Every time strawberries come into season, I can’t help but crave this strawberry custard pie recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels light, creamy, and just sweet enough to keep me coming back for more.

The buttery crust, smooth vanilla custard, and fresh strawberries create a beautiful balance of flavor and texture. I love making it for family dinners, picnics, or just because I need something pretty and delicious in the fridge.
If you’re like me and love fruit-forward desserts that still feel indulgent, you’ll want to save this recipe right away.
How To Make Strawberry Custard Pie Recipe
🕒 Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: One 9-inch pie (serves 8)
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch pie pan
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Oven
🍓 Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 3–4 tbsp ice water
For the custard filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For the strawberry layer
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, if your berries are not sweet)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Pie Crust
I start by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl. Then I cut in the butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. I add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together. Once it’s ready, I wrap it in plastic and chill it for 30 minutes.
2. Roll and Bake the Crust
I roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and transfer it to my pie pan. I trim the edges, prick the bottom with a fork, and blind-bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes using pie weights. Then I remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Prepare the Custard
While the crust cools, I whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. I cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens—about 8 minutes. Once thick, I remove it from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
4. Assemble the Pie
I pour the cooled custard into the baked pie shell and smooth it out. Then I arrange the strawberries on top, cut side down. If they aren’t super sweet, I sprinkle a little sugar over them for extra shine and flavor.
5. Chill and Serve
I chill the pie for at least 2 hours before slicing. It sets beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions For Strawberry Custard Pie Recipe
This pie tastes best cold. I like serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of strawberry sauce on the side. It pairs perfectly with iced tea or a vanilla latte. For summer get-togethers, this pie always steals the show.
💡 Tips and Variations for Strawberry Custard Pie Recipe
- If you’re short on time, use a store-bought pie crust.
- Swap the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries.
- Add lemon zest to the custard for a citrus twist.
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version—it’s delicious.
- You can glaze the strawberries with warm apricot jam for a shiny finish.
🥗 Health Benefits for Strawberry Custard Pie Recipe
Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. I try to use fresh, organic berries when I can. The custard gives a good dose of protein from the eggs and calcium from the milk. It’s indulgent, yes—but it still offers a little nutritional value with each slice.
🔍 Nutrition Facts Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
🧊 How to Store
I cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing it because the custard texture changes when thawed.
📝 Note
I always recommend letting the pie chill long enough so the custard fully sets. If you rush it, the slices won’t hold up as well. Also, using ripe, sweet strawberries makes all the difference in flavor.
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
I wouldn’t. Frozen strawberries release too much water and make the pie soggy.
Can I make the custard in advance?
Yes! I sometimes make it the day before and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to assemble.
How do I know when the custard is thick enough?
It should coat the back of a spoon. Don’t let it boil, or the eggs will scramble.
✅ Conclusion
This strawberry custard pie recipe is more than just a pretty dessert—it’s the kind of treat that feels like comfort in every bite. The silky custard, the burst of fresh strawberries, and that buttery crust always make me feel like I’ve made something special.
It’s simple enough for a weekday and elegant enough for any celebration. I love how it brings out the best of fresh strawberries in the creamiest way. If you try it, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to pie recipes too.
Strawberry Custard Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I start by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl. Then I cut in the butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. I add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together. Once it’s ready, I wrap it in plastic and chill it for 30 minutes.
- I roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and transfer it to my pie pan. I trim the edges, prick the bottom with a fork, and blind-bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes using pie weights. Then I remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust cools, I whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. I cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens—about 8 minutes. Once thick, I remove it from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- I pour the cooled custard into the baked pie shell and smooth it out. Then I arrange the strawberries on top, cut side down. If they aren’t super sweet, I sprinkle a little sugar over them for extra shine and flavor.
- I chill the pie for at least 2 hours before slicing. It sets beautifully and tastes even better the next day.