This no-bake strawberry pie is one of my favorite summertime treats. It’s quick and easy to whip up, it can be made ahead, and it tastes so refreshing on a hot summer day. If you’ve ever been intimidated by making homemade pie, this is a fabulous recipe to experiment with — it’s almost impossible to ruin!
Growing up, this no-bake strawberry pie was always one of my favorite desserts… and it continues to be a family favorite all these years later.
In fact, since my birthday falls right in the middle of strawberry season here in West Michigan, I often whip up one of these no-bake pies for my birthday dessert.
If I remember correctly, this recipe came from my mom, and grandma — who got it from a church cookbook back in the day… and you know those church ladies know make excellent pies!
I’ve made a few alterations to the recipe over the years… and I think it’s one of the best (and easiest) pie recipes in my “recipe box”.
Any time I bring this pie to a potluck or group function, I’m always asked for the recipe, and I rarely come home with any leftovers.
Ingredients for Strawberry Pie
- 1 9″ pie crust (this is a no-bake recipe, but you do need to bake the crust)
- 2 lbs strawberries (or any fresh berry)
- 2 c. water
- 3/4 c. sugar
- 3 T. cornstarch
- 1 6 oz. package (8 servings) strawberry gelatin (or your favorite flavor)
- Whipped cream for serving (homemade or store-bought)
Ingredient Variations
Want to mix up the flavors a bit? Try different combinations of berries and gelatin…
- raspberry pie
- blueberry pie (make it blue with blue raspberry gelatin)
- strawberry/raspberry pie (I use a small (4-serving size) package of strawberry AND raspberry gelatin for this)
- triple berry pie (3 different berries with whatever gelatin you choose)
- peach pie — I’ve never personally tried this but know friends who have and say it’s yummy
How to Make Strawberry Pie
1. Prepare/bake one 9″ pie crust and set aside.
NOTE: See below for my homemade pie crust recipe, or bake a store-bought crust (frozen or refrigerated). You could also use a graham cracker crust (homemade or store-bought) — just make sure it’s a 9″ crust, or adapt the recipe accordingly for a smaller crust.
2. Wash, hull, and slice strawberries.
3. Dump berries into the prepared (and cooled) pie crust. The berries should ideally come up to the top of the crust.
4. In a medium saucepan, whisk together water, sugar, and cornstarch.
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it comes to a boil.
6. Continue cooking for 2 minutes — stirring constantly (it will become translucent).
7. Remove pan from heat and whisk in dry gelatin. Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes.
8. Pour gelatin mixture over berries in pie crust.
9. Refrigerate for several hours (or overnight) until gelatin is completely set.
10. Serve with whipped cream.
Refrigerate any leftovers — they should last for 2-3 days. After that, the crust might get a bit soggy.
Looks yummy, huh?
Strawberry Pie FAQ’s
I would say no. Since this is a no-bake pie filling, the berries stay very firm, so the sogginess of frozen berries would not work well for this recipe (in my opinion).
Yes! This pie will easily last in the fridge for a couple of days. I usually make it the night before we plan to eat it, so it has several hours to “gel” together in the fridge. I probably wouldn’t make it more than 2 days in advance, though.
No. You can freeze the unbaked crusts ahead of time, but it will not work to freeze this no-bake berry pie.
It should last for 2-3 days in the fridge. After that, the crust might start to get soggy, but the pie will still be edible.
No-Bake Strawberry Pie
This no-bake strawberry pie is one of my favorite summertime treats. It’s quick and easy to whip up, it can be made ahead, and it tastes so refreshing on a hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 1 9″ prepared pie crust
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries (or any fresh berry)
- 2 c. water
- 3/4 c. sugar
- 3 T. cornstarch
- 1 6 oz. package (8 servings) strawberry gelatin (or your favorite flavor)
- Whipped cream for serving (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare/bake one 9″ pie crust and set aside.
- Wash, hull, and slice strawberries.
- Dump berries into the prepared (and cooled) pie crust. The berries should ideally come up to the top of the crust.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together water, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it comes to a boil.
- Continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring constantly (it will become more translucent).
- Remove pan from heat and whisk in dry gelatin mix. Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Pour gelatin mixture over berries in pie crust.
- Refrigerate for several hours (or overnight) until gelatin is completely set.
- Serve with whipped cream.
Notes
FOR THE CRUST: Make your favorite homemade crust, or bake a store-bought crust (frozen or refrigerated). You could also use a graham cracker crust (homemade or store-bought) — just make sure it’s a 9″ crust, or adapt the recipe accordingly for a smaller crust.
FOR THE FILLING: Almost any berry + gelatin combination will work for this recipe, so feel free to mix it up based on your preferences (or what berries are in season).
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How to Make A Homemade Pie Crust
Whole Grain Pie Crust
This easy recipe for a whole grain pie crust uses freshly ground grain, but can easily be substituted for all-purpose flour if that's what you have in the house.
Ingredients
- 150 grams freshly milled flour (1 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 t. salt
- 6 T. cold butter (I use frozen butter)
- 3-4T. ice water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Grate butter (with a cheese grater) into the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Add 3 T. ice water and mix with your hands until dough comes together.
- Add 1 additional T. of water if necessary.
- Form dough into a ball, flatten on a floured counter, and roll into an 11″-12″ circle.
- Place crust in pie plate, prick bottom and sides with a fork, crimp edges, and trim edges if necessary.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Let cool before filling.
Notes
Here’s a good recipe for one 9″ crust with more details and pictures.
More Pie Recipes!
Here are a few more yummy pie recipes from my recipe archives!
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
- Blueberry Peach Pie
- Bumbleberry Pie (pictured below)
- Black Bottom Pie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Triple-Layer No-Bake Pudding Pie
- Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie
- Double-High Pumpkin Pie
- Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie
- Dutch Apple Pie
- Mini Fruit Pies
What’s your favorite pie recipe?
Visit my virtual recipe box for more simple, delicious, family-friendly recipes!
Chris says
I love this pie. My grandma was known for making it, too. But I have also found a French strawberry cake that is really yummy and easy! You could probably find it on the internet 🙂
Andrea says
oh wow — now I need to Googld “French Strawberry Cake” before strawberry season is over here! Thanks for the idea!
Lynnette says
Oops…I see now that you’ve already retitled the post as “My favorite…” . I just followed the link and read the post that states it is YOUR recipe.
Lynnette says
Ya, pretty sure you can’t call this “MY” strawberry pie recipe (or “my famous”). It’s been around for decades across the United States. Perhaps reword it as “my favorite”??
Rachel says
My goodness, this pie was delish!! Not one that goes to fruit pie, but this was light, the flavor didn’t need any added whipped cream (my opinion). The pie stands well on its own. Glad you posted this.
Andrea says
oh yay — I’m thrilled you enjoyed the strawberry pie, Rachel! Thanks for sharing your success with us!
ShellyL says
This is one of my favorite desserts. You can make it with peaches too and use peach or apricot flavored gelatin. It’s wonderful in the summer months. My grandma always made these fruit pies and my mom too.
Andrea says
oh yum — I think my kids would love it with peaches. I’ve also done raspberries (or a combinations of berries) and it’s so good!
Carolyn Bowden says
I just made this pie tonight. Can’t wait to try it tomorrow! It looks delicious!
dani says
If I make a pie (let’s say Wednesday) to serve on Thursday night. Do i have to leave it refrigerated all night and day until I serve it? I am just learning how to cook and want to know how long to leave it in the refrigerator. Thanks!
Andrea says
I’d leave it in the refrigerator — it will be fine for 24 hours!
Suzanne says
Looking forward to making this on Memorial Day!!!
Cathy says
My all time fav is strawberry shortcake, homemade of course!!! and I also own the bragging rights for my banana cream pie!!! YUM!!! In response to Becky, I have a yummy strawberry pie recipe that I use the frozen strawberries that I buy at Costco if you are interested!!!
Jen says
I just finished making this pie and letting it cool a bit before putting it in the fridge. I’m excited about Dessert tomorrow!
Christie says
I was making this for company this evening and, umm, accidently stumbled on a variation. You see, when took out the strawberry jell-o, I also took out a package of instant vanilla pudding, as my 5first year old and I were planning on making homemade pudding pops. When I reached for the jell-o, I wasn’t really watching and grabbed the pudding instead. I had dumped the pudding in the cornstarch/sugar mixture before I realized what I had done. I then thought “Well, why not?”, and added the strawberry jell-o too. The pie now tastes like strawberries and cream, its sooo good, if not a little rich!
Stacie Kaltz says
I’m so going to make this this weekend! Maybe two! Thanks Andrea! 🙂
Ann says
This iS a delicious recipe, but you can REALLY take it “over the top” when you make a strawberry pie like this and use RASPBERRY jello, instead of strawberry jello!! Please try it once, I did, and never went back!
Andrea says
Yes Ann, I’ve done this too. I personally prefer to stick with the strawberry/strawberry and raspberry/raspberry combos — but I do mix it up every once in a while!
Christy says
This is the same recipe I use and it is also my favorite! I usually make it with a graham cracker crust though.
Stacey says
My mom had always made strawberry pie this way….it is SO good! We do peach pie like this too!
Andrea says
Hmmm… I’ve never tried peach pie like this before — I always make a baked peach pie. Do you use peach gelatin? I don’t think I’ve ever seen peach flavored gelatine before 🙂
Stacey says
Yep – peach gelatin, or apricot. Yummy stuff 🙂
Organize365 says
Strawberry pies always remind me of my mom. She loves strawberry pies!
We have just taken milk out of our daughter’s diet. A nice strawberry pie might make her forget about ice cream… Maybe.
🙂
Lisa
Becky says
Would this possible work with frozen berries? Have you tried it?
Andrea says
No Becky, I definitely don’t think it would taste good with frozen berries. This is essentially a “fresh” pie and since you don’t bake it, you’ll need to use fresh strawberries so they are nice and crisp. Frozen berries would be soggy and a really bad texture for this recipe.
Andrea says
I’m sure she’ll love it Lisa!
Kathy says
I’ve used this recipe for years, too…….so easy and so delish!! Better go get myself some strawberries right now!!
Stacey says
This is MY recipe, too! 🙂 I usually leave the berries whole, instead of slicing them, as it makes a more impressive presentation. Always a winner!
Debby says
My recipe too!!! My husband always wants this instead of birthday cake for his June birthday!!!
Lauren @ Rustic Honey says
I have actually never made a strawberry pie! Looks delicious! I love to eat fresh strawberries on top of homemade ice cream! YUM! This post is making me love summer even more!
Amy says
This is my favorite dessert of all time also! It is so delicious!
Barb says
Strawberry pie sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try the recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Audra says
Hmm was going to make strawberry shortcake in addition to a birthday cake for my sons 4th b-day party this weekend, but maybe this pie will be made instead! Have you tried this with splenda and sugar free jello instead of regular? Have a couple family members who have to watch their sugar intake.
Andrea says
Audra, I’ve used sugar-free gelatin many times — but I’ve never tried splenda. I’d definitely try the recipe as written first so you have something to compare it to before trying it with Splenda.
Good luck!
Erin says
I am so glad you posted this – I’ve been looking for this type of recipe all over the place but couldn’t see to find one I liked! Looks like I know what we’ll be having for dessert tonight! 🙂
Andrea says
Yay — hope you love it as much as we do 🙂
This pie is really good, but you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of time to refrigerate it — maybe it will be a bed-time snack if it’s not “set” before dinner!