Strawberry pie is a beloved dessert, especially during the spring and summer months when fresh strawberries are in season. There’s something incredibly refreshing about the combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and a smooth, glossy glaze that coats each fruit. Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie recipe is a simple, delicious take on this classic dessert. With a few straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this pie brings the joy of homemade dessert right to your table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delicious treat, this pie is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here’s everything you need to know to make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie.
Ingredients:
To create this refreshing strawberry pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 frozen pie crust – This can be a store-bought crust, which makes the preparation quick and easy. You can also opt to make a homemade crust if you prefer.
- 1 1/4 cups sugar – The sugar is needed to sweeten the glaze that coats the strawberries, as well as the filling.
- 3 tbsp cornstarch – Cornstarch helps thicken the mixture and creates the smooth, glossy texture of the glaze.
- 1 1/4 cups water – The water is used to dissolve the sugar and cornstarch before cooking them together to form a syrup-like consistency.
- 3 tbsp strawberry jelly – Strawberry jelly is what gives this pie its signature strawberry flavor and helps bind the glaze together.
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced – Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of this pie, and using in-season strawberries ensures maximum flavor.
Preparation:
Now that you have the ingredients ready, here’s how to make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie.
Step 1: Bake the Pie Crust
Start by baking your frozen pie crust. Preheat the oven and bake the pie crust according to the instructions on the package. This step is easy to follow, but make sure to watch the crust carefully to avoid over-baking it. Once it’s golden brown and fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. The cooling time is essential so that the crust sets properly before you add the filling.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
While your pie crust is cooling, you can prepare the strawberry glaze. Begin by placing a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat. In the saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk the ingredients together to ensure they are fully mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and reaches a syrup-like consistency.
The cornstarch will help thicken the mixture, and the sugar will give it sweetness. You want the glaze to be smooth and glossy. After the glaze has thickened, whisk in the strawberry jelly. The jelly will add a fruity flavor and help create that beautiful, translucent glaze that coats the strawberries. Once the jelly is fully incorporated, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Once your pie crust has cooled and your glaze is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie. Start by adding the sliced strawberries to the cooled pie crust. Arrange them in a circular pattern or mound them high in the center for a more dramatic look. Be sure to pack the strawberries tightly together, so the pie is filled evenly with fruit.
After the strawberries are arranged, pour the cooled strawberry jelly mixture over the fruit. The glaze will settle around the strawberries and coat them, giving the pie its signature shine and flavor. It’s important to make sure the glaze is evenly distributed over the strawberries so that each piece of fruit is coated.
Step 4: Chill the Pie
Once the pie is assembled, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow it to set. The chill time is necessary for the glaze to firm up and hold the strawberries in place. Typically, you should refrigerate the pie for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the glaze has fully set. If you want to speed up the chilling process, you can place the pie in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, but be careful not to freeze it completely.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pie has set, it’s ready to be served. Slice into the pie, and you’ll notice how perfectly the glaze holds the strawberries in place, making each slice a beautiful and delicious treat. The crust will have a nice, crisp texture, and the strawberries will be perfectly balanced with the sweet, smooth glaze. This fresh strawberry pie is the perfect dessert for a warm day, a family gathering, or any time you want to enjoy a refreshing and light treat.
Tips and Variations for Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
While the basic recipe for Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is delicious on its own, there are a few ways you can customize it to suit your tastes or make it even more special. Here are some tips and variations to consider:
1. Homemade Pie Crust:
If you prefer to make your own pie crust instead of using a frozen one, that’s absolutely fine. A homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and extra flakiness. There are many pie crust recipes available, but a simple one typically calls for flour, butter, and a little bit of water. Make sure to pre-bake the crust so it’s fully cooked before adding the filling.
2. Add Whipped Cream or Cool Whip:
For an extra indulgence, top the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip just before serving. This adds a creamy texture that complements the fresh strawberries perfectly. If you like, you can even pipe the whipped cream in decorative swirls around the edges for an elegant presentation.
3. Use Other Berries:
While strawberries are the main fruit in this recipe, you can easily incorporate other berries to create a mixed berry pie. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work well with this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the amount of fruit you use based on your preferences and the size of the pie.
4. Try a Graham Cracker Crust:
For a fun twist on the traditional pie crust, try using a graham cracker crust instead. The sweetness of the graham crackers pairs wonderfully with the strawberries, giving the pie an extra layer of flavor. You can either make the crust from scratch or buy a pre-made graham cracker crust for convenience.
5. Make It Gluten-Free:
If you’re looking for a gluten-free version of this pie, it’s easy to adapt. You can find gluten-free pie crusts at most grocery stores, or you can make your own with gluten-free flour. Make sure to check the ingredients of the strawberry jelly to ensure it’s gluten-free as well. This way, you can still enjoy the delicious flavor of the pie without worrying about gluten.
6. Experiment with Flavored Jellies:
If you love experimenting with flavors, you can try using different types of jelly for the glaze. While strawberry jelly is the classic choice, raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jelly could add a unique twist to the pie. Each jelly will bring a new layer of flavor to the dessert, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
7. Add a Lemon Zest:
For a little extra zing, try adding some lemon zest to the glaze mixture. The acidity of the lemon complements the sweetness of the strawberries and helps balance out the flavors. Just a teaspoon or two of lemon zest should be enough to enhance the overall taste without overpowering the fruit.
Conclusion
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a simple, yet delicious, dessert that will become a family favorite in no time. Its bright, refreshing flavors and smooth, glossy texture make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special event, or just craving a sweet treat, this pie is sure to be a hit. With only a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy the refreshing goodness of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie!
