For instance, when it was time for me to make my choice about college, I had scholarships at several universities. The one university that I really wanted to go to offered a full tuition scholarship to any student who scored above a certain number on the ACT. Well, I knew my parents didn’t really have the money to send me to college, but I really wanted to go. So, I studied and worked my rear off and finally got the score I wanted (after a few tries).
Well, I’ll save you the dramatic details, but it didn’t work out. I had the apartment and everything, but that door closed. As result, I found myself at a local university that was only about 30 minutes from home. It ended up as the most amazing college experience I could have ever imagined. And chances are, had I not found myself close to home, I may not have rekindled the relationship with my high school sweetheart and might not be married to her right now with the most amazing little boy. You see where I’m going here?
While it was disappointing not being able to go to my dream college, I ended up having something even better happen. It can be something simple like catching a glimpse of a beautiful rainbow on the way home only because you got diverted to another route due to traffic or an accident.
It can be something big like ending up with an amazing spouse and best friend because God’s plan wasn’t to send you to the college you had your heart set on. Things just have a way of working out. Whether you find yourself on the pinnacle of life or down in the valley, you’re there for a reason.
And though you may not always have the vision to see it, the door that was slammed in your face was slammed because the sun is streaming through a window right around the corner and it’s the sunshine you need to see.
You’ve just got to have the courage to go open that window.
Y’all, this pie is a family favorite. My mom has been making it for as long as I can remember. If you love the strawberry pie from Shoney’s, you’ll love this one, too.
It’s got tons of great strawberry flavor and is super easy to make.
And this recipe has a little twist… When I was growing up, one of my Dad’s best friends was a diabetic. Mom would make the low sugar version of this pie just for him.
I’ve offered it up both ways below so you can choose if you want to go the low sugar route or not. Y’all enjoy!
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) can lemon-lime soda
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry jello
- 1 (16-ounce) container of strawberries
- 1 (9-inch) prepared pie crust (regular or graham cracker), baked according to the package instructions
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring the lemon-lime soda and cornstarch to a boil. Boil until the liquid is nearly clear - about 3 minutes. Remove from the stove and add the jello, mix well.
- While the mixture cools, wash, hull, and cut the strawberries in half. Stir the strawberries into the gelatin mixture and pour into the prepared pie crust. Chill until set. Serve with fresh whipped cream or thawed frozen whipped topping.
Low Sugar Fresh Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) can diet lemon-lime soda
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 1 (0.3-ounce) box sugar free strawberry jello
- 1 (16-ounce) container of strawberries
- 1 (9-inch) prepared pie crust (regular or graham cracker), baked according to the package instructions
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring the lemon-lime soda and cornstarch to a boil. Boil until the liquid is nearly clear - about 3 minutes. Remove from the stove and add the jello, mix well.
- While the mixture cools, wash, hull, and cut the strawberries in half. Stir the strawberries into the gelatin mixture and pour into the prepared pie crust. Chill until set. Serve with fresh whipped cream or thawed sugar-free frozen whipped topping.
Lark says
I totally understand the “blessings of unanswered prayers”. Sometime I am not happy about them at the moment they are happening (lol) If it is ment to be it will be.!
Great recipe, thanks for sharing
Joan says
I’m going to try the pie tomorrow. Tonight, I will just say … no prayer goes unanswered, but you might not like the answer. And, sometimes it takes awhile to see what the answer was….as in your case with the rekindling of a relationship.
Tina Salyer says
Thank you for another diabetic recipe….this reminds me of the Shoney’s Strawberry Pie…
Stacey says
A Shoney’s Strawberry Pie is one of my wife’s favorite things. It is a bit like that. She loves this one, too.
Stacey English says
Was wanting a strawberry pie recipe for Memorial Day. You are my go-to for recipes. I knew I would find something similar to the Shoney’s strawberry pie on your site!
Stacey says
You’re so sweet. I hope this turns out great for you. My family just loves it!
Lori Bagley says
Unanswered prayer. Glad to have finally figured that one out! I can look back and see how God worked things out for me and am so thankful!
The pie looks SO good! I have everything but the soda and I can run down to the convenience store for that! I am sure it will be better than that gel stuff you can buy to make a pie. (What’s that made of anyway?)
Stacey says
I have no idea what’s in that stuff! This recipe has a jelly-like consistency, but at least you know what’s in it. 🙂
Judith says
I made the sugar-free version last night – definitely a keeper!
Stacey says
So glad you enjoyed it, Judith!!
Shannon says
I am so happy that I found your blog and the diabetic version of your strawberry pie. Even though strawberry season is coming to an end, here in NE Tennessee, we still have a supply of amazingly super sweet strawberries. I have been buying them like crazy. I am definitely making this pie (diabetic version) for my friend’s father, so he can enjoy them too! Thanks!
Stacey says
My Mom has been making this pie for diabetic friends for years. It’s so easy and tastes great. So glad you found the site! Welcome, welcome!
Susan says
I just found your website. And as I was looking at the wonderful recipes you have here, I found this one. My family and I love strawberry pie, but I never make it because of that gel stuff! More importantly, I was feeling really down, because of what seems like unanswered prayer. Your words were a God-send to me at exactly the right time. He is directing our steps! I’m thankful to Him for His bigger plan and your typing those wise words of encouragement, and sharing your experience on line for me to see! Thank You!!! I’m looking forward to making this pie for my family.
Stacey says
Hi Susan! Welcome! I’m so glad that you found comfort in the post. God led you to it. The truth is, it is very difficult to feel that prayers have gone unanswered, but it’s been my experience that there are no such thing as unanswered prayers. Sometimes the answer just isn’t the one we want. Just trust that God has your best interest at heart and that the right thing will happen. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you and your family will enjoy this pie as much as my family does.
Sharon says
Fantastic and simple!
Yes, we all hop on the road map of life. Lots of different directions to go 🙂 Always something new to see!
Stacey says
So true!
Sheila Shapley says
I don’t think we have unanswered prayers we might get a no, a wait or I (GOD) have a better way. I guess some may say they are unanswered but I know God still answers.
EVELYN says
The diabetic version…the jello box is very LIGHT as there is no sugar…can you correct the size in the recipe?
DIANE says
thank you for this recipe…my mom loves berry pie and she, me, my dad and my sister are all diabetic…will definitely give it a try
Stacey says
Awesome! Hope y’all enjoy it!
DIANE SHIELDS says
have made this diabetic version so many times…..thought about doing a peach version but just can’t seem to find SF peach jello….what would you suggest? I live close to Chilton county. I was thinking using some of those fresh peaches would be a nice change of pace.
Stacey says
I think the peach sounds like a great idea, though I’m not sure I’ve seen the sugar free peach jello either. Love me some Chilton County peaches!!
DIANE SHIELDS says
found the SF peach jello at the Piggly Wiggly in Montevallo…..the pie turned out great….a great way to use all the wonderful peaches I get every year
Stacey says
I’m on the hunt for it now! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it, Diane!
Debi says
Amazon has sugar free peach Jello and a bundle with 8 different kinds
https://www.amazon.com/Jell-Gelatin-Sampler-Different-Flavors/dp/B00DJZUPHQ/ref=asc_df_B00DJZUPHQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312191697023&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16543835756584783378&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001917&hvtargid=pla-568061083150&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Jell-Peach-Sugar-Gelatin-3-pack/dp/B00TR21WN6/ref=asc_df_B00TR21WN6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241941845209&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16543835756584783378&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001917&hvtargid=pla-629740782171&psc=1
Good Luck!
Debi
Teeta Sawyer-Simmons says
Have made this twice!! I was skeptical of the diet 7-up but it is really good!!
Don’t hesitate, try this, super easy and good!
Stacey says
So glad you’ve enjoyed it, Teeta!!
Melody says
For as long as I can remember, my birthday cake has been german chocolate, strawberry shortcake or strawberry pie. Once I was diagnosed diabetic, they all went away and I ended up with plain strawberries and whipped cream. This year, thanks to you, I’m going to have Strawberry Pie again!
Stacey says
Yay! Happy Birthday!!
Melody says
Oh my! This was just perfect! So many recipes use corn syrup or so much sugar that all you taste is the goop. This was the perfect amount of sweetness so that you could still enjoy the strawberries!
Stacey says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it!!
Louis Ramirez says
Sounds like a good idea I will send another email when I make the strawberry pie
Stacey says
Enjoy!!
Jolene Muckley says
I was looking for a diabetic friendly strawberry pie we could serve for Easter so my mom could eat the same dessert as everyone else. Everybody loved the pie and couldn’t tell it was sugar-free. Even my husband, who considers himself a connoisseur of strawberry pies, was impressed and said he’d eat this recipe any time. Thank you for a great recipe!
Stacey says
I’d say that’s high praise! So glad to hear everyone enjoyed it!!
Beverly says
I can’t wait to make this pie! Unfortunately, the grocery store strawberries often aren’t very good and living in Pennsylvania, my local farm market doesn’t have their fresh strawberries until June!!! I guess I’ll just keep being that crazy lady smelling the grocery store strawberries every week hoping I can get some that will taste like berries! But I will make this as soon as I can. Thanks for sharing! You have the BEST desserts!
Stacey says
Thanks so much, Beverly! And good luck finding the best ones! I’m always the crazy person doing just the same thing! LOL
mary says
Hi Stacey!
Would u happen to have any other suger free recipes? I’m thrilled to see this strawberry pie made without adding any suger! I’d love to make some pies for Thanksgiving but seems all r made with sugar! Thanks! Can’t wait to try this in the summer????
Stacey says
This is the only one I have right now, but hope to work on some more in the new year! 🙂
Jane M. says
Made your pie a few nights ago, Stacey, and my son said it was pretty good. I informed him I acquired the recipe from the same guy who posted the recipe for ‘Shortcut Cajun Chicken Pasta’ which he really likes. He views that as a good thing. Your recipes are easy/quick, don’t require an extensive ingredients list and very tasty. Thank you for all you do.
Stacey says
Thanks, Jane! These are the comments I enjoy the most!
Louise says
Lemon-lime soda, huh. Oh, you’re a sneaky one…..that has to add a little extra punch! YUM. Can’t wait to try this on a nice spring day; it looks fabulous. Thanks!
Stacey says
Thanks so much! The lemon-lime soda does give it a pop of flavor! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Mary says
I love this pie! My mother made it all the time too. She also made it with fresh peaches and peach jello. It’s my favourite! Can’t wait till peaches come in. We have the best peach orchards here in South Carolina!
Stacey says
The peach version sounds amazing!
Tk says
Let’s face it – there is no god ! But there are really good strawberry pie recipes !( After all any sort of “totally all powerful god would have no needs whatsoever “ including any need to make recipes and making a universe . That’s only human perceptions due to be unable/ unwilling and a natural fear to face death. Makes dying a little easier) . Anyway being said – it’s a good recipe . Thanks.
Lynne says
Is the pie crust deep dish or regular?
Stacey says
Hi Lynne! It’s a regular pie crust.
Jaye C says
Stacey, thanks so much for sharing your unanswered prayer story… I needed and appreciated it. It reminded of Garth Brooks song, Unanswered Prayers. Plan to try the pie this weekend. It looks yummy and fairly easy!!
Stacey says
That’s one of my favorites! Hope you enjoy the pie, Jaye!