Desserts
This Bob Evans Strawberry Supreme pie copycat recipe brings the restaurant’s iconic flaky crust and velvety pink filling straight to your kitchen. The secret lies in a high-ratio pie crust that stays crisp while supporting layers of tender strawberry filling, topped with whipped cream that never turns grainy.
I've perfected this recipe after years of testing—it's the closest you'll get to the original without stepping foot in the diner.
The foundation starts with a flaky crust made from cold butter and all-purpose flour, rolled out just thick enough to hold its shape without shrinking.
The strawberry filling is where the magic happens: a blend of fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch cooked until thick and glossy, then chilled to set properly before assembly. This ensures each slice delivers that signature pink, velvety texture that makes the pie unforgettable.
Baking at 375°F for 45 minutes creates a golden-brown crust with a filling that's perfectly set—not too runny, not too firm. The whipped cream topping, folded in just before serving, adds that light, airy contrast that balances the richness of the pie.
Every bite combines crisp crust, sweet-tart filling, and fluffy cream in perfect harmony.
This recipe serves 8-10, making it ideal for family gatherings or special occasions when you want to impress without the fuss. The assembly is straightforward, but the chilling steps are critical—don't skip them. Let's recreate that iconic Bob Evans dessert at home.
Ingredients for bob evans strawberry supreme pie copycat
Classic pie crust meets velvety strawberry filling—this copycat recipe delivers Bob Evans' signature texture.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 3 ½ cups | Sifted for flaky crust texture |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 1 ½ cups | Cold, cubed, high-fat content |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | 1 ½ cups | White sugar for classic sweetness |
| Fresh Strawberries 🍓 | 4 cups | Hull and slice uniformly |
| Cornstarch 🌾 | ½ cup | For thick, glossy filling |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 2 tbsp | Freshly squeezed for tartness |
| Vanilla Extract 🌿 | 1 tsp | Pure vanilla for depth |
| Heavy Whipping Cream 🥛 | 2 cups | Cold for stable whipped cream |
| Powdered Sugar 🍚 | ½ cup | For whipped cream sweetness |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Fine sea salt for balance |
| Ice Water 💧 | ¼ cup | For pie crust dough |
| Vanilla Bean Paste 🌿 | 1 tsp | Optional for extra flavor |
The pie crust is where precision matters most. Land O'Lakes unsalted butter (or Plugrá) works best for flakiness—never use margarine. If your butter's been in the fridge too long, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cubing. The King Arthur all-purpose flour is my go-to for pie crusts, but any high-quality brand works. Sift the flour before mixing to avoid dense spots. For the strawberries, buy the freshest you can find—Trader Joe's organic or local farmers' market berries have the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain completely, then pat dry with paper towels to prevent a soggy crust.
No fresh strawberries? Frozen unsweetened strawberries work in a pinch, but you'll need about 4.5 cups to compensate for lost volume. The cornstarch is non-negotiable here—it gives that signature glossy texture. If you're out, arrowroot powder at the same amount works too. For the lemon juice, fresh is best, but bottled in a squeeze bottle (like ReaLemon) saves time. The vanilla extract should be pure—Nielsen-Massey is a reliable brand. If you're feeling fancy, vanilla bean paste adds depth without overpowering. The heavy whipping cream must be cold when whipping to avoid graininess—pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes before starting.
Assembled pies keep best in the fridge for 3-4 days, though they taste best the first day. For longer storage, freeze the baked pie (without whipped cream) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The whipped cream should be made fresh before serving—it doesn't store well once folded. If you're prepping ahead, whip the cream separately and fold it in just before slicing. The pie crust can be made a day ahead and chilled—bring it to room temperature before rolling. This recipe doubles well, so make two pies for gatherings—King Arthur flour and Land O'Lakes butter are your friends here.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Assembly: I swear by this crust—just butter, flour, and ice water. No rolling pins, no stress. The secret’s in the cold butter cubes; they melt into flaky layers while you prep the filling, and honestly? That’s the kind of magic I’ll take over store-bought crusts any day.
- Strawberry Obsession: The filling is where this pie becomes dangerously good. Fresh strawberries simmered with sugar and cornstarch until they’re just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—no mushy middle, no watery mess. That caramelized edge? Pure reward for 15 minutes of stirring.
- Weekend or Weeknight: Between us, this pie is my go-to for anything. Brunch with coffee? Check. Dessert after a barbecue? Done. Even my picky teenage nephew asks for seconds—(yes, even on a Tuesday night). The crust holds up to slicing, and the filling stays firm enough to serve at room temp.
- Budget-Friendly Luxury: Fresh strawberries might seem fancy, but this recipe uses less than a pint—just enough to make the flavor pop without breaking the bank. The rest is pantry staples: butter, sugar, flour. And the best part? Leftovers? They’re better the next day, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Step-by-step instructions for Bob Evans strawberry supreme pie copycat recipe
Here's the method that delivers Bob Evans' signature flaky crust and ultra-fluffy pink layers every time.
Prepare the Classic Pie Crust
In a large bowl, combine the 3.5 cups all-purpose flour and 0.5 teaspoon salt. Cut in the 1.5 cups unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. This texture is crucial for achieving that signature flaky texture.
Gradually add the 0.25 cup ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—just until the dough holds when pressed. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step prevents shrinking and ensures a tender crust.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer to the dish, trim the edges, and crimp decoratively. Pre-bake the crust at 375°F for 15 minutes, then set aside while you prepare the filling.
Cook the Strawberry Filling to Perfection
In a large saucepan, combine the 4 cups fresh strawberries, 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 0.5 cup cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
You'll know it's ready when the filling coats the back of a spoon and forms a glossy sheen. Remove from heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste. Let the filling cool completely before assembling the pie—this prevents the crust from getting soggy.
Assemble the Supreme Layers
Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly into the pre-baked crust. In a separate bowl, whip the 2 cups heavy whipping cream with the 0.5 cup powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Fold in any remaining vanilla bean seeds for extra flavor. Spread this whipped cream layer over the strawberry filling.
To create the signature "supreme" look, sprinkle additional sliced strawberries decoratively over the whipped cream. This both enhances presentation and adds fresh strawberry flavor with each bite. Gently press down to create a smooth surface while maintaining the fluffy texture.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the assembled pie at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown. The center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. This indicates the filling has reached the perfect consistency—thick but still tender.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing. The pie will continue to set as it cools, developing that ideal balance between firm and creamy textures. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Pro Tips For Making Bob Evans Strawberry Supreme Pie Copycat
- Prep Strawberries Like a Pro: DESCRIPTION: Hull and slice them thick—about ¼-inch chunks—and toss immediately with the cornstarch mix. I learned this the hard way: thin slices turn mushy when they cook, and skipping the hulling means bitter green bits in every bite. (Yes, it’s tedious, but your pie will taste like it came from a bakery.)
- Chill the Dough First: DESCRIPTION: Wrap the pie crust in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling. Cold dough cracks less and rolls out smoother—this isn’t just a suggestion, it’s the thing that matters most when you’re dealing with butter-heavy crusts. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: DESCRIPTION: Stir the strawberry mixture just until combined—lumps are fine, but overworking it releases pectin and turns the filling gluey. I used to blend it smooth, and the texture was always off. Rough edges? That’s the sign of a properly balanced pie.
- Blind-Bake the Crust: DESCRIPTION: Roll out the bottom crust, line it with parchment, and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes before adding the filling—this prevents a soggy bottom. (Yes, it’s an extra step, but your crust will stay crispy, not sad.)
Essential equipment for this recipe
Pie Dish Essentials
You'll need a 9-inch glass or ceramic pie dish for that signature Bob Evans look. I recommend Pyrex for even heat distribution and easy cleanup. Avoid dark-colored metal dishes—they can overbake the crust edges.
If you don't have a pie dish, a 9-inch round cake pan works in a pinch, but it won't give that classic pie shape.
For the pie weights, use dried beans or pie weights to prevent the crust from puffing up during pre-baking. I keep a bag of dried black beans in my pantry specifically for this purpose.
If you don't have weights, cut parchment paper to fit the crust and fill it with rice or dried beans.
Mixing Tools
A pastry cutter or two forks are essential for cutting cold butter into flour to create flaky layers. I prefer a Norpro pastry cutter because it's easier to control than forks. For mixing the filling, use a medium saucepan with a wooden spoon—stainless steel can scorch the strawberries.
Don't skip the fine-mesh sieve for dusting powdered sugar over the whipped cream. A sifter works too, but I find a sieve gives me more control. For measuring, a liquid measuring cup for the water and a dry measuring cup for flour and sugar are must-haves.
I swear by OXO Good Grips for their accuracy.
Chilling Equipment
Proper chilling is key for both the crust and filling. I use a large baking sheet to chill the assembled pie before baking—it helps the filling set evenly.
For the dough, a plastic wrap or beeswax wrap works best to prevent drying. Never skip the 1-hour chill for the crust before rolling.
A thermometer isn't strictly necessary but helps perfect the filling. I use a candy thermometer to monitor the strawberry mixture—it should reach 212°F before it's ready.
For the oven, a digital oven thermometer ensures your 375°F setting is accurate. I keep a Thermoworks one in my kitchen for all baking projects.
Whipping Accessories
The whipped cream topping requires cold bowls and beaters. I use a stainless steel bowl from my Cuisinart set—it stays cold longer than glass. For whipping, either a hand mixer or stand mixer works, but I prefer the KitchenAid Artisan for its power and consistency.
Never use plastic bowls for cold cream—they can cause the cream to break.
For the final presentation, keep tweezers handy to place decorative strawberry slices on top. I also like having a small offset spatula to smooth the whipped cream layer before adding the garnish. A pastry brush comes in handy for brushing egg wash on the crust if you want extra shine.
Optional Upgrades
For that restaurant-quality finish, invest in a pie server—I love the OXO Good Grips version. It makes clean slices without crushing the filling. A pie cooling rack prevents soggy bottoms while the pie sets. I also keep disposable aluminum pie pans on hand for transport to gatherings.
For flavor upgrades, stock fresh vanilla beans and high-quality vanilla extract. I like Madagascar vanilla beans for their rich aroma. A microplane helps extract maximum flavor from the beans. For the crust, cold butter is non-negotiable—I use Land O'Lakes or Plugrá for the best results.
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Bob Evans pie recipe use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening?
Cornstarch creates a smoother, glossier texture in the strawberry filling compared to flour. It thickens at lower temperatures, preserving the berries' natural flavor while giving that signature velvety consistency. Flour would make the filling cloudy and more opaque, which isn't what you want in this dessert.
Can I make this pie ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes! Bake the pie without the whipped cream topping, then cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding fresh whipped cream. The crust stays crisp, and the filling maintains its texture perfectly.
What's the secret to getting that perfect flaky crust?
Cold butter is key—keep it chilled until mixing, and cut it into the flour until you get pea-sized pieces. The 1-hour chill before rolling prevents shrinking, and pre-baking the crust for 15 minutes at 375°F ensures it holds its shape without getting soggy. Never skip these steps!
Can I substitute frozen strawberries for fresh?
but use 4.5 cups of thawed, drained, and dried frozen berries to compensate for lost volume. For best results, pat them thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make the crust soggy. The flavor won't be identical, but it's a great solution when fresh berries aren't available.
Why does the whipped cream need to be made fresh before serving?
Whipped cream loses its airiness and can turn grainy when stored, even in the fridge. Making it fresh ensures those perfect soft peaks that contrast beautifully with the dense filling. If you're prepping ahead, whip the cream separately and fold it in just before serving to maintain that restaurant-quality texture.
