This Crustless Fresh Strawberry Pie is a summertime dream! Bursting with juicy strawberries suspended in a sweet, glossy glaze, it’s everything you love about a strawberry pie—minus the crust. Light, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make, this no-crust dessert is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re just craving something sweet and fruity without turning on the oven for hours. Every bite is full of pure strawberry flavor and a texture that’s soft, spoonable, and utterly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Simple: This is one of the easiest pies you’ll ever make. No rolling pins, no blind baking—just a few basic steps.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Skipping the crust makes it a fantastic option for gluten-sensitive folks without compromising on flavor.
- Flavor First: With no crust to distract, the strawberries take center stage. It’s fresh, vibrant, and just sweet enough.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie chills beautifully in the fridge, making it an ideal dessert to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what brings this strawberry pie to life:
- Fresh Strawberries: The absolute star—choose ripe, sweet berries for the best flavor.
- Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries and helps make the glaze.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry glaze to hold the pie together without needing a crust.
- Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and cook the glaze into a silky consistency.
- Strawberry Gelatin (or Jello): Deepens the color and gives the pie that glossy, firm-yet-soft texture we love.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash to balance the sweetness and brighten the overall flavor.
- Whipped Cream (optional): For serving. It’s the perfect creamy contrast to the fresh, fruity filling.
Variations
Want to put your own spin on this crustless delight? Try one of these ideas:
- Berry Blend: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed-berry version.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free gelatin and reduce the added sugar for a lighter dessert.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, granola, or chopped nuts on top before serving for texture.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based gelatin and top with dairy-free whipped cream.
How to Make Crustless Fresh Strawberry Pie
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Rinse, hull, and slice your strawberries. Set aside a portion of the prettiest ones for the top.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes clear. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved.
Step 3: Combine
Fold the sliced strawberries into the warm glaze. Gently mix until all the berries are coated in that beautiful glossy mixture.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Pour the strawberry mixture into a pie dish or any serving dish of your choice. Smooth the top, arrange reserved strawberry slices for decoration, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Step 5: Serve
Once chilled and set, serve slices as-is or with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Ripe Strawberries: This pie shines with sweet, in-season berries. Avoid underripe ones—they’ll be too tart and firm.
- Chill Fully: Give it time in the fridge to firm up; rushing it will result in a runny texture.
- Stir Constantly When Cooking the Glaze: To avoid lumps, keep the whisk moving and don’t walk away.
- Presentation Matters: Reserve some perfect strawberry slices to place on top for that “wow” factor.
How to Serve
This pie is best served chilled, ideally straight from the fridge. A swirl of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt adds the perfect creamy contrast. For a little extra flair, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a light summer dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe, as the gelatin can become watery and lose its smooth texture after thawing.
Reheating
No need! This pie is meant to be enjoyed cold. Just slice and serve straight from the refrigerator.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries release a lot of moisture and can become mushy, which may affect the texture of the pie. Fresh berries are strongly recommended for the best result.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s better when made in advance. Just prepare it the day before and let it set overnight in the fridge.
Is this pie gluten-free?
Yes! With no crust and no flour, this pie is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your gelatin is gluten-free if needed.
What can I use instead of strawberry gelatin?
You can substitute with unflavored gelatin and add a bit of fruit juice and extra sugar to mimic the flavor and sweetness of strawberry gelatin.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert that screams fresh summer flavor, this Crustless Fresh Strawberry Pie is your answer. It’s light, vibrant, and so simple to throw together—even on your busiest day. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get a treat that looks beautiful and tastes even better. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to strawberry dessert!
PrintCrustless Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A light and refreshing no-bake crustless strawberry pie, perfect for summer desserts and those seeking a low-carb treat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin (about 2 1/2 teaspoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft and syrupy.
- Use a potato masher or fork to mash the cooked strawberries.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the hot strawberry mixture.
- Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sprinkle in gelatin, stirring until dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Place the remaining 2 cups of sliced strawberries in a pie dish or shallow tart dish.
- Pour the cooled strawberry mixture over the fresh strawberries and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for best flavor.
- You can substitute honey or a sugar alternative for a lower sugar version.
- To make it firmer, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of gelatin.
- This pie holds its shape best when chilled overnight.