Shoney’s Strawberry Pie –The Ultimate Homemade Copycat Recipe

Shoney’s strawberry pie holds a special place in my heart—not just for its glistening glaze and tart-sweet strawberries, but because it reminds me why I fell in love with baking in the first place.

I’m Mary, known in Bath as “The Pudding Lady.” My baking journey began with sticky golden syrup tins and oversized bags of flour in my mother’s kitchen. She believed a good dessert could mend anything, and she was right. I was the girl who watched puddings rise through the oven door, snuck sugar when no one looked, and licked every spoon in the house. I never wore a chef’s coat—I was too wild for formal training—but I baked. God, did I bake. Treacle tarts, Victoria sponges, parkin laced with ginger…

Eventually, I turned that messy love for puddings into something more. Now I run a cozy weekend pudding club from my own flour-dusted kitchen. Just six people, endless tea, and the kind of recipes that make your toes curl with joy.

Which brings me to Shoney’s strawberry pie. If you’ve ever had a slice of it—the silky glaze, the vivid red strawberries, the barely-there crunch of the crust—you’ll understand why it became an American favorite. I may live across the pond, but Shoney’s strawberry pie has earned a spot in my British baking heart. It’s that perfect union of simplicity and indulgence, and today, I’ll show you how to recreate it beautifully at home.

Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, celebrating a birthday, or just want something sweet and nostalgic, Shoney’s strawberry pie delivers every time. We’ll walk through the full recipe, crust tips, strawberry secrets, and all the know-how you need to make this pie a showstopper.

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

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• Author: Mary
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A nostalgic, sweet and fruity Shoney’s-style strawberry pie with a flaky crust and glazed strawberries.

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Ingredients

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• 1 9-inch pre-baked pie crust
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and clear.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until dissolved.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly.
5. Arrange fresh strawberries in the pre-baked pie crust.
6. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the strawberries.
7. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until set.
8. Top with whipped cream before serving if desired.

Notes

Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. The pie is best served chilled and within 2 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Refrigerated
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Table of Contents

History and Popularity of Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

Origin of Shoney’s iconic strawberry pie

Long before viral recipes and food bloggers ruled the dessert world, Shoney’s Restaurants were serving up a beloved pie that earned a loyal fanbase across the South. Introduced in the 1960s as part of Shoney’s diner-style dessert lineup, the strawberry pie quickly became a seasonal staple, especially during peak berry months. Its unique combination of fresh strawberries suspended in a glistening, jello-like glaze made it both visually stunning and deliciously refreshing.

What made it different? The simplicity. No heavy creams or complicated layers—just a crisp crust, naturally sweet strawberries, and a shiny glaze that held it all together. It was—and still is—a perfect showcase of summer fruit in its prime.

Why it became a Southern dessert staple

While the dish gained national fame, it was especially treasured in Southern homes for its accessibility and crowd-pleasing nature. Easy to slice, chill, and serve, it found its way to potlucks, church dinners, backyard BBQs, and family reunions. The ingredients were affordable, the prep was manageable, and the results? Always a hit.

Moreover, Shoney’s strawberry pie became a symbol of warm hospitality—a dessert you proudly offered guests, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. Its enduring popularity lies in the balance it strikes: light but indulgent, classic yet timeless.

Don’t miss our Romantic Chocolate and Strawberry Cupcakes if you love that berry-chocolate combo twist.

Ingredients

Classic components used in the original recipe

When recreating the authentic Shoney’s strawberry pie, success starts with the right ingredients. This dessert isn’t about complexity—it’s about celebrating fresh strawberries in a simple, glossy, and sweet format that mirrors the original pie served at Shoney’s diners across the South.

Here are the must-have ingredients for a spot-on copycat Shoney’s strawberry pie:

These ingredients come together to form the irresistible texture and flavor that made Shoney’s strawberry pie a restaurant favorite. The balance of sweetness, tartness, and firmness creates a nostalgic bite that reminds people of family dinners, Sunday lunches, and road trip pit stops.

Some bakers like to tweak their homemade Shoney’s strawberry pie by adding a splash of lemon juice to the glaze. While not traditional, it can brighten the overall flavor without changing the core taste profile.

For a dessert that’s just as fruity and decadent, check out our Chocolate Strawberry Cake, a great complement to any strawberry-lover’s menu.

Tips for choosing fresh, ripe strawberries

Nailing the strawberries is key—they’re the heart and soul of Shoney’s strawberry pie, after all. Choose berries that look as vibrant as they taste.

Here’s what to look for:

• Uniform red color: Avoid white-tipped or green-hued strawberries.
• Aromatics: Fresh strawberries should smell sweet and fragrant.
• Leaf quality: Bright green, unshriveled leaves indicate freshness.
• Texture: Avoid mushy berries or those that leak juice—these will break down too easily in the glaze.

Seasonal, locally grown strawberries will give your homemade Shoney’s strawberry pie a huge flavor boost. If fresh berries are unavailable, thawed and drained frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, though they won’t offer the same texture.

Love fruity flavor combinations? Discover great ideas like our Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Filling, which echoes the bright berry notes of this iconic pie.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

Preparing the buttery pie crust

The crust is one of the most underestimated components of a perfect Shoney’s strawberry pie. A soggy or soft base can ruin the entire dessert. Shoney’s version typically features a crisp, golden-brown pie shell that holds up well under the weight of the strawberries and glaze.

Here’s how to get it right:

1. Use a deep-dish pie plate – This gives you room for a thick layer of strawberries and glaze.
2. Blind bake the crust – Line your unbaked pie shell with parchment paper and add pie weights or dry beans. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
3. Cool completely – Don’t add the filling until your crust is fully cooled to avoid a soggy base.

Pro Tip: If you prefer homemade, go with an all-butter pie dough. In a pinch, a good-quality store-bought crust can still deliver great results.

Don’t miss our Apple Jack Cereal post for more throwback comfort food you can recreate at home.

Making the glossy strawberry glaze

Now, let’s get into the heart of Shoney’s strawberry pie—that shimmering red glaze. This sweet, slightly firm coating is what binds the strawberries together and gives the pie its unmistakable glossy top.

Ingredients for the glaze:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)

How to make it:

1. Whisk together water, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until no lumps remain.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.Allow it to boil for roughly 2 minutes, or until it thickens to the desired consistency.
3. Remove from heat, then stir in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Let the glaze cool to room temperature.

Once the glaze has cooled slightly, it’s ready to be combined with your strawberries.

Assembling the pie

1. Place whole strawberries (tops removed) into the cooled pie shell, tip-side up. Pack them in snugly for maximum flavor and presentation.
2. Pour the glaze evenly over the berries, making sure to cover every visible surface.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to allow the glaze to fully set.

That’s it—your homemade Shoney’s strawberry pie is now ready to serve!

Looking for more old-school desserts? Don’t miss our Rose Milk Tea that pairs beautifully with fruity pies like this one.

Pro Tips to Perfect Your Copycat Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

Avoiding soggy bottoms: Pre-baking the crust

One of the most common issues when making Shoney’s strawberry pie at home is ending up with a soggy crust. Because the filling is chilled and moisture-rich, it can break down a crust that hasn’t been properly prepared. Here’s how to avoid that:

• Always blind bake your crust. This means baking it without filling so it becomes firm and crisp. Use pie weights or dry beans to prevent puffing.
• Brush with egg white. Once blind baked, brush the crust with a lightly beaten egg white and return it to the oven for another 2 minutes. This creates a moisture barrier.
• Let the crust cool fully. Never add the strawberry glaze while the crust is warm. Even slight heat can cause the glaze to seep in.

By following these steps, your copycat Shoney’s strawberry pie will have a firm base that slices cleanly and doesn’t get mushy.

Discover great ideas like our Tuxedo Cake for more desserts that rely on smart baking techniques.

How to keep strawberries firm and fresh

The freshness of your strawberries plays a huge role in the texture and appearance of the pie. Overripe berries can collapse or leak excess juice, ruining the look and feel of your dessert.

Use these tips to keep those berries looking picture-perfect:

• Use just-ripe berries. They shoChatGPT a dit :
• Excess moisture on the berries can water down the glaze and prevent it from sticking properly.
• Chill the berries before glazing. This helps the glaze set faster and hold better.
• Assemble the pie just before chilling. Avoid letting the strawberries sit in the glaze too long, as they can become soggy before hitting the crust. It weakens the texture.

Your goal is to recreate that clean, dome-like look of the original Shoney’s strawberry pie, where each berry is distinct and coated in a beautiful sheen.

Want a fresh take on strawberry texture? Try our Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Filling for a light, fluffy treat bursting with fresh berry flavor.

Serving and Storing Strawberry Pie Like a Pro

How long can strawberry pie sit out?

Once you’ve crafted your delicious Shoney’s strawberry pie, it’s tempting to leave it on the counter for all to admire—but food safety matters. So, how long is too long?

In general, strawberry pie can safely sit out for up to 2 hours at room temperature. Because the glaze often contains gelatin and the crust includes dairy-based components like butter or eggs, it’s best to refrigerate the pie as soon as possible after slicing.

Here are some pro serving tips:

• Serve the pie chilled for best texture.
• To prevent drying, cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap when not serving.
• If serving at a party or picnic, keep the pie on a cooling tray or in a shaded area.

This ensures the flavor and freshness of your homemade Shoney’s strawberry pie remain as delightful as when it was first sliced.

Looking for a retro dessert that also needs chilling? Don’t miss our Romantic Chocolate and Strawberry Cupcakes—they’re equally perfect for gatherings.

How to properly store it for freshness

Storing your pie correctly extends its life and keeps the crust from becoming soggy or the glaze from breaking down. Here’s how:

• Refrigerate within two hours of baking or assembling.
• Store the pie in the coldest part of your fridge, not the door.
• Use a pie keeper or lightly cover with plastic wrap to keep the pie from drying out or picking up fridge odors.
• For the freshest results, eat the pie within 2–3 days.

Want to freeze it? That’s a bit tricky. Freezing is not ideal for Shoney’s strawberry pie due to the gelatin glaze, which can weep or separate once thawed. However, if you must freeze:

• Freeze individual slices, not the whole pie.
• Wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
• Eat within 1 month for best results.

Planning ahead? Assemble the pie a day before serving to give the glaze time to set, and always store it covered and cold.

Love Southern desserts that hold well in the fridge? Don’t miss our Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Filling—it’s another chilled treat that stays fresh longer.

Creative Variations of Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

Mini strawberry pies and tartlets

If you love the original Shoney’s strawberry pie but want a more elegant or party-friendly presentation, go mini. Individual strawberry tartlets or mini pies are just as tasty and easier to serve at events or potlucks.

Here’s how to adapt the recipe:

• Use a muffin tin or mini tart pans to bake small pie shells.
• Blind bake as usual, and let them cool completely.
• Fill each with halved or quartered strawberries (depending on size).
• Spoon the glaze over the top, and chill for at least 2 hours.

Mini pies also allow you to experiment with fun crust styles, like graham cracker or Oreo, for a twist that plays well with the fresh strawberry flavor. This version also freezes slightly better than a full-size pie, thanks to its compact structure.

Looking for another nostalgic twist on a classic? Don’t miss our Apple Jack Cereal adaptation—it’s sweet, satisfying, and full of childhood charm.

Strawberry pie with cream cheese or whipped topping

To give your copycat Shoney’s strawberry pie a creamy dimensioIt brings a rich, tangy balance that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.

Cream cheese layer recipe idea:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Beat together until smooth, then spread onto your cooled crust

Alternatively, top your fully set pie with fresh whipped cream or even a light dollop of Cool Whip before serving. It softens the sweetness of the glaze and adds a cloud-like finish.

Want even more flavor? Swirl a bit of lemon zest into the glaze or add a dash of almond extract for a deeper flavor profile.

For dessert lovers who enjoy layered flavor profiles, check out our Chocolate Strawberry Cake, where berries meet richness in every bite.

Nutritional Facts and Healthier Alternatives

Calorie breakdown per serving

While Shoney’s strawberry pie isn’t exactly a “light” dessert, it’s far from the heaviest option out there. The majority of the calories stem from the buttery crust and the sugary glaze. A typical slice of the pie (⅛ of a 9-inch pie) contains:

These numbers will vary depending on whether you’re using homemade or store-bought crust, and how much sugar and gelatin you include in your glaze. If topped with whipped cream, add another 50–75 calories per serving.

Despite the sugar, Shoney’s strawberry pie is a fruit-based dessert, making it lighter than creamy cheesecakes or butter-heavy cakes. You also get the benefits of vitamin C and antioxidants from fresh strawberries.

Looking to reduce the sugar but keep the flavor? Try the ideas below.

How to lighten the recipe with low-sugar options

Creating a healthier version of Shoney’s strawberry pie is totally doable with a few smart swaps. Here are some easy modifications that keep the texture and taste close to the original:

• Use a graham cracker crust made with coconut oil instead of butter to cut saturated fat.
• Replace sugar in the glaze with erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia. Be sure to choose one that can withstand cooking temperatures.
• Use sugar-free strawberry gelatin instead of regular Jell-O.
• Slice the strawberries thinner and use fewer per slice to reduce natural sugar load.
• Go crustless: make strawberry pie jars using just glaze and berries for a no-carb twist.

These substitutions can bring the calorie count down by up to 40% per slice, while still giving you the signature Shoney’s strawberry pie vibe. Plus, you’ll feel a lot better going back for seconds.

Want more smart dessert swaps? Discover great ideas like our Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Filling—perfect for those watching their sugar without skipping dessert.

Pairings and Strawberry Dessert Inspiration

Best drinks to pair with strawberry pie

A slice of Shoney’s strawberry pie is fruity, refreshing, and slightly sweet—so the right drink pairing can elevate the entire experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying it solo, here are beverage options that beautifully complement the pie:

• Iced tea with lemon – A true Southern classic—the citrus cuts through the glaze’s sweetness for a perfectly balanced bite.
• Chilled rosé or sparkling wine – Perfect for adults; light and fruity to match the dessert’s tone.
• Lemonade or strawberry-infused water – Great for summer picnics or brunches.
• Hot coffee or espresso – For a flavor contrast that makes the strawberry pop.
• Vanilla milkshake or cold brew with sweet cream – Great if you’re going all out on indulgence.

The goal is to avoid overly sweet beverages, which can dull the bright, fresh flavor of the strawberries.

Try pairing it with something floral and light like our Rose Milk Tea—a gentle blend that won’t overpower your pie.

Other strawberry treats to try at home

If you’re already obsessed with Shoney’s strawberry pie, chances are you’ll love experimenting with other strawberry-forward desserts too. Here are some delicious inspirations:

• Strawberry Shortcake Trifle – Layers of pound cake, whipped cream, and strawberries.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, tart, and easy to slice for parties.
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries – A quick, no-bake treat with max appeal.
• Strawberry cream puffs – Delicate pastry shells with a fruity twist.
• Strawberry crumble – A warm, baked option for when you want comfort food vibes.

And don’t forget, you can remix the original recipe into other forms, like strawberry pie parfaits, mini tartlets, or even strawberry pie milkshakes.

Looking for something with the same charm but different texture? Don’t miss our Romantic Chocolate and Strawberry Cupcakes—they’re cute, rich, and just as crowd-pleasing.

Conclusion

There’s a reason Shoney’s strawberry pie became a beloved classic—it’s light, refreshing, and bursting with real fruit flavor. With this guide, you can now recreate that nostalgic slice of Americana right at home. From the flaky crust to the glistening glaze and sweet berries, each component is easy to prepare yet delivers impressive results.

Whether you’re making it for a summer BBQ, a church potluck, or simply to enjoy after dinner with family, this pie fits the occasion. Play with variations, lighten it up, or serve it old-school—the beauty of this recipe is in how versatile and forgiving it is.

Looking for more Southern comfort desserts with a twist? Don’t miss our Heavenly Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle for a rich, layered experience you’ll want to revisit.

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