Fresh Strawberry Jell-O Pie

This Fresh Strawberry Jell-O Pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert, perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Featuring a crisp, blind-baked pie crust filled with fresh strawberries and a vibrant strawberry glaze, this pie is both visually appealing and delicious. The Jell-O glaze adds a beautiful sheen and helps the strawberries hold together for easy slicing.

Ingredients

For the Pie:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
• 6 cups fresh strawberries, quartered, halved, or thinly sliced

For the Strawberry Pie Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 ½ cups water
• 6 ounces Strawberry Jell-O (one 6-ounce box or two 3-ounce boxes)

Instructions

1. Blind Bake the Pie Crust:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Prepare the pie crust according to package directions, or if using a homemade crust, line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or dry beans.
• Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove the weights and lining.
• Brush the crust with the lightly beaten egg whites and bake for an additional 3 minutes to seal the crust. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy once filled.
• Remove the crust from the oven and set aside to cool.

1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

• Fill the baked pie crust with the fresh strawberries, spreading them evenly.

1. Make the Glaze:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved, about 3-5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the Strawberry Jell-O until completely dissolved.
• Allow the glaze to cool until it is just barely warm. This step is crucial to prevent the strawberries from cooking and releasing their juices, which can make the pie runny.

1. Assemble the Pie:

• Pour the slightly warm glaze over the strawberries in the pie crust, ensuring all berries are well-coated.
• Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the glaze to set completely.

1. Serve:

• Once the pie is fully set, slice and serve with optional garnishes such as whipped cream, whipped topping, or vanilla ice cream.

Tips

• Blind Baking: Using pie weights or dry beans during blind baking helps keep the crust from puffing up and ensures an even bake.
• Cooling the Glaze: Be patient when cooling the glaze. If poured while too warm, it can cause the strawberries to release their juices, leading to a soggy pie.
• Chilling Time: Make the pie a day in advance to ensure it is well-chilled and the glaze is fully set, especially if serving for an event.
• Garnishing: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

This Fresh Strawberry Jell-O Pie is a beautiful and tasty treat, perfect for showcasing the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries in a fun and simple dessert. Enjoy!