This vintage strawberry pie is a copycat version of the one you’d find at a Big Boy restaurant. Full of fresh strawberries and strawberry Jell-O, this easy recipe is perfect for summer months!
Vintage Strawberry Pie
Have you ever been to a Big Boy restaurant? It’s a Midwestern staple and I remember seeing this strawberry pie sitting inthe pie case near the cash register. It was always so pretty with the bright red strawberries.
I’m more of a chocolate girl and would usually get the hot fudge cake, but I can be swayed with fresh fruit.
The restaurants are becoming harder to find, two near us recently closed, but luckily this copycat version tastes just like the original and you can easily make it at home.
If you’ve been to a local strawberry patch and are wondering what to do with all those strawberries, this beautiful pie is the perfect use for them.
Why you’ll love this classic Fresh Strawberry Pie
- It’s easy – you only need a handful of simple ingredients. You can make a homemade pie crust or opt for a premade version.
- It’s delicious – The strawberry pie filling is perfect for strawberry season.
- It’s a classic – Perfect for a summer picnic or family gathering, this pie reminds you of good times.
Equipment you’ll need to make this classic pie
Ingredients for Strawberry Jello Pie
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card.
- WATER – Cold water to make the jello.
- SUGAR – Granulated white sugar.
- CORNSTARCH – Much like when used in gravy, corn starch is used to thicken the strawberry pie filling.
- STRAWBERRY JELLO – I like to use Jello brand but store brand works.
- PIE CRUST – You’ll need a 9-inch pie shell. Either a homemade pie crust, baked pie shell, or a Pillsbury roll-out crust (they come in a two pack, use the other one to make a chicken pot pie!). You could even switch it up and try a graham cracker crust.
- STRAWBERRIES – I recommend using fresh, juicy strawberries.
- WHIPPED CREAM – Homemade whipped cream is my preference, but Reddi-wip or Cool Whip work.
How to make a fresh Big Boy Strawberry Pie
STEP ONE: First, prepare a 9-inch pie shell – whichever method that may be. Homemade crust, a frozen pie shell, or a shortcut Pillsbury roll-out crust. Bake it and set it aside to cool.
STEP TWO: Next, to a small saucepan, add the cold water, sugar, and cornstarch and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, until thickened and the sugar is dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat, add in the strawberry jello, and stir until dissolved. Set it aside to cool.
STEP THREE: Then, clean and slice the strawberries. Place strawberries into the cooled crust. Be as creative as you want with the strawberry design.
STEP FOUR: Finally, pour the strawberry mixture over the fresh strawberries and move to the fridge to set, which will take approximately 2-3 hours.
When ready to serve, slice and top with whipped cream.
Possible Substitutions/Additions
- Don’t like strawberries? You can swap out the fruit and Jell-O flavor for another berry like raspberries or even pineapple. You an also try mixed berries.
- You can make a homemade crust, use a frozen pie shell, or a roll-out Pillsbury crust. Or even a graham cracker or Oreo crust would be good.
- Using sugar free Jello should work just fine.
- If you don’t want to arrange the strawberries into a design, you can add the quartered strawberries to the Jell-O mixture and pour the entire thing into the crust.
How to store leftovers
Leftovers should be stored covered in the fridge.
How long will it last in the fridge?
Strawberry pie will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Longer than that and the crust will get soggy and weird.
Can I freeze it?
No, I don’t recommend freezing it. Luckily it’s quick enough to whip up another one when you need it.
FAQs
Is strawberry gelatin the same as strawberry Jell-O?
Nope, not quite. Jell-O has additives (color, sweeteners, etc.) while gelatin is a natural product. So, while Jell-O is a gelatin, it is its own thing.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
No, I don’t recommend using frozen strawberries. They have a lot of moisture so even if you thaw them and drain off the excess, you still might end up with a soupy mess.
Need more recipes for homemade pies? Try these:
Sheet pan apple pie
Easy chocolate cream pie
Frozen peanut butter pie
Peaches & Cream Ice Cream Pie
Need more ways to use up some berries? Try these:
Blackberry Crumble
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Strawberry Brownie Delight
Raspberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake
Strawberry Pretzel Jell-O
Click here for my entire collection of dessert recipes.
Big Boy Fresh Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
- 9 inch pie crust prepared per package instructions
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 ounces strawberry Jell-O
- 1 pint fresh strawberries quartered
- whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Bake the pie shell according to the instructions. Set aside to cool.
- In a small saucepan, add the cold water, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring it to a slow boil, whisking constantly until slightly thickened and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in the strawberry gelatin until dissolved, and then allow to cool.
- Clean and quarter the strawberries and once the pie shell has cooled, line the crust with the cut strawberries.
- Pour the Jell-O mixture over the strawberries and refrigerate until set, approximately 2-3 hours.
- Once fully set, top with whipped cream and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Originally published April 9, 2013
I make this a lot. Except I put 3/4 cup of sugar in each pie and 3 tbsps. Of strawberry jello powder and I put the jello in before I cook it. Everyone loves it I never have any left and I also put cool whip on top.
Sounds great!