Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie Recipe

Ella Whitley

2 days ago

Introduction

This easy no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect Valentine’s dessert for a stress-free celebration. With a creamy filling and a fresh strawberry topping, it delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. For more festive strawberry treats, try this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe or a classic Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe.

Ingredients

This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie combines a buttery, flaky crust with a vibrant, sweet-tart filling that’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a beautiful pink hue.

1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed for dusting
1/2 tsp salt
2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch-cubes
1/4 cup ice water, plus more as needed
6 cups fresh strawberries, halved
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 large egg
1 tbsp water
pink food coloring gel (optional, for a more vibrant color)

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes (plus chilling)

Context: This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie recipe is about 20% faster than many similar pies, as it uses a no-bake filling and a simple pre-baked crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your chilled pie dough and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges decoratively, then line the crust with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans.

Blind bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until the edges are just beginning to set and turn a light golden color. This prevents a soggy bottom in your Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie.

Step 2 — Make the Strawberry Filling

While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh, hulled strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and a splash of lemon juice. Mash about one-third of the berries to release their juices, which will help create the perfect glossy glaze.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in a little butter for a rich sheen.

Step 3 — Assemble the Pie

Once the crust is par-baked and slightly cooled, pour the warm, thickened strawberry filling into the shell. Spread it into an even layer, ensuring the berries are well-coated in the glossy sauce.

For the “Paint Me Pink” version, you can arrange a few extra whole strawberries on top in a heart shape before the filling fully sets, creating a beautiful, romantic presentation.

Step 4 — Create the Lattice Top (Optional)

For a classic finish, weave a lattice top. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut it into even strips. Weave the strips over the filled pie, then trim and crimp the edges to seal.

If you prefer a simpler Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie, you can skip the lattice and simply chill the filled pie until set, or add decorative cut-out hearts from the extra dough.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

If using a lattice top, place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling vigorously in the center.

The bubbling is your key doneness cue, indicating the cornstarch has fully activated and the pie will set properly upon cooling.

Step 6 — Cool Completely

This is the most critical step for a sliceable pie. Transfer the baked Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely, for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

The filling will continue to thicken as it cools. Cutting into a warm pie will result in a runny filling, so patience is essential for perfect slices.

Step 7 — Serve and Garnish

Once completely cool, slice your masterpiece. For an elegant finish, garnish each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a fresh mint leaf or a few extra strawberry slices.

The “Paint Me Pink” Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie is especially stunning with a light dusting of powdered sugar or edible pink glitter for a festive, romantic sparkle.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~4g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~15g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~180mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size for one slice of this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie. Values can vary based on specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing its romantic charm. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to consider.

Greek Yogurt for Cream Cheese — Use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt to increase the protein content and add a pleasant tang to the filling, creating a lighter Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie.
Almond or Coconut Flour Crust — For a gluten-free and lower-carb option, replace the traditional graham cracker crust with a nut-based crust for a deliciously nutty flavor.
Coconut Cream for Whipped Topping — Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk and whip the solid cream for a rich, dairy-free alternative that’s perfect for the “Paint Me Pink” topping.
Natural Sweeteners — Swap refined sugar in the filling for pure maple syrup, honey, or a monk fruit blend to better control sweetness levels.
Seed Butter in the Crust — For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter in a homemade crust to maintain richness and binding.
Low-Sodium Graham Crackers — If making a traditional crust, seek out or make your own low-sodium graham crackers to reduce the overall sodium content of your Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie.
Chia or Flax Gel as a Binder — For an egg-free filling, a tablespoon of chia or flax gel can help thicken the strawberry mixture naturally.
Extra Fresh Strawberries — Boost the filling with more fresh, sliced strawberries and reduce the amount of jello or gelatin for a less processed, fruit-forward pie.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic, comforting dessert.
For a romantic brunch, serve alongside a glass of sparkling rosé or a mimosa.
Create a decadent dessert board by adding slices of this pie with dark chocolate truffles and fresh berries.
Garnish each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a mint leaf for an elegant finish.
For a special occasion, serve on chilled pink or white dessert plates to make the vibrant red filling truly pop.
Turn it into individual mini pies in ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation.
Drizzle a little melted dark or white chocolate over the plated slice just before serving for a gourmet touch.

This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie is a showstopper on its own, but these ideas can help you tailor it to any romantic meal or celebration. The “Paint Me Pink” version, with its stunning color, is especially perfect for making a beautiful statement on the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using watery, out-of-season berries that lack flavor and color. Fix: Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries or high-quality frozen ones for a more intense, sweet-tart filling.
Mistake: Not macerating the strawberries with sugar before baking. Fix: Let the berries sit with sugar for 30 minutes to draw out juices, creating a syrupy base and preventing a soggy crust.
Mistake: Pouring hot filling into an unbaked pie crust. Fix: Always blind-bake (pre-bake) your crust to ensure it stays crisp and flaky under the juicy strawberry layer.
Mistake: Over-thickening the filling with cornstarch or flour. Fix: Use the correct ratio (about 3-4 tablespoons of cornstarch per 5-6 cups of berries) to achieve a glossy, sliceable set without a gummy texture.
Mistake: Skipping the egg wash or cream glaze on the lattice top. Fix: Brush the crust with a beaten egg or cream before baking for a deep golden, professional-looking finish.
Mistake: Cutting the pie while it’s still warm. Fix: Let your Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie cool completely, ideally for 4+ hours, to allow the filling to fully set for clean slices.
Mistake: Neglecting to vent the top crust adequately. Fix: Cut generous slits or a decorative pattern to let steam escape, preventing a soggy top and a boiled filling.
Mistake: Using a dull knife to slice, which crushes the beautiful layers. Fix: Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife dipped in hot water for perfectly clean cuts through the crust and filling.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly, but the fresh strawberry filling will remain delicious.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheat: This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie is best served cold. If you prefer a warm slice, reheat individual portions in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) if you are reheating a version with a custard or cooked filling.

For food safety, never leave your Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie is the perfect, show-stopping dessert to make for your sweetheart. It’s surprisingly simple to create and delivers that classic, romantic flavor everyone loves. I hope you give it a try! For more berry-filled treats, check out our Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe or Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below!

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed for dusting
1/2 tsp salt
2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch-cubes
1/4 cup ice water, plus more as needed
6 cups fresh strawberries, halved
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 large egg
1 tbsp water
pink food coloring gel

Instructions

In a food processor, pulse the strawberries and granulated sugar to a fine powder. Add the flour and salt, and continue to process until well combined.
Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles small peas.
Add the ice water (leave the ice cubes behind). Mix by hand until the mixture uniformly comes together but isn’t sticky or tacky. If necessary, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time.
Divide the pie dough in half and form each half into a 1-inch-thick disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
In a large bowl, mix together the strawberries, lemon juice, vanilla and salt.
In another small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the strawberries and toss well to combine.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of the dough to ¼ inch thick. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate and trim the excess crust around the edge with scissors.
Pour the filling into the pie crust, then transfer to the refrigerator while you work on the lattice.
Roll out the second disk of dough to ¼ inch thick. With a heart shape cookie cutter create your Valentine's Day design.
Chill the pie for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F.
In a small bowl, make an egg wash by whisking together the egg white and 1 tablespoon water.
When the oven is preheated, brush the surface of the pie with the egg wash. Bake until the crust begins to brown slightly and the filling is bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes.
How To Paint Pie Crust 2 Ways:

Author: Claire Monroe

FAQs

Can I make this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie a day in advance. For the best texture, add the fresh strawberry topping on the day you plan to serve this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie. Keep it refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

What can I use if I don’t have a pie crust?

You can use a pre-made graham cracker crust for a simpler version. Alternatively, crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies mixed with butter make an excellent press-in crust for this festive dessert.

How do I get the vibrant pink color for the “Paint Me Pink” version?

The pink color in the Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie – Paint Me Pink comes from blending fresh strawberries into the filling. Using ripe, red berries and a bit of optional red food gel will intensify the color for a stunning presentation.