As a reward for chopping a certified boatload of rhubarb for her pies, my grandma gifted us with a hefty to-go sack of the pretty red-and-green plant to use as we see fit. I strongly considered making a strawberry-rhubarb pie, but I stuck with the plan that I originally hatched when I bought 2 pounds of the brightest, juiciest berries I've seen since last summer. That plan? Make the first strawberry pie of the summer and do not invite jello to the party. Mission: accomplished.
Never fear, I've got other plans in store for all of that rhubarb. ;)
The possibilities are endless – crisps, cocktails, oat bars, cobblers, salads, jams – the list goes on. I'll worry about the rhubarb later. Right now, my main concern is strawberry pie.
As a self-professed picky eater, I grew up hating pie in general. Yes, I hated pie. It's a crime, I know. Nevertheless, I detested it all. Cherry pie. Sugar creme pie. Banana creme pie. Chocolate pie. Key lime pie. Coconut pie. Pecan pie. Pumpkin pie. You name a kind of pie – I hated it. Except for strawberry pie. I can't explain my reasoning because it would take too long. Sugar creme pie is too sugary and creamy. Pumpkin pie… I just didn't understand. Cherry pie is too chunky and tart. But strawberry pie...
I watched my mom make it and when I was old enough, I helped her make it. And I devoured more than my fair share once it finally finished setting up in the refrigerator. Why, out of ALL the pies I chose to love strawberry pie, I may never know. Oh yeah, maybe that's because it's the best kind of pie. Duh.
It's been years since I tasted strawberry pie – ever since we realized how awful Jell-o is for a body – and this year, I decided it was time to skirt the issue with a Jell-o free version. It turned out to be so much simpler than I thought, and as an added bonus, it tasted even better than I remember. The strawberries are sweet enough on their own, without the added fruitiness of Jell-o. Without it, the pie's natural flavors come through fresher and more delicious.
Thanks to this pie, I now understand the meaning of "easy as pie." Whichever plump colonial-era matriarch first used that phrase was referring to this pie right here.
Pop a pie shell into the oven to crisp up, chop the berries and make the filling while it's baking, then fill the crust and chill it in the fridge for 2 hours. Granted, you could go the fancy route and make your own pie crust. Or you could even get fancier and fashion a lattice for the top. But if you ask me, a heaping spoonful of coconut whipped cream is the only accessory this pie needs.
Easy No Jello Strawberry Pie
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A summer classic, made from the freshest berries and without Jell-o – simple and naturally sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 - 9 inch pie crust
- 1 quart fresh strawberries
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar
- 4 tablespoons corn starch
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Bake pie crust.
- Remove the stems and slice half of your strawberries – these will line the pie crust. Set the other half aside.
- Use a fork or a food processor to thoroughly smash and mix the remaining half of the berries. You should have 1 cup of mashed strawberries afterwards.
- In a saucepan, combine pureed berries and ¾ cup of sugar and stir until well combined. Continue stirring until the mixture starts to boil.
- In a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons corn starch and ¾ cup water and mix well.
- Add corn starch and water mixture to the boiling berries and stir in.
- Continue stirring until the mixture begins to boil again. It should thicken to a sticky, jam-like consistency.
- Remove from the heat and pour into the pie crust, spreading evenly.
- Refrigerate for 2-4 hours, until filling is solid.
- If desired, top with extra berries or fresh coconut whipped cream to serve!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
This is the only recipe I use. My son is obsessed with this pie and I'm so glad it's so easy to make. I usually make this during Thanksgiving but since it's so easy, I make now make it anytime. I'm so glad I found this recipe. Thank you for sharing this.
Awww yay! I'm so glad to hear that you like this recipe! It's definitely one of my favorites. :) Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback.
The best ever recipe for strawberry pie!
I agree! So glad you enjoyed!
It was a great, easy to follow recipe with ingredients that most people actually do have laying around. I used a graham cracker crust instead of an actual pie crust, but it worked out well anyway. My only critique is that I felt I could have used some other... spice? in the strawberries. I know cinnamon pairs well with apple, but not quite sure what would have worked with strawberries. Definitely will use again- it's so easy!
Maybe a squeeze of lemon juice would have helped, i always add a squeeze as I’m going the mash berries.. Lemon works like vanilla, it enhances flavor but doesn’t change it. Or maybe even a bit more sugar. When I make this I add 1 cup of water instead of 3/4 cup. Or keep the water the same and reduce the corn starch a little bit. 4 tblspoons is more than my Recipie from my great grandmother, hers calls for 3.
Make whatever adjustments you feel are necessary! :)
I really want to try this recipe with my daughter, but since it's winter and we've no fresh berries, would it work with frozen berries? I'm guessing whole, organic strawberries would be best. Thanks!
Hi Lindsay –
I have never tried making this with frozen berries, but I don't think it would work as well. My guess is that the berries would end up mushy. You could certainly give it a try, though!
Finally a recipe like my moms old fashioned strawberry pie. I can't wait to make it this weekend!
Hi Cathy –
Yes! And it's so, so simple. The strawberries get to shine. :) Enjoy!
First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question that I'd like to ask
if you don't mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your head before writing.
I have had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts
out. I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes
are usually lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin.
Any recommendations or hints? Thank you!
it looks lovely!
Hi! Your strawberry pie looks and sounds absolutely delicious!! I started 95% plant-based diet a few years ago and when I found out what Jell-o and gelatin in general is made of, I stopped using them. I love the ingredients of your pie. Sounds very fresh and tasty!
Yeah...Jell-Nooooooo. That stuff is repulsive and beyond awful for the body. I can't think of it without gagging. Luckily, there are alternatives to using it. :) Hope you enjoy the pie!!