Five Minute Patriotic Pie
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If you’re short on time this 4th of July but still want to serve something festive and delicious, this Five Minute Patriotic Pie is a summer lifesaver! It’s one of the easiest pies you’ll ever make, thanks to a clever thickening product that requires no cooking at all. I’ve found two reliable brands here in Utah—Ultra Gel and Ultimate Gel—and they’re available at most local grocery stores. If you’re outside the area, check your baking aisle or ask your store’s staff; chances are there’s a similar product near you.
With just a few ingredients and a handful of minutes, you can create a fresh fruit pie that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for celebrating the red, white, and blue. I start with a base of juicy strawberries, folded into the thickened filling, then spoon it into a pre-baked pie crust. To finish, I pipe on whipped cream and decorate with plump blueberries for a patriotic touch. It’s simple, refreshing, and absolutely delicious—this pie is proof that quick can still be impressive!
Ingredients for Five Minute Patriotic Berry Pie
- PREPARED PIE CRUST (I JUST USE MARIE CALLENDER’S FOR CRUST COOKED ACCORDING TO THE PACKAGE)
- FRESH STRAWBERRIES
- WATER
- SUGAR
- STRAWBERRY KOOL-AID
- ULTRA GEL OR ULTIMATE GEL
- WHIPPED CREAM
- POWDERED SUGAR
- VANILLA
- FRESH BLUEBERRIES
Instructions for Five Minute Patriotic Pie
Prep the Strawberries – Wash the fresh strawberries, remove the tops, and slice them in half. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Make the Fruit Filling – In a large mixing bowl, stir together:
- water
- granulated sugar
- strawberry Kool-Aid powder (for color and flavor)
Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Then, gradually whisk in 4–5 tablespoons of Ultra Gel or Ultimate Gel, adding one tablespoon at a time and whisking thoroughly between additions. Stop once the mixture reaches a thick, glossy consistency.
Fold in the Strawberries – Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the thickened mixture until evenly coated. Spoon the filling into a pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top.
Whip the Cream – In a separate bowl, whip together:
- heavy whipping cream
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
Beat until firm peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag or use a spoon to decorate the pie with swirls of whipped cream around the edges and a dollop in the center.
Add the Blueberries – Finish by placing fresh blueberries around the rim and on top of the whipped cream for a festive red, white, and blue look.
Chill & Serve – Place the pie in the fridge until ready to serve. It’s best enjoyed chilled and fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this pie set without baking?
The magic comes from Ultra Gel or Ultimate Gel, which are instant thickening agents that don’t require heat. They create a smooth, stable filling in minutes—perfect for fresh fruit pies.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best for texture and appearance. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid a watery filling.
How far in advance can I make this pie?
You can prepare it up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and add whipped cream and blueberries right before serving for the freshest look.
How long does this pie keep?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit may soften slightly, but the flavor stays fresh.
Can I use other fruits for a different color theme?
Definitely! Try raspberries, blackberries, or even cherries for the red layer. Just keep the patriotic color scheme in mind if serving for a holiday.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Patriotic Cupcakes
- The Best Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats
- Patriotic Parfaits
- Patriotic Shortcake Parfaits
Five Minute Patriotic Pie
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust I just use Marie Callendar’s for crust cooked according to the package
- 1 ½ lb fresh strawberries
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp strawberry Kool-Aid
- 4-5 Tbsp of Ultra Gel or Ultimate Gel
- ½ cup whipped cream
- 1 Tbsp heaping powdered sugar
- dash vanilla
- 18 or so fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries, remove the tops, and slice in half.
- In a large bowl, combine the water, sugar, Kool-Aid until sugar is dissolved. Then add the Ultra Gel or Ultimate Gel one Tbsp at a time, whisked to mix in each time. One you have reached the desired thickness fold in the strawberries and pour into the pie crust.
- Whip the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla until firm peaks form. Pipe the whipped cream around the pie and add a squeeze in the middle. Decorate with blueberries and enjoy.
Nutrition
Adapted from 5-Minute Fresh Strawberry Pie as seen on Studio 5.
