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 a burst of sweet flavor without any oven time. For more festive strawberry ideas, try this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe or a classic Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe.

Valentine s Day Strawberry Pie or Valentine s Day Strawberry Pie - Paint Me Pink image-2

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	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 15 minutes

Context: This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to a simplified crust and filling method that gets you to dessert quicker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pie Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your chilled pie dough and gently press it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges decoratively. Prick the bottom and sides all over with a fork to prevent puffing.

Line the crust with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and paper. Bake for another 8-10 minutes until the crust is just starting to turn golden. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2 — Make the Strawberry Filling

While the crust cools, wash, hull, and slice 6 cups of fresh strawberries. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of the sliced berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mash these berries slightly with a fork to release their juices.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes glossy and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in a little butter for a richer flavor. Let this cooked filling cool for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3 — Assemble the Pie

Place the remaining 5 cups of fresh, sliced strawberries into the cooled pie crust, arranging them evenly. Pour the warm, thickened strawberry glaze over the fresh berries, using a spatula to gently fold and coat every piece.

Ensure the glaze seeps into all the gaps for a cohesive filling. For the signature “Paint Me Pink” look, leave a few strawberry slices uncoated on top for a vibrant, fresh contrast.

Step 4 — Create the Whipped Cream Topping

For the best texture, chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes. Pour 1 cup of heavy whipping cream into the cold bowl. Add powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract.

Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as the cream can become grainy. The topping is ready when it holds its shape but is still smooth and spreadable.

Step 5 — Chill and Set

Refrigerate the assembled Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the glaze to set firmly, making the pie easy to slice.

Do not add the whipped cream topping until just before serving to maintain its light, airy texture. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap while it chills.

Step 6 — Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with whole or halved fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or a dusting of pink sanding sugar for a festive touch.

Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife dipped in hot water to get clean slices. Serve immediately and enjoy this beautiful Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie – Paint Me Pink creation.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~4g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~14g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~180mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size, and can vary with specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing the festive spirit.

Protein-Packed Crust — Use almond flour or a blend with protein powder instead of all-purpose flour for a nutty, richer crust that adds staying power.
Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap granulated sugar for a monk fruit or erythritol blend in the filling to reduce carbs while keeping the sweet, berry-forward flavor.
Dairy-Free Filling — Replace cream cheese with a thick, plain coconut cream or cashew cream for a luxuriously creamy, plant-based pink layer.
Gluten-Free Adaptation — Use a certified gluten-free flour blend or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust to make the entire Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie safe for those with sensitivities.
Reduced-Sodium Option — Opt for unsalted butter in the crust and ensure your cream cheese is a low-sodium variety to let the natural strawberry sweetness shine.
Nut-Free Crust — For a school-safe or allergy-friendly version, use sunflower seed flour or gluten-free oat flour instead of almond-based alternatives.
Natural Color Boost — Enhance the pink hue naturally with a bit of beet powder or extra reduced strawberry puree instead of relying solely on food coloring.
Lighter Topping — Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream instead of heavier whipped toppings for a tangy, airy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie with a glass of sparkling rosé or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic, romantic dessert.
Serve it as the grand finale for a cozy date night dinner, perhaps after a main course of steak or pasta.
For a festive brunch or Galentine’s Day celebration, offer slices alongside mimosas and coffee.
Create a stunning dessert board by arranging slices of the pie with fresh berries, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and whipped cream rosettes.
Garnish individual plates with a dusting of powdered sugar and a mint leaf for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
If making the “Paint Me Pink” version, highlight the vibrant color by serving on white or neutral-toned plates to make the pie truly pop.
For a fun twist, cut the pie into heart-shaped slices using a cookie cutter before plating.

This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie is versatile enough for any romantic occasion. Its sweet-tart flavor and beautiful appearance make it a centerpiece dessert that’s sure to impress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using watery, underripe berries that lack flavor and color. Fix: Select deeply red, fragrant strawberries for a vibrant, sweet-tart filling.
Mistake: Not macerating the strawberries with sugar to draw out excess juice. Fix: Macerate sliced berries for 30 minutes, then drain and thicken the liquid separately for a firm, not soggy, pie.
Mistake: Overworking the pie dough, which makes it tough. Fix: Handle the dough minimally and keep all ingredients very cold for a tender, flaky crust.
Mistake: Skipping a pre-bake (blind bake) for the bottom crust. Fix: Pre-bake the crust to prevent a soggy bottom, especially with a juicy filling like strawberries.
Mistake: Adding thickener directly to the raw berries, creating a gluey texture. Fix: Cook the drained maceration juices with cornstarch or tapioca into a glossy glaze before gently folding in the berries.
Mistake: Filling the crust while the glaze is too hot, which can wilt the fruit. Fix: Let the glaze cool until just warm before combining with berries to maintain fresh texture and shape.
Mistake: Not venting a double-crust pie, leading to a soupy, collapsed top. Fix: Cut ample steam vents in the top crust to allow moisture to escape during baking.
Mistake: Slicing the pie before it has fully set. Fix: Chill the assembled Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie for at least 4 hours for clean, picture-perfect slices.
Mistake: Neglecting to taste the filling before assembly. Fix: Always adjust sweetness or a splash of lemon juice after the glaze is made to balance the flavor perfectly.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cover the Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a heavy-duty freezer container. It will maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheat: This pie is best served chilled. If you prefer a warm slice, reheat individual portions in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, just until warmed through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F if you are using a filling that contains eggs or dairy.

Always store your Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie in the refrigerator if it is not being served immediately, especially if it contains a custard or cream component, to keep it food-safe.

Conclusion

This Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie is a stunning, delicious way to celebrate. Its vibrant color and fresh flavor are sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For more sweet ideas, check out our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe or Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more festive recipes!

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie

Print Recipe

Author: Claire Monroe

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:

FAQs

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

Yes, you can assemble this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie a day in advance. For the best texture, add the fresh strawberry topping on the day you plan to serve it. Store the finished pie, covered, in the refrigerator.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor for the crust?

You can use a pastry cutter or two forks to blend the butter into the flour and sugar for the crust. Alternatively, you can pulse the ingredients in a high-powered blender, being careful not to over-mix. The goal is a crumbly texture for this Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie crust.

How do I get the vibrant pink color for the ‘Paint Me Pink’ version?

The pink color comes from blending a portion of the fresh strawberries into the cream cheese filling. For a more intense color, add a drop or two of natural red food coloring. This creates the signature pink hue of the Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie – Paint Me Pink variation.

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pie Recipe

Introduction

Ingredients

Timing