There's something truly delightful about biting into a slice of fresh, juicy berries nestled in a perfectly set, glossy filling. This Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe captures that vibrant summer magic in every forkful, making it a dessert you'll want to make again and again.

A white pie dish holds a strawberry pie with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light beige crust with a crumbly texture, the middle layer is filled with chunks of fresh red strawberries, and the top layer is a thick, shiny, deep red strawberry glaze that covers the pie surface. Along the edge of the pie, dollops of white whipped cream are evenly spaced, each topped with half a fresh strawberry with green leaves. One slice is partially taken out, revealing the layers clearly, and the pie dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this fresh strawberry pie — the shine of that fruity glaze and how the crust stayed perfectly crisp beneath the juicy filling just made me smile. It's one of those recipes that is simple, yet feels special every single time.

Authentic Freshness: Uses ripe, just-picked strawberries for that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Easy & Approachable: Even if you’re new to pies, this recipe walks you through each step with confidence.
Beautiful Shine & Texture: The gelatin sets the filling with a glossy finish that holds the berries perfectly in place.
Versatile & Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for casual weekends or festive gatherings alike.

The image shows two slices of bright red strawberry pie with a clear, shiny glaze on the top layer filled with whole and sliced strawberries. Each slice sits on a white plate with a light-colored crust base visible at the bottom. There are three dollops of white whipped cream on the edge of each slice, each topped with a halved fresh strawberry with green leaves. The whole pie is partially shown in a white pie dish on a white marbled surface, decorated with whipped cream and halved strawberries around the edge. A white cup filled with whipped cream is also present near the slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a starring role to make sure your strawberry pie isn’t just tasty but stunning and perfectly set. I always recommend picking the freshest strawberries you can find—they make a huge difference!

Flat lay of a single sheet of smooth, golden refrigerated pie crust laid flat, a heap of fresh, bright red quartered strawberries with green leaves, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear water, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl with pure white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl with unflavored powdered gelatin, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Refrigerated pie crust: A time-saver that bakes into a flaky, golden base; though homemade crusts add extra love if you have time.
Fresh strawberries: Quarter them evenly for consistent texture and sweetness throughout.
Water (for cooking and gelatin): Keeps the filling smooth and helps dissolve starch and gelatin properly.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to complement the berries without overpowering their natural sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Cornstarch: Thickens the berry mixture to a luscious filling that's not runny.
Unflavored powdered gelatin: Gives your pie that classic set and sheen, ensuring slices hold their shape.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the pleasures of this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I love playing around with add-ins or toppings that make it feel like my own creation. You’ll enjoy crafting it to suit your mood or occasion, too.

Variation: I sometimes try mixing in a handful of fresh mint leaves finely chopped right before chilling—it gives a subtle brightness that’s surprisingly refreshing.
Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or a stevia blend if you prefer less sweetness.
Crust Choice: For a nuttier twist, you can swap the traditional crust for a graham cracker base, which pairs wonderfully with the fruity filling.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake Your Pie Crust

First things first, lay your pie dough into the 9-inch pie plate, gently pressing the edges to secure without stretching. I like to lightly dock my crust if I'm going for a crisp shell, but this recipe calls for undocked to keep that perfect structure. Bake it as the package or your homemade recipe suggests, then let it cool completely before filling. Trust me, a cooled crust prevents sogginess and keeps each bite crisp and buttery.

Step 2: Craft the Strawberry Filling

While the crust bakes, get started on the filling. Mash half of your strawberries with a fork—don’t worry about being perfect; a few chunks add a nice texture. Combine those mashed berries with ¼ cup water, sugar, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, mashing more as it cooks. This process breaks down the berries just right, releasing their flavor while softening the texture.

Step 3: Thicken and Set the Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly pour this into your bubbling berry mixture, stirring constantly so lumps don’t form. Bring it all back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it thicken over the next few minutes—about 3 to 4 minutes does the trick.

Once thickened, lower the heat to the lowest setting and sprinkle in the powdered gelatin. Whisk continuously for about 3 minutes until the gelatin dissolves fully. This step is the secret to that classic pie shine and sliceable filling. Finally, gently fold in the remaining fresh strawberries to keep that fresh burst of texture throughout.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Pour the luscious filling into your cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula so it looks inviting. Pop it into the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours — I usually do this overnight for the best set and flavor melding. Once chilled, you can top it with fluffy whipped Chantilly cream if you want to take it to another level—I promise, it’s worth it.

Top Tip

After making this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned that patience really pays off, especially when it comes to chilling and setting. Here are some insider tips to help your pie come out looking and tasting amazing every time.

Strawberry Selection: Choose firm but ripe strawberries—too soft and they'll turn mushy; too underripe, and the pie lacks sweetness.
Gelatin Timing: Don’t skip the low heat stage when adding gelatin—it ensures it melts completely without scrambling or clumping.
Filling Texture: Mashing only half your berries lets you enjoy bursts of whole fruit inside a smooth filling, creating delightful contrast.
Chill Time is Key: Resist the temptation to cut the pie before it’s fully chilled; it needs those hours to set perfectly.

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

fresh strawberry pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this pie with a cloud of lightly sweetened Chantilly cream—it adds that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth contrast that pairs beautifully with the slightly tangy berries. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra visual wow.

Side Dishes

This Fresh Strawberry Pie pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a fresh green salad if you want to balance sweets and savories for brunch or a summer party. It also shines at potlucks when served with fresh lemonade or iced tea on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, I’ve layered sliced strawberries in patterns atop the filling before chilling, creating a floral or geometric pattern that guests always ask about. You can also serve individual versions in pretty glass cups topped with whipped cream and a mint sprig for a more casual, elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once chilled, cover your pie tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. I find the flavors even deepen overnight, so leftovers are actually better the next day!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this fresh strawberry pie because the gelatin and fresh fruit texture can change once thawed, becoming watery or grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh, chilled from the fridge.

Reheating

This pie is a delight served cold, so no reheating needed. Just slice and serve straight from the refrigerator for that fresh, juicy bite every time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?

Frozen strawberries tend to release too much water when thawed, making the pie filling watery and less set. For the best texture and flavor, I recommend fresh strawberries, especially during their peak season.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Letting the pie crust cool completely before adding the filling is essential to avoid sogginess. Also, using gelatin to set the filling helps keep moisture locked in, reducing seepage into the crust.

Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie actually benefits from chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to fully set for perfect slices the next day.

What’s the best way to serve this pie?

Serve it chilled, topped with freshly whipped Chantilly cream and perhaps a few extra strawberry slices or mint leaves for garnish to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels like summer served on a plate—bright, sweet, and effortless. I hope you give it a try and find the same joy in making (and eating!) it as I do. Trust me, once you taste that fresh berry filling and flaky crust, it’ll become a new classic in your dessert rotation.