No Bake Strawberry Pie

No Bake Strawberry Pie is a simple, refreshing dessert perfect for summer. With a buttery graham cracker crust and fresh strawberries coated in a sweet glaze, it’s a no-fuss treat that everyone will love. This pie requires no baking, making it easy to prepare for gatherings, picnics, or family meals.

Ingredients

Pie Filling:

• 8-10 cups fresh strawberries (about 3 lbs), rinsed, dried, and hulled
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup water
• 3 ounces strawberry Jell-o

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1-Refrigerate pie for at least 4 hours before serving.

2-In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until moistened.

3-Press mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie plate, coating the bottom and sides. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4-Set aside about 2 cups of strawberries for puree and process until smooth to yield ¾ cup.

5-In a medium saucepan, whisk together strawberry puree, cornstarch, sugar, water, and lemon juice.

6-Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until boiling, then boil for 2 minutes.

7-Remove from heat and stir in strawberry Jell-o. Cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

8-Slice remaining strawberries in half if large and combine with cooled glaze in a large bowl. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

9-Spoon glazed strawberries into prepared pie crust, arranging cut sides down and filling gaps.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the pie chilled for the best flavor and texture.
• Keep the pie refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
• To prevent the crust from getting soggy, avoid leaving the pie at room temperature for long periods.
• For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then frozen; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Garnish with fresh whipped cream just before serving for added creaminess and visual appeal.

Variations

• Mixed Berry Pie: Replace part of the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a colorful, tangy twist. The glaze can remain the same, or add a bit of extra sugar if using more tart berries.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Add a layer of fresh whipped cream over the top of the pie or pipe decorative swirls for a creamy, elegant finish. You can also fold a little vanilla or strawberry extract into the whipped cream for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular ones for a richer, chocolatey crust that pairs wonderfully with the strawberry filling.
• Light Version: Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute in the glaze to make a lighter, less sweet version. Low-sugar Jell-o can also be used to maintain texture while reducing sweetness.
• Mini Pies or Tartlets: Prepare individual servings in small tart pans or ramekins. This is great for parties, portion control, or gifting, and allows for creative toppings like a single whole strawberry or a drizzle of chocolate.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Pie: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone between the crust and the strawberry glaze for a richer, cheesecake-style variation.
• Lemon-Infused Glaze: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze for a brighter, slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Almond or Nut Topping: Sprinkle slivered almonds, crushed pecans, or toasted coconut over the top before serving for added texture and flavor.
• Mixed Fruit Glaze: Instead of pure strawberry puree, use a combination of strawberries and other fruits like mango or peach for a tropical twist.
• Alcohol-Infused Glaze: Add a splash of strawberry liqueur, Grand Marnier, or rum to the glaze for a boozy adult version perfect for special occasions.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this pie?
   Yes, but thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid a watery filling.
2. How long should the pie chill before serving?
   Chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight refrigeration yields the best texture and flavor.
3. Can I make this pie a day ahead?
   Absolutely. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
4. Can I substitute other fruits for strawberries?
   Yes, raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries work well with the same glaze method.
5. Is strawberry Jell-o necessary for the glaze?
   It helps the glaze set, but you can substitute with agar-agar, gelatin, or a homemade fruit glaze.
6. Can I make the crust ahead of time?
   Yes, the graham cracker crust can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fill.
7. How do I prevent strawberries from floating in the pie?
   Coat the berries well with the glaze and place them cut side down in the pie shell, then gently press to fill any gaps.
8. Can I double the recipe to make a larger pie?
   Yes, either use a larger pie dish or make two standard pies.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
10. Can I add a topping to the pie?
    Yes, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or sliced almonds work well as decorative and tasty toppings.

This No Bake Strawberry Pie is a light, fruity dessert that is easy to prepare and perfect for summer. Serve chilled for maximum freshness and enjoy the sweet, juicy strawberries with every bite. It’s versatile, can be made ahead, and can be customized with whipped cream, mixed berries, or a chocolate crust for added flavor.

Print