If you have ever craved a dessert that combines the freshness of ripe strawberries with the nostalgic wobble of Jello, this Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe is your next must-make. It’s a delightful balance of textures: the crispness of a buttery pie crust, the juicy burst of real strawberries, and the shimmer of sweet strawberry-flavored Jello holding it all together. Perfectly sweet, refreshingly fruity, and wonderfully vibrant, this pie is a showstopper at any gathering or a special treat for yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe is surprisingly simple, and you only need a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- 9-inch pie crust: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra touch of love and flakiness.
- 4 cups fresh strawberries: Washed, hulled, and quartered to ensure each bite bursts with fresh fruit flavor.
- 1 cup water: Provides the base to dissolve and cook the sugar and cornstarch, essential for the Jello glaze.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to balance the natural tartness of strawberries.
- 2 tablespoons corn starch: Thickens the glaze to the ideal consistency so it bonds beautifully with the berries.
- 1 (3 oz.) box strawberry Jello: Infuses the pie with that classic strawberry flavor and vibrant color that’s signature to this recipe.
- Whipped cream: For topping; it adds a fluffy, creamy contrast to the structured pie.
How to Make Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Pie Crust
Whether you’re using a store-bought crust or making one from scratch, the first step is to bake it according to the package instructions or your favorite recipe. A golden, crisp crust forms the perfect base for the juicy strawberries and shiny Jello glaze that will follow.
Step 2: Arrange the Strawberries in the Crust
Once your crust has cooled, it’s time to layer in the star of the show: fresh strawberries. Spread the hulled and quartered berries evenly across the pie shell. This ensures that every slice is packed with bright, sweet fruit that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth crust and gelatin glaze.
Step 3: Make the Jello Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and corn starch and bring to a steady boil for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Then, whisk in the strawberry Jello powder and reduce the heat to medium. Let the glaze simmer gently for another minute while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. This luscious sauce will coat the berries, sealing in freshness and adding that iconic wiggly texture.
Step 4: Pour the Jello Mixture Over the Strawberries
Slowly pour the warm Jello glaze over the fruit, making sure to cover as many strawberries as possible without drowning them completely. The goal is to create a sparkling, colorful top layer that holds the berries in place. If your pie crust and berries can’t hold all the glaze without spilling, simply add what fits and save the rest for another use.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Place your pie in the refrigerator for about 2 hours so the Jello can fully set. The chilling step is crucial because it transforms the glaze from a liquid into a perfectly firm yet jiggly layer, locking in all the delicious fruit and creating that unmistakable Strawberry Pie with Jello experience.
Step 6: Serve with Whipped Cream
Just before serving, top your Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe with a generous dollop of whipped cream. The creamy topping balances the sweet-tart flavors and adds a dreamy richness to each bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe
Garnishes
For a spectacular presentation, sprinkle fresh mint leaves or thinly sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the look, giving it that picture-perfect bakery finish that makes guests’ mouths water before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with light, refreshing side options like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These contrasts work to balance the sweetness of the pie and keep the meal feeling light and celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving slices in clear glass dishes to show off that shimmering Jello layer, or add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent twist. For special occasions, consider individual mini pies made in tart tins for personalized servings that wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a pie keeper to prevent the crust from becoming soggy and the strawberries from drying out.
Freezing
Because of the fresh strawberries and Jello glaze, freezing this pie is not recommended; it can affect the texture and cause separation. For best results, enjoy the pie within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Allow any leftover pie to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if the chill is too intense for your preference.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Fresh strawberries are best for this Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe because they retain their firmness and flavor. Frozen strawberries tend to release too much water, which can dilute the glaze and make the crust soggy.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the recipe?
Yes, cornstarch helps thicken the glaze, ensuring it sets properly over the strawberries. Without it, the Jello mixture could be too runny and won’t hold the fruit in place as beautifully.
Can I substitute the strawberry Jello with a sugar-free version?
You can use sugar-free strawberry Jello, but be aware that it might change the sweetness level and texture slightly. Adjust sugar in the glaze accordingly and taste test before pouring over the berries.
How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the pie crust thoroughly before adding any fillings. Allow it to cool completely to create a sturdy barrier. Additionally, do not pour in excess glaze beyond what the pie can hold to avoid spills and sogginess.
What can I use instead of whipped cream for topping?
If you want a different topping, try a dollop of vanilla yogurt, mascarpone cheese sweetened with a bit of honey, or a scoop of ice cream. Any of these will complement the Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe beautifully and add a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe that combines nostalgia with fresh, vibrant flavor. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough for a holiday or celebration. Once you try this pie, you’ll find it’s one of those recipes you want to keep close forever — ready to brighten up any table and delight every guest with its joyful burst of strawberry goodness.
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Strawberry Pie with Jello Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This classic Strawberry Pie with Jello is a delightful and refreshing dessert featuring a flaky baked pie crust filled with fresh, juicy strawberries and a glossy strawberry-flavored gelatin sauce. The pie is chilled until the jello sets perfectly, then topped with a dollop of whipped cream, making it an ideal treat for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Pie
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store bought or homemade)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and quartered)
Strawberry Jello Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 (3 oz.) box strawberry jello mix
Finishing
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Bake the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven according to your pie crust recipe or package instructions. Bake the 9-inch pie crust until it is golden and fully cooked. Once baked, let it cool slightly.
- Arrange the Strawberries: Take the fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and quartered, and evenly arrange them inside the cooled baked pie crust, ensuring a nice even layer.
- Prepare the Strawberry Jello Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of corn starch. Bring the mixture to a steady boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, and continue boiling for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Add the 3 oz. box of strawberry jello mix to the saucepan and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 1 more minute, whisking constantly to fully dissolve and blend the jello into the mixture.
- Pour the Sauce Over Strawberries: Slowly pour the warm strawberry jello sauce evenly over the strawberries in the pie crust. Aim to cover the tops of all the berries without fully submerging them. If the sauce volume is too much for your pie crust and berries, only add what fits to avoid spilling and discard the excess sauce.
- Chill the Pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for about 2 hours to allow the jello to fully set and firm up.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Once set, remove the pie from the refrigerator and top with whipped cream. Serve the strawberry pie either cold or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- The pie crust can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Ensure strawberries are evenly arranged so the jello sauce distributes well.
- Whisk the jello mixture constantly when simmering to avoid lumps.
- If you prefer a firmer jello layer, chill the pie longer than 2 hours.
- This pie is best enjoyed within 24 hours for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
