Leslie’s Strawberry Pie-A Classic Summer Recipe for a Delicious Homemade Crust and Sweet Pie Filling
Leslie’s Strawberry Pie-A Classic Summer Recipe for a Delicious Homemade Crust and Sweet Pie Filling is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Come Sit At My Table on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 5 hrs 42 min
Cost: $11.32 total, $1.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (room temperature, cut into cubes)
- 3 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (also called confectioners' sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 4 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 cup Strawberries (chopped for glaze)
- 3 oz Strawberry Jell‑O (box, 3‑ounce size)
- 3 lb Fresh Strawberries (whole, hulled and stems removed)
- 1 cup Whipped Cream (optional topping)
Instructions
Measure glaze ingredients
Measure 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 4 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 cup chopped strawberries into a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Blend glaze
Place the measured ingredients in the blender, secure the lid, and blend for a few seconds until the strawberries are completely pureed.
Time: PT1M
Cook glaze
Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan, set heat to medium‑high, and bring to a soft boil while stirring constantly.
Time: PT7M
Add Jell‑O
Remove the pan from heat, whisk in the 3‑oz box of strawberry Jell‑O until fully dissolved.
Time: PT2M
Cool glaze
Set the saucepan aside to cool completely (about 30 minutes) while you prepare the crust and strawberries.
Time: PT30M
Make crust dough
In the stand mixer bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, 1 stick room‑temperature butter, 3 tbsp powdered sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Mix with the paddle attachment on low until the mixture forms a cohesive ball.
Time: PT5M
Press dough into pie plate
Grease a 9‑inch pie plate, dump the dough in, and press evenly into the bottom and up the sides using your hands or a spatula.
Time: PT3M
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Blind bake crust
Line the pressed crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, then bake an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool crust
Allow the baked crust to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Prepare fresh strawberries
Wash the fresh strawberries, remove stems and hulls, and set aside whole. You will need about 3 lb (≈1.4 kg).
Time: PT10M
Assemble pie
Place the whole strawberries evenly in the cooled crust, then gently fold the cooled glaze over the berries, ensuring each strawberry is lightly coated. Drizzle any remaining glaze on top.
Time: PT5M
Chill pie
Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4–6 hours until fully set.
Time: PT5H
Serve
Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired, and serve chilled.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 70 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with GF flour, Can be made dairy‑free with vegan butter and non‑dairy whipped topping
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑Free All‑Purpose Flour
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Vegan butter
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar blended in processor
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder
- Instead of Strawberries: Frozen strawberries (thawed)
- Instead of Strawberry Jell‑O: Other flavored gelatin mixes
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: Frozen whole strawberries (thawed)
- Instead of Whipped Cream: Coconut whipped cream
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer
- Paddle Attachment
- Blender
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- 9‑inch Pie Plate
- Parchment Paper
- Pie Weights (or dried beans)
- Oven
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Achieving the correct glaze thickness (soft boil, thickened).
- Pressing the dough into a uniform crust without rolling.
- Blind baking the crust to prevent shrinkage.
- Cooling the glaze completely before folding into strawberries.
- Chilling the assembled pie for several hours to set.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a light‑handed touch when pressing the dough; a warm hand helps the butter stay pliable.
- For extra shine, brush the finished pie with a thin layer of warmed apricot jam before chilling.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add an extra tablespoon of granulated sugar to the cooking mixture.
Troubleshooting
Glaze is too thin and doesn’t set.
Return the glaze to medium heat and simmer a few more minutes, stirring constantly until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency.
Crust shrinks or cracks after blind baking.
Press the dough firmly and evenly; avoid over‑baking. If cracks appear, patch with a small amount of extra dough and press gently.
Strawberries release too much juice, making the pie soggy.
Pat the washed strawberries dry before adding them, and ensure the glaze is fully set before folding in the berries.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover and store up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncut pie wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before serving.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; the glaze may spoil.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The strawberry glaze can be prepared up to 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Blind‑bake the crust, let it cool, then wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 h before adding filling.
- Whole strawberries can be washed, hulled, and stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 1 day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Leslie's Strawberry Pie in American summer cuisine?
Leslie's Strawberry Pie is a nostalgic family recipe that reflects the tradition of celebrating fresh, in‑season strawberries during the short American summer. It originated from a close‑knit church‑camp community and has been passed down through gatherings, embodying the joy of sharing homemade desserts at summer picnics and family reunions.
What are the traditional regional variations of strawberry pie in the United States?
In the U.S., strawberry pie varies from a simple fresh‑fruit pie with a sugar glaze (like Leslie's) to versions with a custard or cream cheese filling, or a lattice crust. Southern styles often add a splash of bourbon or use a buttery short‑crust, while Mid‑western recipes may incorporate a thickened corn‑starch glaze similar to this one.
How is Leslie's Strawberry Pie traditionally served in American summer gatherings?
Traditionally, the pie is served chilled, sliced into generous wedges, and topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It is often paired with iced tea or lemonade and presented as a centerpiece at backyard barbecues, potlucks, and Fourth‑of‑July celebrations.
What occasions or celebrations is Leslie's Strawberry Pie traditionally associated with in American culture?
Because strawberries are only in season for a few weeks, Leslie's Strawberry Pie is commonly made for summer holidays, family reunions, church potlucks, and birthday parties that fall during the late May‑July window. It’s a favorite dessert for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
How does Leslie's Strawberry Pie fit into the broader American dessert tradition?
The pie exemplifies the American love for fruit pies that showcase seasonal produce with a simple, buttery crust. Its use of a quick corn‑starch glaze and whole berries highlights the classic balance of texture and flavor that defines many beloved American pies, from apple to peach.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Leslie's Strawberry Pie versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include all‑purpose flour, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, salt, fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and a 3‑oz box of strawberry Jell‑O. Acceptable substitutes are gluten‑free flour for the crust, vegan butter, coconut‑sweetened sugar, arrowroot powder for cornstarch, and any flavored gelatin mix if strawberry Jell‑O is unavailable.
What other American dishes pair well with Leslie's Strawberry Pie?
Leslie's Strawberry Pie pairs beautifully with classic summer sides such as grilled chicken, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad. For a full dessert spread, serve it alongside vanilla ice cream, lemon bars, or a light berry sorbet.
What makes Leslie's Strawberry Pie special or unique in American fruit‑pie cuisine?
Its no‑roll, press‑in crust saves time and eliminates the need for a rolling pin, while the strawberry‑Jell‑O glaze gives a glossy, slightly tangy finish that sets the pie apart from plain sugar‑glazed versions. The use of whole strawberries creates a visually striking, berry‑laden top.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Leslie's Strawberry Pie?
Common errors include over‑mixing the crust dough (which makes it tough), under‑cooking the glaze (resulting in a runny topping), and not allowing the glaze to cool completely before folding in the berries, which can cause the berries to become soggy.
Why does this Leslie's Strawberry Pie recipe use a corn‑starch glaze instead of a traditional custard filling?
The corn‑starch glaze provides a light, translucent coating that highlights the fresh strawberries without overpowering them, while a custard would add richness and could mask the fruit’s natural flavor. The glaze also sets quickly, allowing the pie to be chilled and sliced cleanly.
Can I make Leslie's Strawberry Pie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. You can blind‑bake the crust and prepare the glaze up to two days ahead, storing each in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie, then chill for at least 4 hours before serving. Keep the finished pie covered in the fridge for up to three days.
What does the YouTube channel Come Sit At My Table specialize in?
The YouTube channel Come Sit At My Table specializes in home‑cooked, family‑focused recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients and nostalgic dishes, often sharing personal stories and detailed step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Come Sit At My Table's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Come Sit At My Table blends personal anecdotes with clear, practical instructions, emphasizing accessible ingredients and shortcuts (like the no‑roll crust) while maintaining a warm, conversational tone, unlike many channels that focus on high‑production or gourmet techniques.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
