Introduction
If you grew up in the South or spent time enjoying meals at Shoney’s, you’ll likely recognize the comforting sweetness of a fresh strawberry pie.
This classic dessert, beloved by many, brings the fresh, juicy taste of strawberries to the forefront, enveloped in a sweet, jiggly glaze.
It’s the kind of pie that you’ll want to bring out during spring and summer gatherings or even as a comforting end to a family meal.
Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) can of Sprite or 7-Up
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry jello
• 1 (16-ounce) container of strawberries
• 1 (9-inch) prepared pie crust (I always buy the frozen deep dish option), blind-baked according to the package instructions
Instructions
Start by washing your fresh strawberries and slicing them into halves or quarters, depending on how large you want the pieces to be.
Once the strawberries are ready, set them aside and prepare the filling.
In a saucepan, combine the Sprite or 7-Up with the cornstarch, stirring to dissolve the cornstarch into the soda. Place the saucepan over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle boil.
Keep stirring to prevent any lumps from forming, as the cornstarch thickens the mixture. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat.
Next, stir in the box of strawberry Jell-O until it completely dissolves, creating a smooth, vibrant red glaze.
Allow this mixture to cool for a few minutes, just enough for it to not be too hot when combined with the fresh strawberries.
Carefully add your sliced strawberries into the cooled glaze, gently folding them in to ensure each piece of strawberry is coated with the sweet mixture.
The more strawberries you use, the fuller your pie will be, but for a standard pie, 16 ounces should suffice.
Once your strawberries are coated, pour the mixture into your prepared pie crust. Gently spread.
the strawberries out to ensure an even layer, and then place the pie in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 to 3 hours, allowing the glaze to set.
Once the pie has set, slice and serve! You can enjoy it on its own or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
How to Make
The key to this strawberry pie is letting it set long enough to achieve that perfect, jelly-like consistency.
Make sure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the soda before you add the Jell-O. This ensures that the glaze will hold its shape and coat the strawberries without being runny.
Be patient as it cools down before folding in the fresh fruit; this is crucial for getting the best texture.
If you prefer a more dramatic strawberry flavor, feel free to add extra berries, but make sure the glaze can still cover them.
It’s tempting to add more berries than the recipe suggests, but the glaze-to-strawberry ratio is important for the right consistency and sweetness.
Variations
For those looking to mix things up, there are plenty of variations to try. If you’re not a fan of Sprite or 7-Up, you could substitute with a different clear soda like Ginger Ale.
which will give the pie a slightly different flavor profile. Some people even like to use a little bit of lemon-lime soda to add a bit more zing to the overall flavor.
You could also experiment with adding a touch of vanilla extract or almond extract to the glaze for a richer taste.
For a more decadent version, some might layer in a cream cheese filling before adding the strawberry mixture for a creamier texture.
For those who love a more tart bite to their pie, consider mixing in some raspberries or blackberries with the strawberries.
These berries will provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.
Tips
Make sure your pie crust is completely cooled before adding the strawberry filling. If it’s warm, it can cause the glaze to melt or become too runny.
Also, make sure to blind-bake the crust properly—following the package instructions will give you a crisp, flaky base that complements the sweetness of the filling.
If you want to elevate the presentation, you can garnish your pie with extra fresh berries or a sprig of mint. This simple touch adds a little flair and freshness.
Another tip is to let the pie chill for a longer period than the recommended 2 to 3 hours. If you can, try letting it set overnight for an even firmer filling and deeper flavor.
When it comes to the strawberries, using ripe, in-season fruit will yield the best results. If fresh strawberries aren’t available.
you could use frozen strawberries, though fresh is always preferred for the best texture and taste.
If you want a more substantial crust, you can opt for a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust. Both pair wonderfully with the sweet and tart filling.
Don’t forget to double-check the pie’s consistency before serving. The glaze should be firm.
But still somewhat wobbly when you cut into it. If it’s too runny, it hasn’t set long enough in the fridge.
For a twist on the classic, you could try swapping the strawberry Jell-O for raspberry, cherry, or even blueberry for a different flavor.
Conclusion
This fresh strawberry pie recipe is a nostalgic treat that brings together the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the light, fruity glaze that has made it a classic for so many.
With its simplicity and versatility, this pie can easily become a family favorite for any occasion. Whether it’s for a holiday.
a summer gathering, or just a casual dessert, it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Enjoying this pie brings a bit of Southern warmth and tradition to your kitchen. And when you share it with others, you’ll not only be serving up a delicious dessert, but also a slice of history.