Big Boy’s Strawberry Pie
If you grew up near a Big Boy’s restaurant, chances are you’ve enjoyed a slice of their famous strawberry pie. That shiny red glaze, piled mile-high with fresh strawberries, all nestled in a buttery crust and topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream — it’s the kind of dessert that lives rent-free in your memories.
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For me, it isn’t summer until you’ve had a huge slice of strawberry pie. And summer is the best time to get fresh, juicy strawberries, so it’s a win-win.
This strawberry pie is famous! You may have enjoyed it in a restaurant of a different name, depending on where you grew up. I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania so I had this delicious dessert at the local Eat ‘n Park. Big Boy franchises were also known as Elby’s, Shoney’s, Tops, Kip’s and more! Big Boy (Frisch’s) had quite the restaurant franchises across the U.S.
One thing that remained consistent among all the restaurants was comforting diner food. My favorite kind! Juicy cheeseburgers, crisp fries, milkshakes and a big hunk of strawberry pie for dessert. Heaven.
I love recreating sweet summer memories at home with this easy copycat Big Boy Strawberry Pie recipe! The best part is it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and it’s made with a simple strawberry glaze, fresh berries, and a ready-to-go pie crust. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps — just classic flavor and pure summer bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Pie
- No bake filling – Just cook the glaze on the stovetop, mix with strawberries, and chill.
- Fresh and fruity – Bursting with real strawberries, it’s the perfect warm-weather dessert.
- Nostalgic flavor – Just like the strawberry pie you remember from Big Boy or Elby’s.
- Perfect for parties – Easy to slice and serve, and always a crowd favorite.
What You’ll Need
Find the full, printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post. Read on for more details and tips!
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- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry Jell-O
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (or quartered if large)
- Whipped cream, for serving
How To Make It
Prepare the Pie Crust
Bake your pie crust according to package directions (or your favorite homemade crust recipe) and let it cool completely. This step can be done a day ahead.
Make the Glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water, sugar, salt, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
Add the Jell-O
Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the strawberry Jell-O until completely dissolved.
Mix with Strawberries
In a large bowl, gently combine the glaze with your sliced strawberries until evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie
Pour the strawberry mixture into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Chill
Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, or until the glaze is fully set.
Serve
Slice and serve with plenty of whipped cream for that authentic Big Boy touch.
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How To Clean Strawberries
Try this quick and easy baking soda method to remove dirt, pesticides, and residue.
- Fill a Bowl with Water
In a large bowl (or I just fill my sink), mix 2 cups of cold water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir until the baking soda is mostly dissolved. - Soak the Strawberries
Add your strawberries to the bowl and gently swish them around. Let them soak for 5–10 minutes. This helps lift off dirt and any surface pesticides. - Rinse Thoroughly
Pour the strawberries into a colander and rinse well under cold running water to remove all traces of baking soda. - Dry Gently
Pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel or let them air dry on a clean kitchen towel before using or storing.
💡 Tip: Clean your berries just before you plan to use them to keep them fresh and juicy. Washing too early can make them spoil faster.
Tips For The Best Strawberry Pie
- Use ripe, firm strawberries for the best texture and flavor.
- Let the pie set completely before slicing — chilling helps the glaze hold together beautifully.
- Top with whipped cream just before serving to keep it light and fluffy.
Can I make It Ahead?
Absolutely! This no-bake strawberry pie is a perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just add whipped cream before serving.
More Delicious Desserts
- Dr. Pepper Cupcakes
- Orange Creamsicle Cake
- Oreo Trifle
- Blueberry Lemon Poke Cake
- Cherry Slab Pie
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
This no-bake strawberry pie is a sweet slice of nostalgia. It tastes just like the one from Big Boy (or Eat ‘n Park, Shoney’s and Elby’s) — sweet, tart, and oh-so-refreshing. Whether you’re bringing it to a summer cookout or enjoying a slice on the porch, this dessert is always a hit.
Give it a try and let me know if it brings back sweet memories for you too!
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🍓 Have you tried this pie? Leave a comment and let me know!
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Big Boy’s Copycat Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Bake your pie crust according to package directions (or your favorite homemade crust recipe) and let it cool completely. This step can be done a day ahead.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water, sugar, salt, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the strawberry Jell-O until completely dissolved.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the glaze with your sliced strawberries until evenly coated.
- Pour the strawberry mixture into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, or until the glaze is fully set.
- Slice and serve with plenty of whipped cream for that authentic Big Boy touch.
I have had this recipe for at least 40 years. I don’t add salt or lemon juice to mine. I put the jello, sugar , cornstarch & water in the pan & cook it til thickened & clear, then I fold in my strawberries to coat them with the glaze & pour into the pie shell. My recipe came from a Big Boy resturant. A former employee gave me the recipe.
This is delicious!