Strawberry Pie Recipe Frozen Strawberries: Flaky Crust With Jammy Filling

Strawberry Pie Recipe Frozen Strawberries: Flaky Crust With Jammy Filling

There’s no need to wait for fresh berries to enjoy a homemade strawberry pie—this version uses frozen strawberries for a flaky, fruit-packed dessert any time of year.

The filling comes together with simple ingredients, transforming frozen fruit into a thick, jammy center that holds its shape when sliced. A double crust ensures every bite has that buttery, layered texture.

Baking at the right temperature creates a golden finish and perfectly set filling. The result is a pie that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery, with minimal effort.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ideal balance of sweet and tart. This method delivers consistent, professional results every time.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Vegetarian
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Strawberry Pie Recipe Frozen Strawberries

Frozen strawberries make this bakery-style pie possible any season with just a few pantry staples.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Frozen Strawberries 🍓 2 lb Unsweetened, do not thaw
Granulated Sugar 🍚 1 ½ cups Divided for filling and crust
Cornstarch 🌾 ¼ cup For thickening filling
Lemon Juice 🍋 2 tbsp Freshly squeezed preferred
Vanilla Extract 🌿 1 tsp Pure vanilla for best flavor
Salt 🧂 ¼ tsp Fine sea salt
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 2 ½ cups Plus extra for dusting
Unsalted Butter 🧈 1 cup Cold, cubed for crust
Ice Water 💧 ½ cup For pie dough
Vanilla Ice Cream 🍦 1 cup For serving, optional

The strawberries are the star here. Safeway or Kroger carry excellent frozen options—look for unsweetened and avoid those with added syrups. Trader Joe’s has a great organic variety if you want to go that route. The butter needs to be cold (straight from the fridge) for that flaky crust—Land O’Lakes or Kerrygold are reliable brands. All-purpose flour works fine, but if you’ve got King Arthur on hand, it’s consistently high quality.

No fresh lemon juice? Bottled works in a pinch (just use a little less). Out of cornstarch? Tapioca starch at the same amount is a great substitute. For the sugar, raw or turbino can add a nice crunch to the filling. If you’re gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

The pie dough can rest in the fridge for up to 2 days before rolling. Baked pie keeps at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days. Freeze slices for up to 3 months (thaw at room temp before reheating).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No Thawing Needed: I just dump the frozen strawberries straight into the pot—no waiting, no mush, and the cornstarch thickens them up perfectly.
  • Bright & Tangy: The lemon juice cuts through the sugar so the berries taste like actual strawberries, not candy. Honestly, the vanilla extract at the end is what makes it addictive.
  • Bakes or Chills: I’ve served it warm with ice cream and cold with whipped cream—both work, so it’s my go-to for potlucks or lazy Sundays.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Pie

Here’s the method for achieving a flaky crust with perfectly jammy strawberry filling.

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour and 0.25 tsp Salt. Cut in the 1 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed) using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces visible.

Gradually add the 0.5 cup Ice Water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Overworking the dough will make it tough, so stop as soon as it holds when pressed. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

In a large saucepan, combine the 2 lb Frozen Strawberries, 1 cup Granulated Sugar (reserve the remaining 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar for later), 0.25 cup Cornstarch, 2 tbsp Lemon Juice, and 1 tsp Vanilla Extract. Do not thaw the strawberries first—this helps maintain their shape and prevents a watery filling.

Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes deep red and glossy. The filling should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape briefly when a line is drawn through it. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to a 12-inch circle and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges, leaving a ½-inch overhang. Pour the cooled strawberry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.

Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal, then cut 4-5 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. For extra flakiness, brush the top crust with a little milk or cream and sprinkle with the reserved 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any spills. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.

If the edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield. The pie is done when the crust is uniformly deep golden and the filling is thick and jammy. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pie into 8 equal portions and serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, top each slice with a scoop of the 1 cup Vanilla Ice Cream. The contrast of the warm, jammy filling with the cool, creamy ice cream is irresistible.

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s baked. Reheat individual slices in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crust’s flakiness.

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Pro Tips For Making Strawberry Pie Recipe Frozen Strawberries

  • Thaw First: I learned this the hard way—always thaw and drain frozen strawberries for at least 30 minutes, then pat them dry. It keeps the pie from turning into a watery mess.
  • Precook the Filling: Simmer the strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice for 3-4 minutes until thickened. This guarantees the filling sets properly in the oven.
  • Skip the Extra Liquid: Resist the urge to add water or extra lemon juice. Frozen strawberries release plenty of liquid on their own, and too much will break your thickener.
  • Chill Before Slicing: After baking, let the pie cool completely—at least 2 hours. Sounds tedious, but it’s the only way to get clean slices instead of a runny puddle.

Serving Suggestions for This Dish

Warm with Ice Cream

Serve slices slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of hot, jammy filling and cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible. I like Ben & Jerry’s or Häagen-Dazs for their rich texture. 🍦

Whipped Cream Option

For a lighter touch, top with freshly whipped cream. Use 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp sugar and ½ tsp vanilla for perfect peaks. This adds elegance without overpowering the pie’s natural sweetness.

Berry Garnish

Add fresh berries as garnish for color and freshness. A handful of sliced strawberries or raspberries around the plate makes the dessert look restaurant-worthy. The tartness balances the pie’s sweetness beautifully.

Coffee Pairing

A hot cup of coffee cuts through the richness perfectly. I recommend a medium roast like Starbucks Pike Place or Peet’s Major Dickason’s. The bitterness complements the strawberry’s natural acidity. ☕

Tea Alternative

For non-coffee drinkers, Earl Grey tea with its citrus notes pairs wonderfully. Brew 1 tea bag in 8 oz hot water for 3-4 minutes. The bergamot brightens each bite of pie.

Lattice Crust Showcase

If you used a lattice top, serve on a clear plate to show off your work. The geometric pattern deserves to be seen. I find this presentation especially impressive for dinner parties or special occasions.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 22g28%
Saturated Fat 14g70%
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 220mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 52g19%
Dietary Fiber 3g11%
Sugars 24g
Protein 4g8%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Should I thaw the strawberries first?

No, use them frozen directly from the bag. Thawing releases excess liquid that can make the filling watery and prevent proper thickening.

2

Why does my filling turn out runny?

Usually from not cooking the filling long enough on the stovetop. It needs 10-12 minutes over medium heat to activate the cornstarch and reach the right thickness.

3

Can I make this with a store-bought crust?

Use 1 pre-made pie crust for the bottom and top. Just follow the same baking time and temperature for best results.

4

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Bake the pie on the lower oven rack and place a baking sheet underneath to catch drips. The direct heat helps crisp the bottom crust.

★★★★★4.8(13 reviews)
Allison Carter