5 Must-Try Strawberry Desserts for Summer (Cheesecake Dump Cake, Glazed Pie & More)
5 Must-Try Strawberry Desserts for Summer (Cheesecake Dump Cake, Glazed Pie & More) is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 3 hrs 5 min | Total: 3 hrs 45 min
Cost: $11.37 total, $1.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 cups Fresh Strawberries (washed, hulled and sliced into chunky pieces)
- 1/2 cup Water (for glaze)
- 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar
- 4 tablespoons Strawberry Flavored Jell-O (powdered gelatin mix)
- 4 tablespoons Cornstarch (to thicken the glaze)
- 1 pie Graham Cracker Crust (9‑inch pre‑made crust)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (whipped with a pinch of sugar for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (for whipped cream) (optional, use half the usual amount)
Instructions
Wash and Slice Strawberries
Rinse the strawberries under cold water, remove the stems, and slice them into chunky pieces until you have about six cups.
Time: PT5M
Combine Glaze Ingredients
In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 4 tbsp strawberry Jell‑O powder, and 4 tbsp cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Time: PT5M
Boil the Glaze
Place the saucepan over medium‑high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, remove from heat immediately.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Coat Strawberries with Glaze
Transfer the sliced strawberries to a large mixing bowl and pour the hot glaze over them. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Assemble the Pie
Pour the glazed strawberries into the pre‑made graham cracker crust, spreading them out in an even layer.
Time: PT3M
Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the assembled pie for 2–4 hours, or until the glaze is firm and the pie is completely set.
Time: PT3H
Add Whipped Cream and Serve
Whip the heavy cream with 1 tbsp sugar until soft peaks form. Dollop or pipe the whipped cream over each slice just before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 2g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian (contains gelatin), Contains wheat, Contains dairy
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy (whipped cream), Gelatin
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: Raspberries, Blackberries
- Instead of Water: Milk (will change flavor), Fruit juice
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Honey (reduce liquid)
- Instead of Strawberry Flavored Jell-O: Unflavored gelatin + strawberry puree, Strawberry jam (thinner glaze)
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder, All‑purpose flour (use double amount)
- Instead of Graham Cracker Crust: Digestive biscuit crust, Pre‑made shortbread crust
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Whipped topping (non‑dairy), Coconut cream (vegan)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar (for whipped cream): Powdered sugar, Honey (very small amount)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Pie Dish (9‑inch)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Bring the glaze to a rolling boil to activate the gelatin.
- Coat the strawberries thoroughly so the glaze sets evenly.
- Chill the pie for at least 2 hours until the glaze is fully set.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the freshest, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and color.
- Slice strawberries slightly thicker than usual; they hold up better during chilling.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar on the finished pie adds a decorative finish.
Troubleshooting
Glaze remains runny after chilling.
Re‑heat the glaze, add an extra 1‑2 tsp cornstarch dissolved in cold water, and boil briefly before re‑coating the strawberries.
Strawberries release too much juice, making the pie soggy.
Pat the sliced strawberries gently with paper towels before adding the glaze, or let them sit in a colander for 5 minutes to drain excess moisture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover and store up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes, but can freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Only for serving; do not leave out more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the glaze and assemble the pie a day ahead; keep refrigerated.
- Whipped cream can be made up to 12 hours in advance and stored covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of glazed strawberry pie in American cuisine?
Glazed strawberry pie is a classic summer dessert in the United States, often served at picnics and Fourth of July gatherings. It showcases the season’s fresh strawberries and reflects the American tradition of quick, no‑bake pies that rely on gelatin or Jell‑O for setting.
What are the traditional regional variations of strawberry pie in the United States?
In the Midwest, strawberry pies are often made with a custard filling, while Southern versions may use a biscuit crust and a sweetened cream topping. The glazed version highlighted here is popular nationwide for its simplicity and bright fruit flavor.
How is a glazed strawberry pie traditionally served in American summer gatherings?
It is typically served chilled, sliced into wedges, and topped with a light dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The pie is presented on a simple platter to let the glossy fruit shine.
What occasions or celebrations is glazed strawberry pie traditionally associated with in American culture?
Glazed strawberry pie is a favorite for Fourth of July barbecues, family picnics, birthday parties, and any summer celebration where fresh berries are abundant.
How does glazed strawberry pie fit into the broader American dessert tradition?
It exemplifies the American love for quick, fruit‑forward desserts that require minimal baking. The use of a pre‑made crust and gelatin glaze reflects the convenience‑driven cooking style common in home kitchens.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for glazed strawberry pie versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh strawberries, a graham‑cracker crust, granulated sugar, strawberry‑flavored Jell‑O, and cornstarch. Substitutes can be strawberry jam for the glaze, a homemade crumb crust, or arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.
What other American dishes pair well with glazed strawberry pie?
Serve it alongside grilled chicken or pork for a sweet‑savory contrast, or pair with a light lemonade or iced tea. It also complements other fruit desserts like peach cobbler or berry shortcake.
What makes glazed strawberry pie special or unique in American dessert cuisine?
Its bright, glossy fruit topping set by gelatin creates a burst of fresh flavor without baking, making it a refreshing alternative to heavy custard or cream pies. The simplicity of the recipe highlights the quality of fresh strawberries.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making glazed strawberry pie?
Common errors include over‑boiling the glaze, which can cause a grainy texture, and not coating the strawberries evenly, leading to gaps in the set. Also, washing strawberries too far in advance can make them soggy and moldy.
Why does this glazed strawberry pie recipe use Jell‑O instead of a traditional custard base?
Jell‑O provides a quick, no‑bake set that preserves the fresh strawberry flavor and bright color, whereas a custard would require baking and could mask the fruit’s natural taste. The gelatin glaze also creates a pleasant, slightly wobbly texture that’s ideal for a summer pie.
Can I make glazed strawberry pie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the pie up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it covered and refrigerated; the glaze will stay firm. Add whipped cream just before serving to maintain its light texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the glaze is done?
The glaze should be clear, glossy, and slightly thickened—just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once poured over the strawberries, it will set into a firm yet wobbly layer that holds the fruit in place.
How do I know when the glazed strawberry pie is fully set and ready to serve?
After chilling for at least 2 hours, gently press the surface; it should feel firm and not give way. The glaze will have a slight jiggle, similar to a gelatin dessert, indicating it’s set but still tender.
What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Allrecipes specializes in home‑cooking tutorials that focus on quick, approachable recipes for everyday meals and desserts, often featuring pantry staples and seasonal ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to American dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Allrecipes emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, using store‑bought components like pre‑made crusts and Jell‑O to reduce prep time, whereas many other channels may focus on from‑scratch techniques or elaborate plating.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
