There’s something irresistibly bright and summery about this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe that just lights up any dessert table. The juicy, ripe strawberries combined with a glossy, luscious filling and flaky crust make it a real crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

A close-up of a strawberry pie in a white ceramic dish with scalloped edges. The pie has three visible layers: a pale golden crust at the bottom, a thick bright red strawberry filling with pieces of strawberries, and a shiny red glaze on top. Around the edge of the pie are white whipped cream swirls, each decorated with a halved fresh strawberry with green leaves. A slice of the pie is slightly pulled out, revealing the layers clearly. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a knife and a blue and white cloth napkin in the background. 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’m honestly a little obsessed with this fresh strawberry pie because it’s as simple as it is stunning. There’s no baking the filling down to mush, so the strawberries really shine—vibrant, fresh, and naturally sweet.

Freshness: Using fresh strawberries keeps the flavor bright and naturally sweet, making it taste like summer in every bite.
Easy Preparation: The filling comes together quickly on the stove without complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
Versatility: You can dress it up with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy finish.
Impressive Presentation: A beautiful pie that looks homemade but special enough to wow guests.

A slice of strawberry pie is shown on a white plate, featuring three main layers: a light tan thin crust at the bottom, a thick bright red layer filled with whole and sliced strawberries covered in a shiny red glaze, and a topping of white whipped cream dollops along the edge decorated with two halves of fresh strawberries with green leaves. Another similar slice is on a second white plate nearby. In the background, the rest of the pie in a white fluted dish is visible, showing the same three layers with piped whipped cream and strawberry halves on the rim. A cup of whipped cream with a spoon is also seen on the white marbled surface beneath the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this fresh strawberry pie recipe plays its part perfectly—juicy berries, a hint of vanilla, and a sturdy crust all come together for a pie that slices clean and tastes incredible. When shopping, look for firm, ripe strawberries without any bruising—they’ll hold their shape better in the filling.

Flat lay of one unbaked round pie crust sheet gently laid in a simple white ceramic pie plate, a small pile of fresh quartered strawberries with bright red color and green leafy tops, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl filled with granulated white sugar, a small white bowl with clear water, a small white bowl containing pale yellow cornstarch powder, a small white bowl holding fine white unflavored powdered gelatin, and a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract liquid, all arranged in perfect symmetry with balanced spacing, 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: Convenient and flaky, or you can make your own for that homemade touch.
Fresh strawberries: The star of the show—summer-ripe berries are best for the sweetest flavor.
Water: Helps break down the berries just enough to create a natural sauce base.
Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the strawberries for perfect sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the berries beautifully.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it sets nicely in the chilled pie.
Unflavored powdered gelatin: Makes sure the pie holds its shape with a lovely, glossy finish.

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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

This fresh strawberry pie recipe is so versatile—I love tweaking it to fit my mood or what I have on hand. You can keep it classic or get playful with add-ins and toppings.

Variation: Once, I swapped half the strawberries for fresh raspberries, which added beautiful color and a slightly tangier note that my family adored.
Make it Vegan: Use agar-agar instead of gelatin, and a vegan pie crust, and you’re good to go.
Low Sugar: Reduce the sugar slightly if your berries are particularly sweet, but keep the texture in mind.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds over whipped cream topping for a delightful crunch contrast.

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

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Pie Crust

Start by pressing your refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, making sure the edges are snug and neat. I like to gently press with my fingers so it fits perfectly without stretching. Pop it into the oven and bake it according to package instructions — usually about 10–12 minutes. Let it cool completely before filling to avoid a soggy bottom.

Step 2: Cook the Strawberry Filling

While the crust cools, mash half of the strawberries right in a small saucepan with ¼ cup water, sugar, and vanilla extract. This step releases their juices and concentrates the sweetness. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring and mashing for about 5 minutes to get everything melded together.

Step 3: Thicken the Filling with Cornstarch and Gelatin

In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch into ½ cup cold water to avoid lumps. Slowly stir this into the hot strawberry mixture, then cook over medium-high heat until it thickens—about 3 minutes. Lower the heat and add the powdered gelatin, whisking until it dissolves completely. This step is crucial; it creates that perfect glossy, slice-able texture.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Turn off the heat and gently fold in the remaining fresh quartered strawberries. Pour this luscious filling into your cooled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. The hardest part? Waiting 4 hours in the fridge for it to set! Trust me, it’s worth the patience.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Before serving, I love to crown the pie with a swirl of homemade chantilly whipped cream—it adds a light, creamy contrast against the sweet-tart strawberries.

Top Tip

From my experience making this pie multiple times, a few little things have made a big difference in the end result. These tips are game-changers if you want to get the texture and flavor just right.

Mash Half the Berries: This keeps the filling textured but juicy—don’t puree all of them or you’ll lose that fresh strawberry bite.
Add Gelatin Last: If you add gelatin too early, it sets unevenly. Dissolve it at low heat after thickening for a smooth, shiny finish.
Cool the Crust Completely: Otherwise, the filling can melt it down, turning soggy fast.
Use Cold Water for Cornstarch Mix: Prevents lumps and guarantees a silky filling.

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

fresh strawberry pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—a dusting of powdered sugar, a few whole strawberries, and a dollop of whipped chantilly cream on top. Sometimes I add a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant pop of green and refreshing aroma. It’s amazing how little touches can make a big impression at the table.

Side Dishes

This pie is such a star that I like pairing it with light sides like a simple green salad or bowl of fresh berries as a palate cleanser. It also pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or special occasions, I’ve layered the crust edges with thinly sliced strawberries for a decorative “rose petal” effect. Another fun idea is to drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the top just before serving—it adds a subtle bittersweet contrast that’s dreamy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie keeps beautifully in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. I find it maintains its fresh flavor and texture best when eaten within 2 days. Beyond that, the berries start releasing moisture and can soften the crust.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this fresh strawberry pie, mainly because the fresh berries and gelatin texture can break down and become watery after thawing. If you need a make-ahead option, try freezing just the baked crust and prepare the filling fresh.

Reheating

This pie is best served cold right from the fridge; reheating can melt the gelatin and spoil the texture. If you want a warm dessert, consider serving the pie alongside warm sauces or toppings rather than heating the pie itself.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries in this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe?

Frozen strawberries release more water when thawed, which can make the filling watery and affect the texture. For best results, use fresh strawberries when making this pie.

What’s the secret to a perfectly thick filling?

Using cornstarch mixed with cold water and the addition of powdered gelatin ensures the filling sets firmly while retaining a fresh fruit texture. Make sure to cook the mixture thoroughly to activate the cornstarch.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie actually benefits from chilling for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the filling to set fully and the flavors to meld beautifully.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake the crust completely and allow it to cool fully before adding the filling. You can also lightly brush the crust with melted white chocolate or egg wash before baking to create a barrier against moisture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe never fails to impress me and everyone I share it with. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special but isn’t fussy, with flavors that make you smile with every bite. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.