1. Prepare and Blind Bake the Crust:

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

Unroll the refrigerated pie crust onto a lightly floured surface (or directly into the pie plate if it’s pre-formed).

Transfer the crust to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edge to ½ inch beyond the rim of the plate. Fold the overhang under and flute the edge decoratively.

Refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes. Chilling prevents shrinking.

Line the unpricked crust with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil or parchment paper.

Fill with pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice. This prevents the bottom from puffing up.

Bake on a lower oven rack for 8 minutes.

Carefully remove the foil and weights.

Bake for 5 minutes longer, or until the bottom is lightly golden brown. This ensures a crisp crust.

Cool the baked crust completely on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Strawberries and Glaze Base:

While the crust cools, mash 1 cup of the strawberries; set aside. Slice the remaining strawberries and set aside separately.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch.

Stir in the water and the mashed strawberries until smooth.

3. Cook and Thicken the Glaze:

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.

Once boiling, continue to cook and stir until the glaze has thickened, about 2 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Stir in the strawberry gelatin until it is completely dissolved.

If desired, stir in a few drops of red food coloring.

4. Cool the Glaze Slightly:

Refrigerate the glaze until slightly cooled, about 15-20 minutes. It should still be pourable but not hot.

5. Assemble the Pie:

Spread about ⅓ cup of the slightly cooled glaze evenly over the bottom and up the sides of the cooled crust. This helps seal the crust.

Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries in the crust. You can arrange them decoratively in concentric circles or simply pile them in.

Spoon the remaining glaze evenly over the berries, ensuring they are well coated.

6. Chill Until Set:

Refrigerate the pie until the glaze is completely set, about 1-2 hours.

7. Serve:

Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream, if desired.

Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your beautiful Strawberry Glaze Pie!