This Strawberry Pie without Jell-O is all about fresh strawberries, bursting with flavor and sweetness. The pie is made with a homemade strawberry glaze, so it’s free from artificial colors and flavors. A buttery crust cradles the strawberry filling, making each bite tender and delicious. It’s a perfect dessert for showcasing fresh strawberries, ideal for spring or summer gatherings.
Strawberry Pie without Jell-O
I love making this strawberry pie because it’s pure and simple, with no artificial ingredients or gelatin. The strawberries provide a natural sweetness, while the homemade glaze gives the filling just the right texture. It’s a pie that’s impressive yet easy to make, allowing the flavor of fresh strawberries to shine through. Serve it chilled, with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for a delightful, refreshing dessert.
This pie pairs perfectly with The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe for a homey meal or serve it with Creamy Lemon Squares Recipe for a dessert duo with refreshing flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pie without Jell-O Recipe
- Pure and Fresh: Made with real strawberries and a natural glaze, free from artificial ingredients.
- Easy to Make: No Jell-O required, just a few ingredients to bring out the strawberry flavor.
- Perfect for Warm Weather: This pie is light, refreshing, and ideal for spring and summer.
- Impressive Yet Simple: With a beautiful, glossy filling and fresh strawberries, it’s always a hit.
Main Ingredients for Strawberry Pie without Jell-O
- Fresh Strawberries – The star of the show, adding natural sweetness and color.
- Sugar – Sweetens the glaze and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the glaze, giving the pie filling a lovely texture.
- Pie Crust – A flaky crust that holds the strawberry filling perfectly.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a touch of brightness to the glaze, enhancing the flavor of the strawberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Pie without Jell-O Recipe
Here’s how to make this delicious and refreshing strawberry pie step by step:
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges if desired. Bake according to the package or recipe instructions until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
- Pro Tip: Use pie weights or beans to prevent the crust from puffing up while baking.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash, hull, and halve 4 cups of fresh strawberries. Set aside 2 cups for the glaze and the other 2 cups for the filling.
- Tip: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
- Make the Strawberry Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch. Add 2 cups of strawberries and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pro Tip: For a smoother glaze, mash the strawberries with a fork while they cook or blend the mixture once it’s thickened.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread a thin layer of the strawberry glaze on the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Arrange the remaining fresh strawberries on top, then pour the rest of the glaze over the strawberries, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Serving Idea: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra visual appeal.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the glaze to set and the flavors to meld together. This also makes the pie easier to slice.
- Tip: Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture, making it ideal for make-ahead dessert prep.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pie and serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing treat. Enjoy!
- Serving Idea: For added flavor, drizzle with a bit of balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Add More Berries: Mix in raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for a mixed berry pie.
- Make it Sweeter: Adjust the sugar in the glaze to taste if you prefer a sweeter pie.
- How to Store: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled.
- How to Freeze: For best results, freeze the glaze and berries separately, then assemble fresh when ready to serve.
Health Benefits of Strawberry Pie without Jell-O
Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health and skin vitality. This pie is naturally sweetened with fruit, and homemade glaze means you can control the sugar content.
- Rich in Vitamin C: Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin rejuvenation.
- Antioxidant-Rich: The antioxidants in strawberries may help reduce inflammation.
- Customizable for Healthier Options: Use a reduced-sugar crust or skip the crust for a lighter version.
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