If you remember Shoney's or Big Boy's desserts you'll love this easy copycat recipe! No-bake pie goes together fast and is welcome at every festivity from Mother's Day through Labor Day!
Strawberry Rhubarb pie is another favorite summer dessert - be sure to check it out!
First published Feb 15, 2017. Last updated June 1, 2023 for better readability and instructions.
Table of Contents
🎥 Video
Just 10 minutes of prep time and a few hours in the refrigerator gives you a dessert worthy of any potluck or church supper.
This simple, no bake, strawberry pie is just how I remember it from Shoney's Big Boy. Giant, ripe berries, sweet Jello glaze, and a buttery crust that created a shower of flakes with every bite.
🧾 Ingredients
🔪 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the green recipe card below. Click on the image to see it full size.
- Stem and slice fresh strawberries.
- Place berries in the baked pie shell. Set aside.
- Mix the sugar, cornstarch, and water in a heavy saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until thick and clear.
- You can leave a "track" on the back of a spoon with your finger when it's thick enough.
- Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin until all the crystals are dissolved.
- Pour carefully over the berries in the baked pie crust.
- Refrigerate pie, covered, at least 4 hours or overnight.
📖 Recipe
Shoney's Strawberry Pie Recipe
Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
- 2 cups strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 3 ounce box strawberry gelatin
- 1 9-inch pie crust, store bought or homemade
Instructions
- Blind bake the crust with pie weights or according to instructions (usually 350F for 15 - 20 minutes).
- Let cool.
- Place berries in the pie crust. Set aside.
- Mix the sugar, cornstarch, and water in a heavy saucepan. Stir until all the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until thick and clear.
- Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin until all the crystals are dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Pour carefully over the berries in the pie crust.
- Refrigerate pie, covered, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
- Adding a few drops of red food color will give you a deeper red color.
- You can tell that the Jello is fully dissolved by putting some in a spoon, dipping your finger in and rubbing the glaze between your fingers. If you don't feel any crystals then you're good to go.
- You can make raspberry pie with this recipe by substituting raspberries and raspberry jello for the strawberry.
- Some people leave the berries whole and put them in the crust with the pointy end up. This makes it hard to eat, in my opinion, but you can try it and see if you like it that way.
- Serve with a big spoonful of whipped cream on top!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
💭 Things to know
Expert Tip: You can tell that the Jello is fully dissolved by putting some in a spoon, dipping your finger in and rubbing the glaze between your fingers. If you don't feel any crystals then you're good to go.
- Wash the berries the day before and let them dry. That way you aren't adding extra liquid to the pie and making the filling watery.
- Adding a few drops of red food color will give you a deeper red color.
- Some people leave the berries whole and put them in the crust with the pointy end up. This makes it hard to eat, in my opinion, but you can try it and see if you like it that way.
- When the glaze is fully cooked it will be clear, thick, and will leave a track on the back of a spoon when you run your finger through it.
- The glaze must be completely cooled before adding it to the strawberries.
- Save time by using a store-bought, refrigerated pie crust.
- This pie MUST be refrigerated at least 4 hours! Overnight is better.
👩🏻🍳 FAQs
Here are the questions I am most frequently asked about this recipe.
You can! It will even help the pie set up faster. If you use frozen berries stir them into the Jello glaze before putting them in the crust, then just pour the whole thing in the crust.
Nope. The gelatin breaks down and it's a mess when it thaws.
Store any leftovers, covered in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
📖 Variations
- You can substitute raspberries and raspberry gelatin for the strawberries and strawberry gelatin.
- Mix ripe banana slices in with the fresh berries for a strawberry banana pie.
- I like to use my own homemade crust but you can make this a truly no-bake strawberry by using a shortbread or graham cracker crust!
🥫 How to store leftovers
Cover leftover strawberry pie with plastic wrap or put in a pie container that has an airtight seal. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
This pie does not freeze well.
Shoney's strawberry pie brings back so many happy memories of Sunday dinners "out".
The fresh strawberry flavor just pops - if you've never had this pie you are in for a treat!
If you'd like to make a homemade whipped cream that won't break down to top this with give my copycat Cool Whip a try! It's got the flavor and texture of whipped cream but will last a couple of days in the refrigerator without getting watery!
📚Related recipes
Here are more strawberry desserts that you'll love -
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Sharon Golden says
Really good. I will make it again soon. I used graham cracker crust that worked perfectly.
Tracey L Pedigo says
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I used frozen berries, and I cannot wait to try it, in 4 hours. My Granny made a strawberry pie, and I miss her so much. This recipe was made with her on my mind, and happier days of childhood. Thank you for bringing that immer of joy ; however brief, back to my heart. I don't get that often. Many thanks.
TraceyPedigo
Kim k says
I’m not known for my ability to cook or bake. But this pie turned out fabulous!! Usually my husband will say something is “okay”. This got a “Really good!”. If I can do this justice - anyone can!!
Kat says
Just made this pie yesterday’ it wasn’t like the Restaurant one, but came in as a close second!
Angela Downs says
I loved this recipe!! It was amazing. Easy to fix and my family loved it. Thank you for the recipe, I will br using it again very soon!!
Patsy says
Marye I Love everything about your website, so many good recipes and helpful information concerning each and every one of them.....Keep up the good work young Lady, I’m enjoying every minute of it, very helpful..
Marye says
Awww Patsy- you're sweet! Thank you!
Suzanne says
I would only use strawberry jello made from real organic grass fed gelatin and fresh/frozen organic strawberries, never the junk in the box. How could I change the recipe to accommodate this change?
Marye says
You would need to find a gelatin that fits your diet preferences. I can't help you with that. We only eat junk.
Stephanie Manley says
Your strawberry pie looks amazing. I love a good strawberry pie. I will have to give your recipe a try soon!
Marye Audet says
Thank you! I hope you like it Stephanie!