Strawberry Jello Pie
Last summer, I found myself craving something light and fruity, and that’s when I stumbled upon the magical Strawberry Jello Pie recipe. This pie holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of sunny days spent in the garden, surrounded by family, where laughter and stories were shared over slices of this delightful dessert. Each bite is like a burst of summer, with the sweet, vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries mingling perfectly with the creamy whipped cream topping. It’s a dessert that makes memories, a dessert that I’m excited to share with you.
Recipe Snapshot
15 mins
15 mins
0 mins
Easy
240 kcal
2 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
12 g
Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon
What We Adore About This Strawberry Jello Pie
Celebration of Freshness
One of the reasons the Strawberry Jello Pie stands out is its use of beautiful, fresh strawberries. There’s an undeniable joy in slicing into the pie and seeing those bright red berries glistening. They not only elevate the dish visually but also offer a sweet and tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Light and Refreshing
This pie is the epitome of a refreshing dessert. It’s not too heavy, making it a perfect treat for warm spring or summer afternoons. Anyone can appreciate a slice without feeling weighed down, leaving you free to enjoy the sunshine and company.
Easy and Fun to Make
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up this Strawberry Jello Pie. The steps are straightforward, making it a fun activity to do with kids or friends. Watching the gelatin set and the whipped cream transform into fluffy clouds is a joy in itself!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a picnic, a family gathering, or just a sweet way to end a weeknight dinner, this pie fits the bill perfectly. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and sparks joy, making any occasion feel special.
Endless Variations
While the classic Strawberry Jello Pie is delightful on its own, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste. Want to add a layer of cream cheese for richness? Go for it! Or maybe throw in some blueberries for a twist? The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize this pie to fit your flavor preferences.
What’s In This Strawberry Jello Pie
The ingredients in this Strawberry Jello Pie come together beautifully to create a dessert that’s truly uplifting. Each component plays a role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The fresh strawberries are undoubtedly the star, while the gelatin provides that classic jello texture that we all know and love. The whipped cream adds an airy lightness that brings it all together, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Blind Baked Pie Shell: A crisp, golden base that holds everything together. This shell is the foundation of your pie and adds a nice crunch contrasting the softness of the filling.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 ½ cups of sweet, juicy strawberries offer vibrant flavor and beautiful color. They’re the star of the show!
- Water: 1 cup helps dissolve the cornstarch and sugar, creating a syrup that nicely binds the strawberries.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons thicken the mixture to give it that jelly-like consistency we crave in a Jello pie.
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup sweetens the pie, making every bite irresistible.
- Strawberry JELL-O Gelatin Dessert Mix: 3 oz adds that classic flavor and texture to the filling.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup provides a rich, creamy topping that complements the pie perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 tablespoons sweetens the whipped cream without weighing it down.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon brings warmth and depth to the whipped cream topping.
Strawberry Jello Pie Instructions
Making this Strawberry Jello Pie is a delightful adventure. Follow these steps closely and enjoy the process as much as the end result. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful pie that’s sure to impress!
- Start by washing and hulling the fresh strawberries. Make sure to remove the green tops and any blemished areas, leaving you with beautiful, plump berries. Once they’re prepped, place them upside down in the baked and cooled pie shell. Set them aside while you prepare the filling.
- In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, pour in the water, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir until mostly dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps. This mixture is crucial for the pie’s filling, so mix it well!
- Now, microwave the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you’ll want it to bubble up and thicken. It should turn translucent, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
- Stir the strawberry JELL-O gelatin powder into the hot sugar water mixture. Mix until fully dissolved, creating a vibrant, sweet liquid that will coat the strawberries. Pour this mixture over the berries in the pie shell, ensuring they’re well covered.
- Cover the pie and refrigerate it for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the filling is fully set. This step is essential for achieving that perfect slice!
- While the pie is chilling, take a large bowl out and add the heavy whipping cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on medium speed. Once it begins to thicken, gradually add in the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract.
- Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. This means that the cream will hold its shape when you lift the whisk out of the bowl. It should look fluffy and delicious!
- Once the pie is set and ready, take it out of the fridge. Spread the whipped cream generously over the top of the pie, creating a beautiful layer of creamy goodness.
- For a final touch, garnish with more fresh strawberries on top. Serve this delightful pie cold, and watch as your family and friends fall in love with each slice!
Things Worth Knowing
- Chilling Time: Make sure to allow sufficient time for the pie to chill and set properly. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
- Whipping the Cream: Don’t rush the process of whipping the cream. It’s important for it to reach stiff peaks, ensuring a light and airy topping.
- Serving Temperature: Always serve the pie cold for the best flavor. The cool temperature enhances the freshness of the strawberries.
- Berry Selection: Choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor. They should be firm and sweet to complement the pie.
Change It Up
If you’re looking to experiment with the Strawberry Jello Pie, there are plenty of ways to put your spin on it! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Storage: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pie for up to a month. Just ensure it’s well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
- Pairing: This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Flavor Variations: Consider blending in other berries, like raspberries or blueberries, to diversify the flavor profile.
- Crust Options: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie shell for a different texture.
Side Dish Ideas for Strawberry Jello Pie
The Strawberry Jello Pie is not only a standout dessert but also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and occasions. Here are some ideas to think about:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits complements the pie’s sweetness, adding freshness.
- Grilled Chicken Salad: For a lunchtime treat, serve this pie alongside a refreshing grilled chicken salad.
- Picnic Treat: This pie makes a great addition to any picnic. Its lightness and portability make it easy to pack and share.
- Brunch Delight: Serve it for brunch alongside pancakes or waffles for a delightful sweet finish.
- Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy this pie in the spring with lemonade or during summer with a refreshing iced tea.
- Storage Tips: Always keep any leftover pie covered in the fridge to maintain its freshness.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Strawberry Jello Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings back memories of sunny days and joyful gatherings. Its sweet, fresh flavor and creamy topping make it a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a slice of summer. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Strawberry Jello Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and hull the strawberries. Place them upside down in the baked (and cooled) pie shell and set aside.
- In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, pour in water, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir until mostly dissolved. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles up and thickens. It should turn translucent.
- Stir the strawberry JELL-O gelatin powder into the sugar water mixture and pour over the strawberries. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 2 to 3 hours.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the top of the pie and garnish with more fresh strawberries. Serve cold.
Notes
- Tip 1: Everything tastes better with whipped cream, but this pie is delicious even without it.
- Tip 2: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered well.
- Tip 3: You can freeze this pie for up to a month; just ensure it’s wrapped tightly.
- Tip 4: This pie pairs well with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Tip 5: Feel free to use other berries for a twist!
