Easy Strawberry Pie Recipe from I Heart Naptime

The Best Berry Surprise

I first made this pie for my grandson’s birthday. He thought I had bought it from a fancy bakery. I still laugh at that. It is so simple to make. It looks like you spent all day in the kitchen.

This matters because food made with love is the best kind. It is not about being perfect. It is about sharing something sweet and happy. What is your favorite birthday treat? I would love to know.

A Little Pie Secret

Let me tell you a secret. The paper towel step is very important. It soaks up the extra water from the berries. If you skip it, your pie can get a little watery.

Just pat them dry and let them sit. It is a small step that makes a big difference. I like to hull the strawberries while I wait. It makes the kitchen smell so good. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Making the Shiny Glaze

The glaze is what makes this pie so special. You cook water, sugar, and cornstarch. You stir and stir until it gets thick. It is like a sweet, clear pudding.

Then you mix in the strawberry gelatin. This gives it that beautiful red color and fruity taste. Fun fact: The cornstarch is what makes the glaze thick and shiny, not the gelatin. Have you ever made a glaze before? It is easier than it looks.

Putting It All Together

Now for the fun part. You layer the dry strawberries into your cool pie crust. I like to point them all upward. It makes the pie look like a jewel box.

Then, you slowly pour the warm glaze over everything. Try to cover every single berry. The waiting is the hardest part. You must let it chill for a few hours. This matters because patience makes the pie slice perfectly.

The Perfect Final Touch

After the wait, you get to add the whipped cream. A big fluffy cloud on top of each slice. It makes the sweet berries taste even better.

This pie is best shared with people you love. That is the real secret ingredient. Do you like a little whipped cream or a lot? I am always team a lot myself.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Strawberries	3 pounds (about 5 cups)	Washed, hulled, and dried
Water	1 ½ cups
Granulated sugar	1 ¼ cups
Cornstarch	3 Tablespoons
Strawberry gelatin	1 ½ (3-ounce) packages
Salt	Pinch
Lemon zest	From 1/2 lemon	Optional
Pie crust	1	Baked and completely cooled
Whipped cream	For serving

My Easy Strawberry Pie

This strawberry pie always reminds me of summer afternoons. The sun would be warm on my shoulders. I would pick berries with my grandma in her garden. We always ate more than we put in the bowl. I still laugh at that.

This recipe is just as sweet and simple. You do not need any fancy tools. Just a saucepan and a willing heart. Let me walk you through it.

• Step 1: First, wash and hull your strawberries. Slice them in half or into quarters. Lay them on a paper towel to dry. This step is very important. A wet berry makes a soggy pie. (That is my hard-learned tip for you!).
• Step 2: Now, let’s make the glaze. Combine water, sugar, and cornstarch in a pan. Stir it over medium heat until it boils. Keep stirring for another minute or two. The mixture will get thick and clear. It is like magic! Remove it from the heat.
• Step 3: Stir in the strawberry gelatin, a pinch of salt, and lemon zest. The zest adds a little sunshine. Keep stirring until the gelatin dissolves. Then let the glaze cool for about ten minutes. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It reminds me of strawberry candy.
• Step 4: Take your cooled pie crust. Arrange your dry strawberries in it. You can make them look pretty. Pour the warm glaze over all the berries. Make sure every berry gets a shiny coat. Now, the hard part. Pop it in the fridge for a few hours. What’s your favorite part of making a pie? Share below!
• Step 5: When the pie is set, it is time to eat! Slice it into eight pieces. Add a big dollop of whipped cream on top. The creamy, sweet, and tart flavors all dance together. It is pure happiness on a plate.

Cook Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert, Pie

Fun Twists on My Classic Pie

I love a good classic recipe. But sometimes, a little change is fun. Here are three ways to make this pie your own. They are all so simple and delicious.

• Mixed Berry Bliss: Use a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. The different colors look so cheerful.
• Coconut Dream: Sprinkle toasted coconut on the whipped cream. It adds a lovely, crunchy texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the set pie. Chocolate and strawberries are best friends.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Beautiful Pie

This pie is a star all on its own. But a few little touches make it extra special. I like to serve it on my blue china plate. The red pie looks so pretty against it.

For a real treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream with the fruity pie is heaven. You could also add a few fresh mint leaves on top. It makes the plate look like it came from a fancy bakery.

What should you drink with it? A cold glass of milk is always perfect. For the grown-ups, a little glass of sweet Moscato wine is lovely. It tastes like grapes and sunshine. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Strawberry Pie Fresh

This pie loves the cold. Always keep it in your refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap so it stays fresh.

You can freeze it for a sweet treat later. Just wrap the whole pie tightly. It will keep for about one month.

I once left my pie on the counter. The glaze became a runny mess. Now I never skip the fridge time.

Making two pies is a wonderful idea. You can enjoy one now and share one later. This saves you so much time.

Storing food well shows you care. It means your hard work does not go to waste. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Your Pie

Is your glaze too runny? Your cornstarch might not have cooked long enough. Keep stirring over the heat until it thickens.

Are your strawberries making the crust soggy? Drying them on paper towels is the key. I remember when I skipped this step once.

Is the gelatin not dissolving? Make sure your cooked mixture is still very hot. Stir it for a full minute to help it melt.

Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn that mistakes are just lessons. A perfect glaze makes the fruit flavor shine. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pie Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use a gluten-free pie crust from the store.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: You can make it a full day before. Keep it chilled in your fridge.

Q: What if I do not have lemon zest?
A: That is okay. The pie will still taste sweet and wonderful.

Q: Can I make a smaller pie?
A: You can cut the recipe in half. Use a smaller pie dish for this.

Q: Any other tips?
A: Let the glaze cool a bit before pouring. This keeps your crust nice and crisp. Fun fact: Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside! Which tip will you try first?

Thank You for Baking With Me

I hope you love this strawberry pie. It always reminds me of summer days. Sharing food is a way to share joy.

I would love to see your beautiful creation. Your kitchen stories make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.