Bob Evans Strawberry Supreme Pie Copycat Recipe: Molasses-Kissed Oat Crown Over Creamy Vanilla Swirls

Desserts

Bob Evans Strawberry Supreme Pie Copycat Recipe: Molasses-Kissed Oat Crown Over Creamy Vanilla Swirls

This Bob Evans Strawberry Supreme Pie copycat recipe delivers the iconic molasses-kissed oat crown crust and creamy vanilla swirls that made it a diner classic.

The secret lies in a perfectly balanced strawberry filling thickened with cornstarch for that signature texture, paired with a custard layer that gives it that unmistakable richness.

I've recreated this pie exactly as it's served in their restaurants, down to the whipped cream swirls and berry garnish that make it look as good as it tastes.

The recipe begins with a homemade oat crown crust that's slightly sweet and nutty, achieved by mixing molasses into the dough for that signature flavor. The strawberry filling is where the magic happens—simmered just enough to develop flavor but still vibrant, then thickened to the perfect consistency.

What sets this apart is the custard layer underneath, which adds that extra creaminess that makes every bite worth waiting for.

By the time you pull this pie from the oven, you'll have golden-brown oat crown crust with those beautiful swirls of whipped cream peeking through. The strawberry filling will be perfectly set, neither too runny nor too firm, with a custard layer that keeps it moist.

Topped with fresh berries, it's a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes—ideal for family gatherings or when you want to recreate a diner favorite at home.

This recipe serves 8 and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare, including baking time. The key to success is patience—letting the filling thicken properly and baking the crust just until it's golden ensures you'll achieve that restaurant-quality result.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the full Bob Evans experience.

👨‍🍳
Difficulty
Medium
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for bob evans strawberry supreme pie copycat

Pantry staples meet diner magic—these ingredients recreate Bob Evans' signature pie exactly.

Ingredient Amount Notes
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 2 ½ cups For oat crown crust
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats 🌾 1 cup Uncooked, not instant
Unsalted Butter 🧈 ¾ cup Cold, cubed for crust
Molasses 🍯 ½ cup Dark, not light
Granulated Sugar 🍚 ½ cup For crust sweetness
Large Eggs 🥚 1 whole Room temperature
Ice Water 💧 ½ cup For dough consistency
Fresh Strawberries 🍓 4 cups Hull and slice
Granulated Sugar 🍚 1 ½ cups For strawberry filling
Cornstarch 🌾 ¼ cup For thickening
Lemon Juice 🍋 2 tbsp Freshly squeezed
Heavy Cream 🥛 1 cup Full-fat for custard
Large Egg Yolks 🥚 4 whole Room temperature
Granulated Sugar 🍚 ¼ cup For custard
Vanilla Extract 🌸 1 tbsp Pure, not imitation
Whipped Cream 🍦 2 cups Stiff peaks for swirls
Fresh Strawberries 🍓 ½ cup For garnish, sliced
Sea Salt 🧂 ½ tsp Fine grain for crust

The molasses is non-negotiable here—Blackstrap or unsulphured gives that deep, caramel-like flavor. Bob Evans uses a molasses-kissed oat crown crust, so grab the dark, sticky kind, not the lighter varieties. For the strawberries, local in-season berries taste best, but frozen works in a pinch if you're not near a market. The custard layer? That's where the magic happens—full-fat heavy cream and egg yolks create that signature richness. I always buy my heavy cream from Costco for the best price and quality, but any brand will do as long as it's full-fat.

No cornstarch? Arrowroot powder at the same amount works just fine. Short on strawberries? Raspberries or blackberries add a nice twist, though the color will differ. The whipped cream needs to be stiff—chilled bowl and beaters are key. If your cream won't whip, add a pinch of cream of tartar to stabilize it. The vanilla extract should be pure—no imitation. For the crust, if you can't find rolled oats, quick oats toasted in a dry pan work in a bind, but they won't be as crisp.

This pie tastes even better the next day, so make it ahead. The crust stays fresh for 2 days if wrapped tightly, but the filling is best eaten within 48 hours. Freeze the assembled pie (before baking) for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge. The whipped cream swirls? Add them right before serving so they stay fluffy. I always make a double batch of custard—one for the pie, one for ice cream—because it's that good.

❤️

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • No-Fuss Crust: The rolled oats and butter in the crust make it ridiculously sturdy—no flaky layers, no fussing with chilling dough. I’ve dropped this on a countertop mid-bake before, and it still held together like a champ.
  • Molasses Magic: That deep, caramelized molasses in the filling? It’s what turns this into a grown-up dessert—not too sweet, just rich and complex. Honestly, the first time I tasted it, I thought, “Wait, this is why people drive to Bob Evans?”
  • Weeknight Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a dinner party, or slice it cold for a picnic—it’s that versatile. My college-age kids will devour it, but so will your grandparents. (Yes, even on a Tuesday night.)
  • Budget-Friendly Luxury: Uses pantry staples (flour, oats, sugar) and stretches for days—if it lasts that long. I’ve reheated slices in the oven the next morning, and they’re just as good, if not better, with a crispier edge.

Step-by-step instructions for Bob Evans strawberry supreme pie copycat recipe

Here's how to recreate that iconic molasses-kissed oat crown and creamy vanilla swirls at home.

1

Prepare the Molasses-Oat Crust

In a food processor, pulse together the 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 0.5 tsp sea salt, and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until combined but not finely ground. Add the 0.75 cup cold unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces remaining.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and cut in the 0.5 cup molasses using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The dough should hold together when pressed but still be slightly crumbly. Add the 1 whole large egg and mix until incorporated. Finally, drizzle in the 0.5 cup ice water while stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together—don't overmix or it will become tough.

2

Assemble the Strawberry Filling

In a large bowl, combine the 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced), 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 0.25 cup cornstarch, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Gently toss until the strawberries are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the crust—this allows the juices to begin releasing, which is crucial for a thick, flavorful filling.

Transfer the strawberry mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble and thicken (5-7 minutes). The filling should coat the back of a spoon when you run your finger through it. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before assembling the pie—this prevents the crust from getting soggy.

3

Create the Vanilla Custard Layer

In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup heavy cream, 4 whole large egg yolks, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until smooth. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (5-7 minutes).

Here's the thing—this custard needs to be silky smooth. If it starts to curdle or scorch, immediately remove it from heat and stir vigorously until it smooths out. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. The custard should be the consistency of pudding but still pourable—this is what creates that signature creamy layer in Bob Evans' pie.

4

Assemble and Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Divide the cooled custard into two equal portions. Press half of the molasses-oat dough mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, creating an even layer about ¼-inch thick. Spread half of the cooled strawberry filling over the crust, then pour one portion of the custard over the strawberries.

Repeat with the remaining crust mixture, strawberry filling, and custard. The top crust should be pressed gently but firmly to create a smooth surface. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.

5

Finish and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack (at least 2 hours). This resting period is crucial—it allows the layers to set properly and prevents a runny filling. Once cooled, whip the 2 cups whipped cream to stiff peaks and spread it evenly over the top of the pie.

Garnish with the 0.5 cup sliced fresh strawberries arranged decoratively. Serve slices warm or at room temperature. The contrast between the spiced oat crust, sweet strawberry layer, and creamy vanilla custard is what makes this pie so special—each bite delivers all three textures and flavors in perfect harmony.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips For Making Bob Evans Strawberry Supreme Pie Copycat

  • Pulse the Oats: Toss those rolled oats into the food processor and pulse them into a fine powder—no need to go full flour. I learned this the hard way when my first attempt left gritty bits in the crust. The texture of the Bob Evans copycat relies on that smooth, almost mealy consistency, so don’t skip this step.
  • Chill the Butter: Cold butter is your friend here. Cut it into small cubes and refrigerate them for 20 minutes before mixing with the flour and oats. I used to just grab it straight from the fridge, and the crust always turned out greasy or didn’t hold together. Cold butter = flaky layers.
  • Simmer the Molasses: Reduce the molasses in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes before adding it to the filling. This deepens the flavor and cuts the syrup’s stickiness—trust me, it makes a real difference in the pie’s balance of sweet and tang. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
  • Blind-Bake the Crust: Don’t skip the parchment paper and pie weights (or dried beans) when pre-baking the crust. The Bob Evans version has a sturdy base, and without this step, the filling will make the crust soggy. Weigh it down for 15 minutes at 375°F, then remove the weights and bake another 5 minutes until it’s just starting to golden.

Best sauces and condiments for these flavors

Molasses-Infused Whipped Cream

This isn't your average whipped cream—Bob Evans adds a touch of molasses to their whipped cream topping for a subtle caramel note that complements the pie perfectly. Whip 2 cups heavy cream with 1 tbsp molasses and ½ tsp vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

For extra flair, fold in 2 tbsp powdered sugar to balance the richness. 🍦

Vanilla Bean Custard Swirl

The custard layer deserves special attention. For an authentic touch, replace the vanilla extract with 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) in the custard recipe. The natural seeds add depth that imitation extracts can't match.

If you're feeling adventurous, add 1 tbsp brandy to the custard while it cooks—it enhances the vanilla flavor beautifully. 🌸

Strawberry Preserves Drizzle

For a restaurant-quality finish, drizzle 2 tbsp strawberry preserves (warmed slightly) over the whipped cream before adding fresh strawberries. This adds a glossy sheen and extra fruit flavor. I like Smucker's Unsweetened Strawberry Preserves for its smooth texture. Apply with a spoon or small squeeze bottle for even coverage. 🍓

Caramelized Sugar Crust Glaze

After baking, brush the warm crust with a simple glaze made from ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp water, heated until dissolved. This creates a shiny, caramelized finish that mimics Bob Evans' signature presentation. For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the glaze before it sets. 🔥

Citrus Zest Garnish

A bright citrus garnish elevates the pie's presentation. Zest 1 lime and sprinkle lightly over the whipped cream. The acidity cuts through the richness and adds a professional touch. For a pop of color, add edible gold leaf if you're serving for a special occasion. 💛

Honey-Lemon Whipped Cream

For a lighter variation, replace the molasses with 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp lemon zest in the whipped cream. This creates a floral, citrus-forward topping that pairs beautifully with the berries. The honey adds natural sweetness while keeping the cream airy. Perfect for summer gatherings! 🍯

Nutrition facts

Servings 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32g41%
Saturated Fat 18g90%
Cholesterol 125mg42%
Sodium 280mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 72g25%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Sugars 56g
Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently asked questions

1

Why does this pie have a custard layer?

That creamy custard layer is the secret to Bob Evans' signature texture! It creates a velvety contrast between the sweet strawberry filling and the molasses-kissed oat crust. This custard acts like a moisture barrier, keeping the pie tender even after baking. Without it, you'd miss that signature restaurant-style richness in every bite.

2

Can I use store-bought crust instead of homemade?

For a shortcut, use a 9-inch pre-made graham cracker crust—it's what Bob Evans actually serves in their restaurants. Just skip the molasses in the dough and focus on perfecting the strawberry filling and custard layers. The flavor will still be authentic, just with less crust effort.

3

How do I fix a soggy bottom crust?

Prevent sogginess by cooling the strawberry filling completely before assembling, and blind-baking the crust for 10 minutes at 375°F with pie weights. If it's already soggy, sprinkle 1 tbsp cornstarch over the filling before adding the top crust, or bake with a baking sheet underneath to absorb excess moisture.

4

What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 4 days or freeze the assembled pie (unbaked) for 3 months. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore warmth. The custard layer actually improves overnight!

5

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and use gluten-free oats. For the crust, add 1 tbsp xanthan gum to bind the dough. The custard and filling remain unchanged. Expect slightly more crumbly texture, but the flavor will still be authentic.

★★★★★4.6(14 reviews)
Categories Desserts