There's nothing quite like the taste of Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie—sweet, juicy strawberries coated in a glossy glaze, nestled in a buttery crust. This classic diner favorite brings back memories of warm afternoons and indulgent desserts shared with loved ones.

I first fell in love with this pie after a visit to a Big Boy restaurant on a road trip. The fresh, vibrant berries and that perfect balance of tart and sweet were simply irresistible. After plenty of trial and error, I finally recreated the magic at home, and now, I’m sharing it with you!

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

Get ready for a dessert that will steal the show at any gathering. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a weeknight treat, this pie is guaranteed to impress.

First off, it’s incredibly fresh and fruity. Unlike heavy cream pies, this one celebrates the natural sweetness of strawberries, making it a light and refreshing option.

It’s also super easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no complicated techniques, even beginner bakers can master this recipe on the first try.

This pie is perfect for make-ahead desserts. Prepare it in advance, and let the flavors meld together in the fridge—it only gets better with time!

And let’s not forget the nostalgia factor. If you grew up enjoying this pie at Big Boy restaurants, this homemade version will take you right back to those delicious memories.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this pie comes from its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you need and why each one matters.

Strawberries are the star of the show. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If they’re too tart, a little extra sugar will help balance things out.

The pie crust should be flaky and buttery. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, but a homemade pastry crust will elevate the flavor even more. Blind bake it first to keep it crisp.

For the glaze, you’ll need sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin (Jell-O). The sugar sweetens the filling, the cornstarch thickens it, and the strawberry gelatin gives it that signature glossy finish while enhancing the berry flavor.

Water and lemon juice add the perfect balance of liquid and acidity, preventing the glaze from becoming overly sweet.

A whipped cream topping is optional, but highly recommended! It complements the pie’s freshness with a creamy, airy contrast.

If you have a deep-dish pie plate, it’s great for holding extra strawberries. Otherwise, a regular 9-inch pie dish works just fine.

How To Make Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Making this pie is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort. Let’s go step by step to ensure you get the perfect results.

Start by baking your pie crust. If using store-bought, follow package instructions. For a homemade crust, roll out the dough, fit it into your pie plate, and blind bake it at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.

While the crust cools, prep the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and turns translucent. Remove from heat and stir in strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Let the glaze cool slightly—it should still be pourable but not hot.

Wash and hull your fresh strawberries, then arrange them in the cooled pie crust. You can leave them whole for a rustic look or slice them in half for easier serving.

Pour the glaze over the strawberries, making sure each one gets coated. The glaze will seep into the gaps, creating that iconic glossy appearance. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the filling set.

Once chilled, slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), here’s how to keep your pie fresh and delicious.

Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will remain vibrant.

Avoid freezing the pie, as the fresh strawberries will release too much moisture when thawed, making the texture mushy.

For best results, assemble the pie the same day you plan to serve it. However, you can prepare the crust and glaze a day in advance and store them separately. When ready, just combine everything and chill.

Variations and Substitutions

This pie is already a crowd-pleaser, but here are some fun ways to mix things up.

Try using different berries like raspberries or a mix of strawberries and blueberries for a patriotic summer twist.

If you don’t have strawberry gelatin, swap it for raspberry or cherry Jell-O for a slight flavor variation.

For a healthier version, reduce the sugar and use a sugar-free gelatin alternative. The pie will still be deliciously sweet but with fewer calories.

Want extra crunch? Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts on top before serving for added texture.

For an even richer dessert, make a chocolate-drizzled strawberry pie by melting dark chocolate and drizzling it over the strawberries before adding the glaze.

No matter how you make it, this Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a surefire way to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!