Dive into this refreshing and easy-to-make no-bake strawberry pie. Filled with fresh strawberries and a glaze that's both sweet and tangy, this recipe is perfect for those hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven. The crust, a delectable combination of graham crackers and butter, adds a perfect crunch to the soft filling. Indulge in a slice of this pie and treat yourself to a burst of strawberry goodness.
The key ingredient in this pie is the fresh strawberries. It is important to get the ripest and freshest strawberries you can find for the best flavor. Another ingredient to note is the strawberry jell-o, which adds a distinct strawberry flavor and helps in setting the pie. If you don't have graham crackers at home, you can find them in the cookie aisle of most supermarkets. Alternatively, you can use other crunchy cookies for the crust.
Ingredients for No Bake Strawberry Pie
Strawberries: The star of the show, strawberries provide the primary flavor and texture to the pie. They are both pureed for the filling and used whole for the topping.
Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent, cornstach helps to set the pie filling.
Lemon juice: It adds a touch of acidity to balance out the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the pie.
Water: It is used to dissolve the other ingredients for the pie filling.
Strawberry jell-o: Enhances the strawberry flavor and provides a gelatinous consistency to the filling.
Butter: It binds the graham cracker crumbs for the crust and also adds a rich flavor.
Graham cracker crumbs: They form the base of the crust. Their sweet and slightly savory flavor complements the strawberry filling.
Sugar: Used in the crust to add sweetness and help hold it together.
One reader, Gayle Franklin says:
This no-bake strawberry pie recipe is a game-changer! It's incredibly easy to make and tastes like a slice of summer. The fresh strawberries and the sweet glaze are a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, the no-bake aspect makes it a perfect treat for hot days. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Techniques Required for No Bake Strawberry Pie Recipe
How to prepare the crust: Mix together the butter, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar until moistened, then press the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
How to make the strawberry glaze: Process 2 cups of strawberries in a food processor to make ¾ cup of puree. Whisk the puree with cornstarch, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan, then bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the strawberry jell-o, and cool to room temperature.
How to assemble the pie: Cut the remaining strawberries in half if large, then mix them with the strawberry glaze. After refrigerating for 10 minutes, spoon the berries into the pie shell, arranging them with the cut side down to fill any holes.
How to refrigerate the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.
How To Make No Bake Strawberry Pie
This no-bake strawberry pie recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh strawberries this summer. Top with fresh whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 10cupsfresh strawberriesrinsed, dried and hulled
- 3tbspcornstarch
- 1tbspfresh lemon juice
- ⅓cupgranulated sugar
- ⅔cupwater
- 3ozstrawberry Jell-o
For Crust:
- 6tbspbuttermelted
- 1 ½cupsgraham cracker crumbs
- ¼cupsugar
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, stir together crust ingredients until moistened.
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Press the mixture evenly into a standard 9-inch pie plate. Make sure to coat the bottom and the sides.
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Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Pick approximately 2 cups of undesirable berries. In a food processor, process the strawberries until smooth. You should have ¾ cup of puree.
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Whisk the ¾ cup strawberry puree with cornstarch, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan.
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Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 2 minutes.
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Turn off heat and stir in Jell-O.
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Cool mixture for about 30 minutes, or until room temperature.
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Cut remaining berries in half if large.
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Stir together the berries and the glaze in a large bowl. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
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Spoon the berries into the pie shell. Turn the cut side of the strawberries down. Rearrange the berries to fill any holes.
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Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours.
Nutrition
- Calories: 511.15kcal
- Fat: 22.96g
- Saturated Fat: 8.39g
- Trans Fat: 0.91g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.45g
- Carbohydrates: 73.55g
- Fiber: 5.03g
- Sugar: 37.30g
- Protein: 5.66g
- Cholesterol: 22.90mg
- Sodium: 431.36mg
- Calcium: 96.59mg
- Potassium: 357.71mg
- Iron: 2.91mg
- Vitamin A: 74.75µg
- Vitamin C: 112.46mg
Technique Tip for Making No Bake Strawberry Pie
When preparing the strawberry puree, make sure to use ripe strawberries as they will provide a sweeter and more intense flavor. If your strawberries aren't quite ripe, you can add a little extra sugar to the puree. Also, when arranging the strawberries in the pie shell, try to place them as close together as possible. This will not only make the pie look more appealing, but it will also ensure that every bite is packed with fresh strawberries.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This No Bake Pie
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting the recipe to streamline the process.
Use pre-made crust: Save time by using a store-bought graham cracker crust instead of making the crust from scratch.
Chill the pie in the freezer: If you're short on time, you can speed up the chilling process by placing the pie in the freezer for a shorter amount of time.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to avoid any unnecessary delays or confusion.
Prep the strawberries in advance: Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries ahead of time to cut down on prep time when assembling the pie.
Opt for quick-setting jell-o: Consider using quick-setting strawberry jell-o to reduce the setting time for the pie filling.
Streamline the glaze preparation: Prepare the strawberry glaze while the pie crust is chilling to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly puree the strawberries for the filling, saving time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For No Bake Strawberry Pie Recipe
fresh strawberries - Substitute with frozen strawberries: Frozen strawberries can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh strawberries in a no-bake pie, and they often retain their flavor and texture well when thawed.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch, and it has similar binding properties when used in pie fillings.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with bottled lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute for fresh lemon juice in a pinch, and it provides a consistent level of acidity for the pie filling.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of granulated sugar, adding a unique flavor profile to the pie filling.
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with vanilla wafer crumbs: Vanilla wafer crumbs can be used as an alternative to graham cracker crumbs for the crust, providing a slightly different flavor and texture.
Best Way to Present This No Bake Strawberry Pie
Elevate the crust: Instead of a traditional pie crust, consider using a buttery graham cracker crust for a more sophisticated and delicate base. Press the crust into a ring mold to create a perfectly shaped base for the pie.
Artful arrangement of strawberries: Instead of simply spooning the berries into the pie shell, carefully arrange the strawberries in a circular pattern, starting from the outer edge and working your way towards the center. This will create a visually stunning and professional presentation.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance to the pie by garnishing with delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as rose petals or violets. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle floral note to the dessert.
Create a mirror glaze: Consider adding a glossy mirror glaze on top of the strawberries for a sleek and polished finish. This technique will give the pie a professional and refined look that is sure to impress.
Serve with a quenelle of whipped cream: Instead of simply dolloping whipped cream on top of the pie, create a quenelle of whipped cream using two spoons. This classic culinary technique will add a touch of finesse to the presentation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Before serving, delicately dust the top of the pie with a fine sprinkling of powdered sugar. This final touch will add a hint of sweetness and a beautiful, professional finish to the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making No Bake Strawberry Pie
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients. It's perfect for quickly processing the strawberries into a smooth puree for the pie filling.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the crust ingredients and for tossing the fresh strawberries with the glaze. It's a versatile tool for various cooking and baking tasks.
How To Store and Freeze No Bake Strawberry Pie
This no bake strawberry pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
If you want to freeze the pie, it's best to freeze it before adding the fresh strawberries. Prepare the graham cracker crust and the strawberry glaze according to the recipe, then pour the glaze into the crust and freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours.
Once the pie is frozen, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the pie with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
To thaw the frozen pie, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add the fresh strawberries on top of the glaze and refrigerate until ready to serve.
If you have already added the fresh strawberries to the pie and want to freeze it, note that the texture of the strawberries may change slightly after thawing. The strawberries may release some juice and become softer, but the overall taste of the pie should still be delicious.
If you have any leftover pie that has been stored in the refrigerator, you can freeze individual slices for a quick and easy dessert later on. Wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To thaw, remove the slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Random Fact About No Bake Strawberry Pie
The no bake strawberry pie recipe is a delicious and refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather. It's a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries without having to turn on the oven. This pie is also a fantastic way to showcase the vibrant color and flavor of strawberries.
Is This No Bake Pie Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The no bake strawberry pie recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as strawberries and sugar, are generally affordable and readily available. However, the use of fresh strawberries may increase the cost depending on the season and location. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20. Considering the delightful taste and the ease of preparation, this recipe is rated 9 out of 10 for its cost-effectiveness and flavor.
Is This No Bake Pie Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The no-bake strawberry pie recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content: The recipe calls for a significant amount of added sugar in the crust, filling, and Jell-O, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues like obesity and diabetes.
- Processed ingredients: The use of graham crackers and Jell-O introduces processed foods into the recipe, which often contain additives and preservatives.
- Saturated fat: The butter in the crust adds saturated fat to the dish, which, when consumed in excess, can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- Limited nutritional value: While strawberries are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, the other ingredients in the recipe do not provide significant nutritional benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of added sugar in the crust and filling, or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.
- Replace the graham cracker crust with a whole-grain, nut-based, or oat-based crust for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use a lower-fat alternative to butter, such as coconut oil or a plant-based spread.
- Prepare a homemade strawberry filling using fresh strawberries, chia seeds, and a small amount of natural sweetener, eliminating the need for Jell-O and cornstarch.
- Top the pie with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for added protein and a lower-calorie option.
Editor's Thoughts on This No Bake Strawberry Pie Recipe
The no-bake strawberry pie recipe is a delightful and refreshing dessert. The combination of fresh strawberries and a graham cracker crust creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The use of strawberry jell-o adds a lovely depth of flavor and a beautiful glossy finish to the pie. The recipe's simplicity and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for any occasion. The pie's vibrant colors and juicy strawberries make it an irresistible treat that will surely impress your guests.
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Why trust this No Bake Strawberry Pie Recipe:
This no bake strawberry pie recipe is a delightful and effortless dessert option for any occasion. The use of fresh strawberries ensures a burst of natural sweetness, while the addition of strawberry jell-o provides a luscious and vibrant glaze. The combination of graham cracker crumbs and butter creates a delectable crust that perfectly complements the fruity filling. With its simple preparation and refreshing taste, this recipe guarantees a delightful treat that will impress both novice and experienced bakers. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the straightforward instructions for a delightful dessert experience.
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