If you’ve ever been lucky enough to dine at a Big Boy restaurant, you know their Fresh Strawberry Pie is legendary. Sweet, juicy strawberries piled high in a glossy glaze and cradled in a buttery crust—it’s a dessert that captures the spirit of American diners. But what if you don’t live near a Big Boy? Good news: you can recreate this iconic treat right in your own kitchen.
This pie is the perfect way to celebrate strawberry season or bring a taste of classic comfort to your table any time of year. With a tender homemade crust, fresh berries, and a vibrant strawberry glaze, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
- Fresh and seasonal: Ideal when strawberries are at their ripest, but still delicious year-round.
- No-fuss ingredients: Everything is pantry-friendly and easy to find.
- Quick to prepare: Just a few simple steps and no fancy equipment required.
- Light and bright: A refreshing finish to any meal, perfect for both summer BBQs and winter potlucks.
- Nostalgia in every bite: A classic American dessert that brings back memories.
Ingredients
Serves 6
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 oz butter, at room temperature
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp red food coloring
- 1 quart strawberries, rinsed, stemmed, and dried
For Garnish:
- 1 pint whipped cream or whipped topping
Instruction
Step 1: Make the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
Prick the crust with a fork to prevent puffing.
Bake for 10–15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
While the crust is cooling, combine water, granulated sugar, salt, cornstarch, and red food coloring in a small saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens—about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Arrange the strawberries in the cooled pie crust, piling them in generously.
Pour the cooled glaze evenly over the strawberries, making sure they’re fully coated.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 2–3 hours, or until the glaze is set.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
Slice and enjoy your homemade Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pie
- Use ripe, firm strawberries: They hold their shape best and provide the most flavor.
- Chill before slicing: This gives the glaze time to fully set and prevents a runny pie.
- Make it extra special: Add a hint of lemon zest or a splash of strawberry extract to the glaze for an elevated flavor twist.
- Short on time? Use a store-bought pie crust for a quicker version.
When to Serve Big Boy’s Strawberry Pie
This pie is a perfect summer treat, especially during strawberry season, but it also brings a refreshing contrast to heavier winter meals. Serve it after Sunday dinner, at backyard barbecues, or at holiday gatherings—it’s always welcome.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing: The texture of the strawberries and glaze can be compromised.
A Slice of Classic American Dessert
Whether you’re reliving fond memories of Big Boy or discovering this iconic pie for the first time, Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is the kind of dessert that feels like home. It’s sweet, satisfying, and bursting with fresh flavor—perfect for making new memories, one slice at a time.
Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 oz butter at room temperature
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp red food coloring
- 1 quart strawberries rinsed, stemmed, and dried
For Garnish:
- 1 pint whipped cream or whipped topping
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
- Prick the crust with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
- While the crust is cooling, combine water, granulated sugar, salt, cornstarch, and red food coloring in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens—about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Arrange the strawberries in the cooled pie crust, piling them in generously.
- Pour the cooled glaze evenly over the strawberries, making sure they’re fully coated.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2–3 hours, or until the glaze is set.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
- Slice and enjoy your homemade Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie!
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