Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a classic diner dessert that became famous in restaurants across the United States. Known for its glossy strawberry glaze and generous layers of fresh strawberries, this pie is simple, refreshing, and perfect for spring and summer.
Served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream, this nostalgic dessert has been loved for decades.
Yield and Timing
Serves 8 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 2–3 hours
Ingredients
For the Pie
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ pounds fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional Topping
- Whipped cream
Preparation
Prepare the Strawberries
Select the largest and best-looking strawberries and arrange them whole in the baked pie crust.
Slice the remaining strawberries and set them aside.
Make the Strawberry Glaze
In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water.
Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes clear.
Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin and lemon juice until fully dissolved.
Add the sliced strawberries and mix gently.
Assemble the Pie
Pour the strawberry glaze mixture over the whole strawberries in the crust, making sure they are evenly coated.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill
Refrigerate the pie for 2–3 hours until the filling is fully set.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices topped with:
- Fresh whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Extra fresh strawberries
Storage
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why This Pie Became Famous
Big Boy restaurants helped make this strawberry pie popular because of its simple ingredients and vibrant presentation. The fresh berries combined with the sweet glaze create a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and full of real strawberry flavor.
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie remains a nostalgic favorite that’s perfect for warm-weather desserts.
