I’m sorry you had issues with the recipe, the pie plate I baked it in is a large 9″ pie plate and does hold a lot maybe that is why you had leftover. As far as the strawberry flavor, I’m made this with delicious results and I’m sure it does have quite a bit to do with using ripe and sweet strawberries. If your strawberries are not ripe and sweet, the flavor most likely be as potent. I use strawberries from a farm stand and they are often really sweet and flavorful. But like with most pies and baked items, I select the best ingredients so they give the best flavor. Hope that may help for future baking endeavors!