There’s nothing quite like biting into a slice of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie on a warm afternoon. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and a glossy, red glaze nestled in a flaky crust is pure nostalgia. Whether you remember enjoying this pie at your local Big Boy restaurant or are discovering it for the first time, one thing is certain—this classic dessert is as refreshing as it is delicious.

I first fell in love with this pie during childhood trips to Big Boy with my family. After a burger and fries, we’d always split a slice of their famous strawberry pie, each bite filled with fresh fruit and that signature glaze. Now, I make this homemade version whenever strawberries are in season, and it never fails to bring back sweet memories.

Why You’ll Love This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Get ready to experience the ultimate strawberry dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

First and foremost, this pie is bursting with fresh flavor. Unlike store-bought fruit pies filled with artificial syrups, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, coated in a simple yet luscious glaze.

It’s also incredibly simple. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this stunning dessert in no time. The hardest part is waiting for the glaze to set!

Not to mention, it’s light and refreshing. Unlike heavy, cream-based pies, this fresh strawberry pie is the perfect way to end a meal without feeling overly full.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this pie never fails to impress.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients. Let’s go over a few key components that make this pie special.

The strawberries are the star of the show. You’ll want to use the freshest, ripest berries you can find. Look for bright red strawberries that are firm but juicy. If they’re in season, visit a farmer’s market for the best flavor.

The pie crust provides the perfect crisp and flaky base for all that fruity goodness. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience or make your own from scratch. A buttery, homemade crust elevates this pie to the next level.

For the glaze, we use a combination of sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin. The sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the berries, while the cornstarch thickens the mixture to the perfect consistency. The gelatin gives the pie its signature bright red color and smooth texture.

A touch of lemon juice balances out the sweetness and enhances the fresh berry flavor. Don’t skip this step—it makes all the difference!

Finally, whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch. While optional, a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the tart, fruity filling.

How to Make This Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Making this pie is a breeze, and I’ll walk you through it step by step.

Start by preparing the pie crust. If you’re using a pre-made crust, bake it according to the package instructions and let it cool completely. For a homemade crust, roll out the dough, fit it into a pie dish, and blind bake it until golden and crisp.

While the crust cools, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture thickens and turns translucent, remove it from the heat and whisk in the strawberry gelatin until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

Next, arrange the strawberries in the pie crust. You can slice them or leave them whole for a more traditional look. Pour the cooled glaze over the berries, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Use a spatula to gently spread the glaze and fill in any gaps.

Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours until the glaze sets. This step is crucial—it allows the filling to firm up and hold together when sliced.

Before serving, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy every bite of this refreshing dessert.

Storage Options

To keep your strawberry pie fresh, store it in the refrigerator, loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, though the crust may soften slightly over time.

If you’d like to make it ahead, you can prepare the crust and glaze separately, then assemble the pie just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh strawberries can become mushy when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun twists to try:

Mixed Berry Pie: Swap out half of the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a delicious berry medley.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the glazed strawberries for a decadent touch.
Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute and sugar-free gelatin for a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert.
Graham Cracker Crust: Instead of a traditional pie crust, try a crunchy graham cracker crust for added flavor.
Citrus Twist: Add a bit of orange zest to the glaze for a refreshing citrus note.

No matter how you customize it, this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is sure to be a hit. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!