreshing addition to any table. Whether it's a hot summer day, a backyard cookout, or a festive family gathering, this delicious pie is sure to please. But beyond its delightful taste, this pie also holds a cherished spot in my heart, thanks to a funny and unforgettable story from early in my marriage.
One evening, early in our marriage, Quinton and I attended a dinner party at a friend's house. Our friend Amanda, attempting this dessert for the first time, brought her freshly made strawberry pie. Despite following the recipe exactly, her pie did not set correctly and transformed into a delightful mess upon slicing. Quinton, constantly joking, couldn't help but remark, “from now on, I'll ask you to make pie slop!” We couldn't stop laughing, and although Amanda was a bit embarrassed, her good humor about the whole situation made the evening unforgettable.
To this day, whenever I make this pie, memories of that dinner and Amanda's infectious laughter come flooding back. This version of the strawberry pie, unlike Amanda's first attempt, promises to hold its shape beautifully. The secret lies in the Strawberry Jell-O used in the glaze, which ensures the pie stays firm and sliceable, avoiding any “pie slop” scenarios. The pie features a buttery, slightly salty baked crust that contrasts perfectly with the sweet, glossy filling. If you're in a no-bake mood, you can easily substitute the traditional crust with a graham cracker base, adding a different but equally delicious texture and flavor.
As I prepare the pie, I'm often reminded of the shiny, tantalizing strawberry pies served at Shoney's Restaurant and Luby's Cafeteria from my childhood. Standing in line at Luby's, I would always be captivated by those glistening pies. More often than not, my mom would refuse my pleas for a slice, but now that I can make my own, each bite is a nostalgic journey back to those buffet lines and the pie that was always just out of reach.
Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Jell-O Pie
- Pie Crust
- Graham cracker crust (for a no-bake option)
- Frozen pie crust or homemade pie crust (if baking)
- Strawberry Glaze
- Filling
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Topping (Optional)
- Fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip
Equipment Used for Fresh Strawberry Pie
- Pie Pan – Essential for shaping and holding the pie.
- Medium Saucepan – Used to prepare the strawberry glaze.
- Wire Rack – For cooling the pie crust if you choose to bake it.
- Mixing Bowls – Needed for mixing ingredients and combining the strawberries with the jello mixture.
- Whisk or Spoon – To mix the glaze ingredients and ensure they are smooth and well combined.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients like sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
- Pie Weights or Dried Beans – If you are blind baking a homemade or frozen pie crust, these help keep the crust flat and prevent it from bubbling.
- Plastic Wrap – To cover the pie while it sets in the refrigerator, preventing it from absorbing any odors and helping maintain moisture.
- Spatula or Large Spoon – For folding the strawberries into the gelatin mixture and for assembling the pie in the crust.
Chef Secrets
When whipping up a batch of Easy Fresh Strawberry Jello Pie, a few professional secrets can make all the difference in taking your dessert from good to great. Here’s how to bake like a pro:
- If you decide on a pastry crust for your pie, blind baking is your first step. This isn't just baking without seeing—no, it's pre-baking the crust either partially or fully before you add the filling. Lay down some parchment paper or aluminum foil and scatter pie weights or dried beans over it. This keeps your crust from ballooning or shrinking. What you get is a wonderfully crisp base that stands up to any filling without getting soggy.
- Here's a step you don't want to rush: let your gelatin mixture cool down before tossing in those strawberries. Why? Because hot gelatin can make your strawberries sweat – literally! They'll start losing juice, which can make your pie too watery. Cooling the mixture slightly allows the gelatin to start setting up, ensuring your pie has that perfect firm structure when the berries are added.
- Be gentle when you mix those strawberries into the gelatin. Use a spatula and fold the berries in softly to keep them whole and prevent them from releasing too much juice. This technique ensures even distribution of those juicy strawberries throughout the pie, maintaining the integrity of each berry.
- To keep your pie perfect while it sets in the fridge, cover it with plastic wrap. Press the wrap directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent any skin from forming on your gelatin and to lock in moisture without catching any unwanted fridge smells.
- A splash of lemon juice in your strawberry glaze does wonders. It cuts through the sweetness and enhances the natural flavor of your strawberries, adding depth and a zesty brightness that elevates the whole dessert.
- For slices that look like they’re served at a fine dining restaurant, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This trick ensures you get neat, sharp slices that show off your pie’s layers beautifully.
- Your choice of crust can make a big impact. Graham cracker crusts are fantastic for a quick, no-bake option and offer a lovely texture contrast. But if you’re feeling a bit more traditional, go for a flaky homemade pie crust. It adds a rich, buttery depth that beautifully complements the light and sweet filling.
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How to Make the Best Easy Strawberry Jello Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Pan
For the best results, begin by preparing your pie crust. For a no-bake option, use a graham cracker crust placed in a pie pan, which provides a deliciously crunchy base without the fuss of having to bake desserts. If you prefer a baked option, a frozen pie crust or, try my Homemade Buttery Flaky Pie Crust, which can be blind baked for about 12 to 15 minutes at 425°F. Use pie weights or dried beans over plastic wrap to prevent a soggy crust. Allow the crust to cool on a wire rack to ensure the bottom of the crust stays crisp.
Step 2: Create the Strawberry Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, a pinch of salt, lemon juice, and cold water. Stir these simple ingredients until smooth. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil and continue stirring until it thickens, usually in about 2 minutes. Then, stir in regular strawberry jello until fully dissolved. Allow this jello mixture to cool for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a film from forming. This gelatin mixture is crucial as it helps the pie maintain its beautiful pie structure.
Step 3: Combine with Fresh Berries
In a large bowl, gently fold the sliced strawberries into the cooled jello mixture. This process ensures each berry is evenly coated with the glossy strawberry glaze, making for a beautiful pie when assembled.
Step 4: Assemble and Set the Pie
Pour the fresh strawberry pie filling into the cooled crust, arranging the strawberries for a visually appealing top. To prevent any mishaps and ensure your pie sets perfectly, cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It should set in about 2 to 4 hours, perfect for serving on a hot summer day.
Step 5: Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream
For a delightful finish, serve each slice of this easy pie with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or cool whip. This creamy topping beautifully complements the tartness and sweetness of the fresh fruit. For a whipped cream that lasts for days, try my Stabilized Whipped Cream with only 3 simple ingredients!
Storing Tips
When it comes to storing any leftover Strawberry Jello Pie, here's a handy tip: keep it covered in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for about 4 to 5 days.
As for freezing, I wouldn’t recommend it. The Jell-O in the pie doesn’t take well to freezing and thawing; it can turn into a bit of a watery mess.
Luckily, this is one of those easy desserts that you can whip up a day ahead. So, if you’ve got plans, just prepare it the day before, and you’ll be all set for serving it without any fuss!
More Summery Sweet Dessert Recipes
- Best Strawberry Trifle
- French Silk Chocolate Pie
- The Best Banana Pudding Recipe
- Pina Colada Cake
- Easy Lemon Cake
Please let me know how this Fresh Strawberry Pie turns out for you in the comments! I love hearing from you!
Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie with Jell-O
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 6-oz pkg Strawberry Jell-O
- 6 cups sliced fresh strawberries about 3 pounds
- Sweetened whipped cream optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in gelatin until dissolved. Cool for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When gelatin mixture has cooled to lukewarm, gently fold in the strawberries.
- Pour into cooled pie shell and arrange evenly. Refrigerate until set, about 2 to 4 hours.
- If desired, serve with sweetened whipped cream.
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