This old-fashioned strawberry pie is that sweet, sticky taste of summer that somehow always takes me back to childhood potlucks and porch swings. It’s fresh, simple, and looks way fancier than it actually is. I mean, who doesn’t love a dessert that makes it seem like you’ve been slaving in the kitchen for hours… when you barely broke a sweat? At the heart of this recipe is a mountain of fresh strawberries—glossy, plump, and juicy. We’re not talking about store-bought pie filling here. Nope. These berries are held together with a just-sweet-enough glaze that lets their flavor shine through like they were born for pie duty. The crust? Flaky, buttery, and worth the few extra minutes it takes to prep. If you’ve ever wanted to make a pie that looks straight out of a 1950s diner but tastes like something your grandma might’ve whispered secrets over, this is the one. So grab a fork (or a friend) and let’s make a mess of strawberry goodness together.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie
- 4) How to Make Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie
- 5) Tips for Making Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie
- 6) Making Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie
- 8) Try these Desserts next!
- 9) Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This strawberry pie uses fresh strawberries and a simple gelatin glaze.
- You only need six ingredients and a baked pie crust to start.
- It’s perfect for beginners or last-minute guests.
- The texture is light, juicy, and tastes like summer in a slice.
2) Easy Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie Recipe
Let’s be honest. Some days, you just want a sweet easy recipe that doesn’t ask much. This old-fashioned strawberry pie is it. Every time I make it, I remember why it’s been in the dessert rotation for years. The flavor is familiar in the best way: ripe berries, a light glaze, and that satisfying crunch of a well-baked crust.
When summer hits and strawberries are calling, this pie gives them the spotlight they deserve. No processed goo, no mystery filling. Just real fruit, a bit of sugar, and a clear glaze that holds everything together without overpowering it. You won’t need to pull out a mixer or preheat anything but the fridge.
We’re working with sweet easy recipes here, and this one really shines. Whether you’re making dessert for friends, family, or honestly, just yourself on a Tuesday, this pie is the answer. I’ve tried other shortcuts, but this one always tastes better and looks pretty enough for a photo. Or three.

3) Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie
1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust This is the base that holds it all together. If you have time, make it from scratch. If not, store-bought works just fine. Just make sure it’s baked and cooled before you pour anything inside.
1 cup sugar Adds the sweetness without going overboard. The strawberries already bring a lot of their own, so this just balances things out.
3 tablespoons cornstarch This is what helps that shiny glaze thicken up nicely. No clumps if you mix it right.
1 cup water Simple and necessary. It dissolves the sugar and activates the cornstarch for a smooth texture.
1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin This gives the glaze its rich red color and adds depth to the flavor. It’s a nostalgic touch that works like magic.
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved The real stars of the show. Pick the juiciest ones you can find. If they’re big, slice them up to fit nicely in the crust.

4) How to Make Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie
Step 1. Mix the sugar and cornstarch together in a medium saucepan. This helps avoid lumps. Stir in the water slowly while whisking until it’s smooth.
Step 2. Turn on the heat to medium and keep stirring. You’ll want to stay nearby for this part. After about five minutes, the mixture should thicken up and turn clear and bubbly.
Step 3. Take it off the heat and add in the strawberry gelatin. Stir until it melts in. It’ll look glossy and smell like a summer fairground.
Step 4. Let it cool for a bit. About ten minutes should do. While it cools, place your fresh strawberries into the baked pie crust, flat side down, like little strawberry soldiers.
Step 5. Pour the cooled glaze over the berries, making sure it coats and seeps into all the spaces between them. Don’t rush it.
Step 6. Carefully slide the pie into the fridge. Let it chill until the glaze firms up. Give it at least three hours, more if you’ve got the time.

5) Tips for Making Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie
Start with dry strawberries. After washing and hulling them, let them sit on paper towels. Wet berries make the glaze run and the crust soggy. Not what we want here.
Don’t skip the cooling step. If the gelatin mixture is too warm, it can wilt the berries and soak through the crust. Let it cool long enough so it’s warm to the touch but not hot.
Use a spoon or spatula to gently push the glaze into all the nooks and crannies between the berries. That way, every slice holds its shape and gives you a good balance of fruit and glaze.
6) Making Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie Ahead of Time
This pie is one of those sweet easy recipes you can make the night before. In fact, I think it tastes better the next day when everything has set just right.
If you’re prepping ahead, don’t freeze it. The texture of fresh berries changes when frozen and thawed, and not in a good way. Instead, make it the day before and keep it in the fridge, uncovered for the first hour then loosely covered with plastic wrap.
When serving, slice it cold for neat pieces or let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes if you like it a bit softer. Either way, it’s a hit at potlucks, summer cookouts, or any gathering with pie people.
7) Storing Leftover Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie
If you somehow have leftovers, keep the pie in the fridge, covered gently with foil or wrap. It’ll last for up to three days. After that, the berries can go a little soft, and the glaze starts to weep.
I don’t recommend freezing this pie. Strawberries turn icy and then mushy. Plus, the gelatin loses its structure. Trust me on this one. Just share it instead.
To refresh a slice before serving, try adding a small dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. It brings back a little lift to that next-day bite.
8) Try these Desserts next!
9) Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie – Sweet Easy Recipes for Summer Dessert Lovers
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch.
- Gradually stir in water until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly—about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Arrange fresh strawberries in the baked pie crust, cut side down for that classic look.
- Pour the cooled gelatin mixture evenly over the berries.
- Refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours. Slice and serve chilled with whipped cream, if you like!
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 slice, Calories: 285, Sugar: 30g, Sodium: 120mg, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Carbohydrates: 45g, Fiber: 2g, Protein: 2g, Cholesterol: 5mg

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