If you’re ready to take your desserts and breakfasts from ordinary to extraordinary, you need to make this Strawberry Sauce. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a jewel-toned, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce that transforms everything it touches. This homemade strawberry sauce bursts with fresh flavor and makes the perfect topping for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt, and so much more. Simple, approachable, and exceptionally delicious, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is refreshingly short, but each item is completely essential for creating the best strawberry sauce. Every element plays a key role in enhancing the taste, texture, and irresistible color of the finished sauce.
- Fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Ripe strawberries add natural sweetness, vivid color, and juicy texture to the sauce.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps build that luscious syrupy consistency.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness with a hint of tartness.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla brings a warm, aromatic depth, making the strawberry flavor pop.
How to Make Strawberry Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by washing and dicing your strawberries into bite-sized pieces. If you want an extra smooth sauce, you can chop them a little smaller, but bigger chunks will give you those gorgeous bursts of fruit in every spoonful.
Step 2: Combine in a Saucepan
Add the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract together in a medium saucepan. Don’t worry if it looks thick or dry—once things start to heat up, the strawberries will release all their juiciness.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, giving it the occasional stir. Watch as those strawberries begin to break down and blend beautifully with the syrupy base you’re creating.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes. The sauce will thicken as the strawberries soften and break apart, and you’ll notice the syrup reduces by about one third to one half in volume. It’s magical watching the transformation!
Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Strain (Optional)
Your strawberry sauce will become thicker as it cools, so if it’s too thick for your liking, just whisk in a little water until you reach your desired consistency. For an ultra-smooth finish, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids. Or, leave it chunky for a rustic touch—the choice is yours!
How to Serve Strawberry Sauce
Garnishes
Top your finished Strawberry Sauce with a few extra slices of fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for that fresh-off-the-farm flair. A little mint leaf can make a simple bowl of ice cream look downright fancy.
Side Dishes
This vibrant sauce pairs beautifully with a stack of fluffy pancakes, plush waffles, or a simple bowl of vanilla yogurt. It’s also fantastic over oatmeal, swirled into milk, or drizzled onto French toast. Honestly, there are few things not improved by a spoonful!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Strawberry Sauce in a little pitcher for guests to pour themselves. Layer it in parfaits, drizzle over slices of pound cake, or even swirl it into cheesecake batter for a gorgeous marbled effect. For summer events, serve it alongside a platter of sliced fruit and cheese for dipping and dolloping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover strawberry sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week, which is just enough time to enjoy it on everything possible!
Freezing
If you made a big batch or want to save some for a later treat, strawberry sauce freezes beautifully. Pour cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
To reheat, simply scoop your strawberry sauce into a small saucepan and gently warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, a splash of water will bring it back to the perfect consistency. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries will work just as well. Just toss them into the pot frozen—no need to thaw—and increase the simmering time by a few minutes to account for the extra moisture.
Is this strawberry sauce good for canning?
This recipe is designed for short-term storage in the fridge or freezer and hasn’t been tested for canning. For long-term storage, consult a trusted canning resource for proper preservation methods.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer longer to reduce further. For a thinner sauce, whisk in a bit more water after cooking until you achieve your desired consistency.
Should I strain out the seeds and pulp?
That’s totally up to you! Straining creates a velvety-smooth sauce, but leaving the seeds and pulp in gives it a rustic, homemade charm. I love it both ways, and it depends on the occasion or how you plan to serve it.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, feel free to double (or even triple!) the ingredients. Just keep in mind that a larger quantity may need a little more time simmering to thicken to that perfect, syrupy consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing like this homemade Strawberry Sauce for adding a burst of berry goodness to any meal. It’s simple, versatile, and a pure joy to make. Don’t hesitate—gather your berries and delight in the sweet rewards of this easy kitchen project!
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Strawberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful homemade strawberry sauce is a perfect way to elevate your dishes with a burst of fruity flavor. Whether drizzled over pancakes, swirled into yogurt, or sandwiched between layers of cake, this versatile sauce is a surefire way to add a touch of sweetness to any treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 cups strawberries, diced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the strawberries are soft and the syrup is thickened, about 15 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency: If needed, whisk in water to reach the desired consistency.
- Strain (Optional): For a smoother syrup, strain the mixture through a wire mesh strainer.
- Store: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Notes
- The syrup will thicken upon cooling.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness to suit your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
