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–+ servings
Fresh Strawberry Pie from Dorothy Bartlett
Fresh Strawberry Pie is a classic mid-20th-century American dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and color of ripe strawberries without heavy baking. Popular during strawberry season, this style of pie became especially common as refrigeration and convenience ingredients like strawberry gelatin became household staples. The recipe combines fresh berries with a glossy stovetop glaze that sets into a clear, jewel-like filling once chilled. Served in a pre-baked pie shell, it offers a contrast of crisp crust and cool, fruit-forward filling. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, vibrant appearance, and refreshing flavor, making it a familiar sight at summer gatherings, picnics, and dessert tables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baked pie shell
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp strawberry gelatin powder
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries (hulled)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze Base

  • Add sugar, cornstarch, strawberry gelatin powder, and water to a saucepan
  • Stir to combine before heating

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

  • Cook over high heat
  • Stir often until the mixture becomes thick and clear

Step 3: Cool the Glaze

  • Remove saucepan from heat
  • Set aside and allow mixture to cool

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

  • Place fresh strawberries evenly into the baked pie shell
  • Pour cooled glaze mixture over the strawberries

Step 5: Chill the Pie

  • Refrigerate the pie for 2 hours until set

Step 6: Serve

  • Top with whipped cream if desired before serving

Tips

  • Use very ripe strawberries for best flavor
  • Chill the glaze slightly before pouring to avoid softening the crust
  • Arrange strawberries cut-side down for a decorative look
  • Substitute raspberries for part of the strawberries
  • Use a graham cracker crust for a sweeter base
  • Add a few drops of lemon juice to brighten the glaze
  • Serve extra cold for clean slices
  • Slice strawberries if very large

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 190mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword classic pie, fresh strawberries, no-bake filling, retro recipe, summer pie, vintage dessert
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