Copycat Shoney’s Strawberry Pie

January 9, 2024 by Stephanie Manley 80 Comments

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One of the chain’s most iconic dishes, Shoney’s Strawberry Pie has been capping off the meals of hungry diners for decades. This copycat recipe recreates the sweet, intense fruit flavor and the smooth texture right in your home kitchen. Your taste buds will be delighted with each bite, ripe fresh strawberries, and a flaky pie crust will delight your friends and family. Enjoy one of the best homemade pies you can make.

Copycat Shoney's strawberry pie slice on a plate and the pie behind it.

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Table of Contents

Fresh strawberry pie

In its prime in the late 1990s, Shoney’s seemed to be everywhere in the Southeast and was gradually expanding around the country. While some rough economic times have meant this homestyle chain isn’t nearly as common as it once was, one dish remains just as popular – Shoney’s classic Strawberry Pie.

Fortunately, it’s easy to recreate this mouthwateringly fresh and fruity dessert at home. If you lived in the Northeast, you may have enjoyed this famous strawberry dessert at the restaurant known as Big Boy. No matter where you had the pie, it was the same famous dessert.

What makes Shoney’s Strawberry Pie so good?

Shoney’s may offer other pies and desserts, but nothing has ever touched the Strawberry Pie in terms of popularity. While cakes and traditional pies can be found just about anywhere, Shoney’s Strawberry is relatively unique thanks to the strawberry glaze and fresh fruit filling in a flaky crust. Most copycat recipes get the strawberries wrong, Shoney’s did not use sliced strawberries, they used beautiful whole strawberries.

On top of the freshness of the strawberries, strawberry Jell-O ensures every bite is practically exploding with fruit flavor.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Who doesn’t love a straightforward but delicious pie? This easy strawberry pie recipe is made simply with easy-to-find everyday ingredients like strawberry jello, cornstarch, sugar, and fresh strawberries. You can use your favorite pie crust recipe, or you can opt for a store-bought, refrigerated pie crust instead.

It’s also a super convenient dessert, as it doesn’t even need to be warmed up to serve once it’s been made.

My favorite time of the year to make this pie is the spring, the strawberries are just starting to come in, and it doesn’t get better than those juicy, ripe fresh berries.

Strawberry pie with Jello is easy to make!

Did I mention this pie is super easy to make? A simple glaze made with strawberry Jello is poured over fresh strawberries piled in a pie crust.

Strawberry pie ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this copycat Shoney’s strawberry pie recipe:

9-inch Deep Dish Pie Crust (9-inch diameter) – a frozen pie crust is most convenient and it comes with a pie pan
Fresh Strawberries
Strawberry Jello
Sugar
Cornstarch
Water
Whipped Cream for Serving

Other than strawberries and water, all are easily stashed away in the pantry and suitable for stocking up on if you’re a big fan of Shoney’s strawberry pie.

Copycat Shoney's strawberry pie ingredients on a tray.

Ingredient substitutions

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, substitute a gluten-free pie crust for a traditional one. Vegetarians can also enjoy Shoney’s Strawberry Pie if they swap out regular Jell-O (which contains gelatin derived from animals) for vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternatives.

You can also use a shortbread or graham cracker crust but then it won’t be like the Shoney’s pie.

How to make strawberry pie

Unlike many pies, the only baking that occurs with this unique dessert comes at the very beginning, with your pre-made pie crust:

Bake your pie crust as called for in the directions. Allow it to cool completely.
Wash the strawberries, hull them, and then slice them in half or quarters.
Combine the cornstarch, sugar, and water in a saucepan and heat. Once it begins to thicken, add the strawberry Jell-O.
Add the strawberries to the pie crust in an even layer, and pour the strawberry jello pie filing mixture over them.
Place the pie in the refrigerator for a few hours until the strawberry gelatin is fully set.
Serve the pie chilled or at room temperature.
Garnish with dollops of whipped cream.

Copycat Shoney's Strawberry pie slice next to the pie.

Decorating the pie

After the pie sets up, some home cooks add even more style and flavor by topping the pie with a layer or dollop of Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream. The creaminess is an ideal contrast to the tart and sweet strawberries.

However, this is entirely up to you, and some prefer to leave the pie as-is to let the eye-popping red strawberry filling stand out.

A whole copycat Shoney's strawberry garnished with whipped cream.

What goes well with Shoney’s strawberry pie

Beyond the whipped cream mentioned above, Shoney’s strawberry pie goes great with other dessert items, too. Among the best and easiest is to add a scoop of ice cream for pie à la mode. Vanilla is the classic, but for an extra decadent touch, use chocolate to mimic the flavors of indulgent chocolate-covered strawberries.

Afterward, wash it all down with a cup of coffee or tea or a glass of milk for a diner-style dessert to remember.

How to store fresh strawberry pie

Before storing your strawberry pie, let it cool completely. This will prevent any accumulation of moisture from condensation, which can harm the texture of the crust. Cover the pie with foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container. Enjoy the pie within three to four days.

Freezing isn’t recommended, as the freeze/thaw process can lead to an unpleasant texture for both the Jello-O and strawberries.

If you love other Shoney’s desserts be sure to check out the Hot Fudge Cake. I know you will love that one too!

Copycat Shoney's strawberry pie and a slice on a plate.

Love Strawberries? Check out these strawberry recipes

More of the best pie recipes

Be sure to take a look at more of my easy pie recipes and the best copycat recipes.