If you have a soft spot for nostalgic desserts that burst with fresh, fruity flavor, then you absolutely must try the Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie Recipe. This delightful pie perfectly captures the essence of summer with juicy strawberries blanketed in a glossy, sweet glaze nestled atop a tender, flaky crust. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past, instantly transporting your taste buds to a simpler, sweeter time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this pie starts with just a few straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in bringing out the perfect balance of sweetness, freshness, and texture. Every item contributes to making this pie irresistibly vibrant and smooth, so gather them carefully for the best results.
- Pie crust: Choose a store-bought crust for convenience, or whip up your favorite homemade version for extra love in every bite.
- Water: Essential for creating the glaze’s liquid base, helping everything blend beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the glaze and enhances the natural strawberry flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the fruit’s brightness just a touch.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh tang that lifts the overall flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Provides warmth and depth to the glaze’s taste profile.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze to a luscious, almost jelly-like consistency, keeping those strawberries beautifully coated.
- Strawberry Jell-O (3 oz package): Gives the iconic vibrant pink color and a subtle strawberry essence to the glaze.
- Fresh strawberries (4 cups, hulled and sliced): The star of the show; juicy, ripe berries are a must for that authentic fresh flavor.
- Whipped cream: Perfect for serving, it adds a light and airy contrast to the sweet, fruity pie.
How to Make Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start with your pie crust, either store-bought or homemade. Bake it according to package directions or your personal recipe, then allow it to cool completely. This step is critical because the crust needs to be fully cool before adding the filling, ensuring it stays crisp and avoids sogginess. Don’t hesitate to prep the crust a day ahead; it actually helps save time on the day you want to serve your masterpiece.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, sugar, salt, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture consistently as it heats to prevent lumps and promote even thickening. This will take about 3 to 5 minutes, and soon enough you’ll notice the glaze becoming beautifully glossy and thicker, just like a shimmering satin sheet ready to embrace your fruit.
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Jell-O
Once your glaze has thickened to perfection, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the strawberry Jell-O package until completely dissolved. This addition not only enhances the strawberry flavor but also gives that signature vibrant pink color that makes this pie so visually irresistible.
Step 4: Combine the Strawberries and Glaze
Gently fold the hulled and sliced strawberries into the glaze, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This step is where the fresh berries get their luscious shine, and the glaze seeps into every nook of the fruit, bringing that unmistakable Big Boy’s pie quality to life.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Pour the strawberry and glaze mixture into your completely cooled pie crust. Spread the fruit evenly across the surface so every slice has a beautiful, balanced distribution of berries and glaze. This is when your creation starts looking like the classic dessert everyone adores.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Refrigerate the pie for at least three hours to let the glaze fully set. Patience is key here—this chilling step ensures the pie slices cleanly while the glaze solidifies to a perfect, sliceable consistency much like the original Big Boy’s strawberry pie.
Step 7: Serve with Whipped Cream
When ready to enjoy, slice the pie and top each piece with generous dollops of whipped cream. This finishing touch adds rich creaminess that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy strawberry filling, completing the full experience of Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie Recipe.
How to Serve Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While whipped cream is the classic and beloved topping for this strawberry pie, you can also sprinkle some freshly grated lemon zest over the dollops for an extra zing or scatter a few small mint leaves to add a refreshing herbal note and beautiful visual contrast. These simple touches elevate the pie from delicious to spectacular.
Side Dishes
This strawberry pie is a star on its own, but pairing it with a light side like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a crisp green salad makes for a well-rounded meal or dessert spread. The cool creaminess or the fresh greens help balance the pie’s sweetness and weight perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present the pie in mini mason jars as individual servings or turn it into a layered trifle with additional whipped cream and crushed graham crackers. Both ideas showcase the luscious layers of Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie Recipe while offering a charming, new way to enjoy this classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. The pie stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days, although it’s best enjoyed as soon as possible to keep the crust from becoming soggy and the strawberries tasting their freshest.
Freezing
Because of the glaze and fresh fruit, freezing this pie is not recommended, as the texture can suffer once thawed. It’s best to enjoy your Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie Recipe fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
This pie is intended to be served chilled, so reheating is usually unnecessary and not advised. If you prefer room temperature, simply let the pie sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off without compromising its texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for the texture and flavor, frozen can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the pie soggy.
Is it possible to make the crust from scratch?
Absolutely! A homemade butter crust or even a graham cracker crust can beautifully complement the strawberry filling and add your personal touch to the classic Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie Recipe.
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
For this recipe, strawberry Jell-O is key to achieving the authentic flavor and color. Other flavors might change the taste significantly, so it’s best to stick with strawberry for the true Big Boy’s pie experience.
How sweet is the pie? Can I reduce the sugar?
The pie is moderately sweet to highlight the natural strawberry flavor without overpowering it. You can reduce the sugar slightly, but be careful as it might affect the glaze’s thickness and the overall taste balance.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener, though results might vary slightly in texture. Just use the same quantity to maintain the glaze’s consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about recreating a beloved classic like the Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie Recipe at home. It’s a dessert that combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps to produce something extraordinary—bright, sweet, and utterly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the nostalgia and delight this pie brings with every bite. Happy baking!
Print
Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie features a perfectly baked pie crust filled with fresh strawberries coated in a luscious, glossy strawberry Jell-O glaze. The pie is chilled until set and served with whipped cream, making it a refreshing and visually stunning dessert perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Glaze
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 3 oz package strawberry Jell-O
Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved or quartered if large)
For Serving
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Bake your pie crust according to the package directions or your favorite homemade crust recipe. Allow it to cool completely before adding the filling. This step can be done a day in advance for convenience.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water, granulated sugar, salt, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the Strawberry Jell-O: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the strawberry Jell-O powder until fully dissolved, creating a smooth, glossy glaze.
- Combine Strawberries and Glaze: In a large bowl, gently toss the hulled and sliced strawberries with the warm glaze until all berries are evenly coated in the mixture.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the strawberry mixture into the cooled pie crust, spreading it out evenly for a beautiful presentation.
- Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, allowing the glaze to set firmly and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice the chilled pie and serve each portion with a generous dollop of whipped cream to mimic the classic Big Boy strawberry pie experience.
Notes
- The pie crust can be prepared a day ahead to save time on serving day.
- Make sure the glaze is fully thickened before removing from heat to ensure proper setting.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Chilling time is essential—do not skip to allow the pie to set properly.
- Whipped cream adds a creamy contrast and is recommended but optional.
