I always enjoy making this Strawberry Pie Recipe, a tribute to a nostalgic classic. With fresh strawberries, a crisp store-bought pie crust, sugar, and lemon juice setting the stage, every bite bursts with natural flavor. I love how effortless yet satisfying this dessert turns out for any occasion.

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I’ve always been a fan of desserts that remind me of those classic diner treats, so when I stumbled on this Copycat Frisch’s Big Boy Fresh Strawberry Pie recipe I knew I had to give it a try. This recipe, sometimes called the Big Boy Strawberry Pie Recipe or even a Strawberry Pie Recipe by some, is a real crowd pleaser.

I mixed 1 lb of fresh, sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons cornstarch, adding in 1/3 cup water and a tablespoon of lemon juice to bring everything together. I then poured this mixture into a 9-inch pre-made pie crust and baked it till it turned into a gorgeous, simple dessert that rivaled any pie pops or strawberry desserts you might find at your favorite diner.

It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy yet is super easy, and it quickly became my go-to treat whenever I felt like something sweet and nostalgic.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s so simple to make and doesn’t take forever. I love that I can use a pre-made pie crust which makes it much less stressful to put together.

I like how the fresh strawberries give the pie such a sweet and natural flavor. It reminds me of summer even when it’s cold outside and makes me feel nostalgic like family gatherings when I was a kid.

I also appreciate how the combination of sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice makes the filling perfectly thick and slightly tangy. It’s just the right balance and makes each bite really tasty.

Ingredients

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Pre-made pie crust offers carbohydrates for quick energy; it gives a consistent buttery crunch.
Fresh strawberries bring vitamins and antioxidants while adding natural, juicy sweetness.
Granulated sugar makes the filling sweet and rich but also ups the calorie count.
Cornstarch is key for thickening, giving the pie a smooth and set texture.
Water is essential for dissolving ingredients even though it lacks nutrients.
Lemon juice adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

1 (9-inch) pre-made pie crust

1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/3 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Fit your 9-inch pre-made pie crust into a pie pan and set aside.

3. Wash and slice about 1 pound of fresh strawberries evenly.

4. In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/3 cup water, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until well combined.

5. Let the strawberry mixture sit for a minute so the cornstarch starts to dissolve properly.

6. Pour the filling evenly into the crust ensuring it’s spread all over.

7. Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes until the crust turns golden and the filling starts to bubble.

8. Once baked, take the pie out and let it cool completely; this helps the filling set.

9. Slice it up and enjoy your delicious copycat Frisch’s Big Boy Fresh Strawberry Pie!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven for baking the pie
2. 9-inch pie pan to fit the pre-made crust
3. Large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients
4. Measuring cups and spoons for the sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice
5. Knife and cutting board for washing and slicing the strawberries
6. Spatula or spoon for stirring the strawberry mixture
7. Cooling rack (or a safe spot on the counter) to let the pie cool before serving
8. Pie server or knife for slicing and serving the pie

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

A: Sure you can, but frozen berries tend to be more watery, so make sure you drain them well before using them.

Q: How do I avoid a soggy crust?

A: One trick is to prebake the crust for 5-7 minutes at 375°F which helps it hold up better against the juicy filling.

Q: What if my filling doesn't thicken properly?

A: If that happens, you can try simmering the filling a bit longer with extra cornstarch dissolved in water to reach the desired consistancy.

Q: Can I adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger pie?

A: Yes, you can easily scale the ingredients up or down, just make sure to keep the proportion between sugar, cornstarch and water about the same.

Q: Is there any way to enhance the flavor more?

A: Definitely, adding a pinch of salt or a dash of vanilla extract can really bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries.

Copycat Frisch’s Big Boy Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the pre-made pie crust, you can try making your own with a basic pastry dough recipe or even use crushed graham crackers for a different twist.
If you’re out of fresh strawberries, thawed frozen strawberries work just fine – just make sure you drain off any extra juice.
If you dont have granulated sugar, you could use honey or brown sugar instead, but you might wanna adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
In place of cornstarch, you could use about two tablespoons of all-purpose flour for each tablespoon of cornstarch or even try arrowroot powder if you have that on hand.
If you cant find lemon juice, a little lime juice can do the trick and add a fun twist to your pie.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you use really ripe strawberries cause if they’re too watery, the filling might end up runny even after you bake it.
2. It helps a lot to let the strawberry mix sit for a few minutes before you put it in the crust so the cornstarch has time to start thickening things up.
3. Keep an eye on the pie in the oven; if you see the crust get too dark early, you can loosely cover it with foil so the filling keeps bubbling without burning the crust.
4. Don’t skip letting the pie cool all the way down once it’s out of the oven because that lets the filling set, which makes it easier to slice.