Looking for a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and easy to make? This Strawberry Pie with Jello is the perfect summer treat! Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying at home, this pie combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the fun texture of Jello. Its vibrant color and flavor make it a showstopper at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this pie in no time.
- Refreshing Taste: The combination of strawberries and Jello creates a light and refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dessert or alongside whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This Strawberry Pie appeals to both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.
- Easy Ingredient List: You likely have most ingredients on hand, allowing for spontaneous baking.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience. Having everything ready will help ensure your Strawberry Pie with Jello turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pie dish
- Saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Pie dish: Ensures even baking and helps shape your pie beautifully.
- Saucepan: Ideal for heating your ingredients, allowing for proper mixing and dissolving of the cornstarch and Jell-O.
- Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon helps combine ingredients thoroughly without damaging the strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Pie
- 9 inch pie shell
- 4 cups strawberries (washed and hulled)
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 ounces package strawberry Jell-O
How to Make Strawberry Pie with Jello
Step 1: Bake the Pie Shell
Bake the pie shell according to package directions. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before adding the strawberries.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Place the washed and hulled strawberries into the cooled pie shell. Distribute them evenly for a beautiful presentation.
Step 3: Make the Jello Mixture
In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook it for about two minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and add in the strawberry Jell-O. Stir until fully dissolved.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Carefully pour the Jello mixture over the strawberries in the pie shell. Make sure all berries are coated well so they stay juicy.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Place your assembled Strawberry Pie in the refrigerator. Chill until set, which usually takes around 2 hours. Once set, store covered in the refrigerator until serving time.
How to Serve Strawberry Pie with Jello
Serving your Strawberry Pie with Jello can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some creative ways to present this delightful pie that will impress your guests.
Individual Slices
- Serve each slice on a small plate for a personal touch. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a fresh strawberry on top.
À La Mode
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the pie. The creamy texture complements the fruity flavor and adds a delicious contrast.
With Fresh Mint
- Top each slice with a sprig of fresh mint. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a refreshing flavor.
Drizzled Sauce
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the pie. This adds an indulgent layer to your dessert.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Offer whipped cream on the side for guests to add as they prefer. This allows for customization and enhances the overall taste.
How to Perfect Strawberry Pie with Jello
To ensure your Strawberry Pie with Jello turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your pie.
- Cool pie shell completely: Allow the baked pie shell to cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Stir Jell-O thoroughly: Make sure to mix the strawberry Jell-O well until it fully dissolves in the hot mixture for even distribution of flavor.
- Let it set properly: Chill the pie in the refrigerator until it is firmly set. This usually takes about 2-4 hours, but overnight is best.
- Store covered: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and avoid drying out.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Pie with Jello
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Pie with Jello can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken Salad
A light salad with grilled chicken provides protein and balances out the sweetness of the pie. - Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad loaded with vegetables makes for a refreshing side that complements dessert nicely. - Garlic Bread
Pairing garlic bread offers a savory contrast that enhances your meal’s flavors before indulging in dessert. - Fruit Salad
A simple fruit salad can bring additional freshness and variety, perfect for summer gatherings. - Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and a tangy bite, making it an excellent side dish alongside sweeter desserts. - Caprese Skewers
These skewers offer a unique blend of flavors—fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—adding an elegant touch to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Pie with Jello, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dessert game. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the pie shell cooling: If you pour the filling into a warm pie shell, it can cause the crust to become soggy. Always let your shell cool completely before adding the strawberries and Jello mixture.
- Using unripe strawberries: Unripe strawberries can make your pie taste bland. Choose sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your Strawberry Pie with Jello.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can affect the consistency and sweetness of your pie. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts of sugar and cornstarch.
- Pouring Jello too fast: Pouring the Jello mixture too quickly can damage the strawberries. Pour slowly to coat them evenly without disturbing their placement.
- Neglecting chilling time: Skipping the chilling step results in a runny pie that doesn’t set properly. Be patient and chill until fully set for a perfect slice.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Strawberry Pie with Jello in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cover with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container.
Freezing Strawberry Pie with Jello
- You can freeze this pie, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
- It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months; just remember to label it!
Reheating Strawberry Pie with Jello
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it gently to retain moisture as it warms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Strawberry Pie with Jello ahead of time?
Yes! This pie can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.
How long does Strawberry Pie with Jello last?
The pie lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide better flavor, you can use frozen ones. Just thaw them first and drain excess liquid.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour, but this may slightly change the texture of your filling.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Pie with Jello is a delightful summer dessert that’s both easy to make and delicious. Its bright colors and refreshing taste make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Feel free to customize your pie by adding whipped cream or experimenting with different fruits for a unique twist! Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Strawberry Pie with Jello
Indulge in a refreshing summer delight with this Strawberry Pie with Jello! Perfect for warm days and gatherings, this pie combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the playful texture of Jello. With its vibrant colors and irresistible flavors, it’s sure to impress at picnics, barbecues, or simple family dinners. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, taking just 10 minutes of prep time! Serve it plain or dress it up with whipped cream or fresh mint for an extra special touch. This dessert is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 9-inch pie shell
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (washed and hulled)
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 ounces strawberry Jell-O
Instructions
- Bake the pie shell according to package directions and allow it to cool completely.
- Place the prepared strawberries evenly in the cooled pie shell.
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for about two minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in strawberry Jell-O until dissolved.
- Carefully pour the Jello mixture over the strawberries, ensuring all berries are coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours until set before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 107g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg