Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Fresh strawberry sauce is a simple and delicious topping that brightens up desserts, pancakes, or yogurt. Made with just a few ingredients, it captures the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (rinsed, hulled and halved or quartered)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the strawberries and sugar in a medium pot or saucepan.
- Step 2: Whisk together the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture over the strawberries and stir well.
- Step 3: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Then reduce to medium heat and simmer until the berries are soft and the juices have thickened slightly, about 5 minutes for a chunky sauce.
- Step 4: Use the sauce warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to your preference.
Tips & Variations
- Add more cornstarch if you prefer a thicker sauce, mixing it with a little water before adding to prevent lumps.
- For a smoother sauce, mash the strawberries gently with a spoon while cooking or blend briefly once cooled.
- Try swapping lemon juice for orange juice for a different citrus note.
- Stir in fresh mint or basil leaves after cooking for a herbal twist.
Storage
Store the strawberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
Reduce the sugar amount or omit it and rely on the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. You can also add a splash of water to balance flavors if needed.
PrintFresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe
This Fresh Strawberry Sauce is a simple and versatile topping made with fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of vanilla. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or yogurt, it offers a naturally sweet and slightly tangy flavor with a luscious, thickened texture achieved by simmering and a hint of cornstarch for consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 ½ cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberry Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (rinsed, hulled, and halved or quartered)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Strawberries and Sugar: Place the rinsed, hulled, and cut strawberries together with the granulated sugar into a medium pot or saucepan. This allows the sugar to start drawing out the natural juices from the berries.
- Prepare Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. Pour this evenly over the strawberries and stir gently to combine.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat the mixture over medium-high until it comes to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are soft and the juices thicken slightly, creating a chunky sauce. Adjust consistency by adding more cornstarch if needed.
- Serve or Store: Use the sauce warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It pairs wonderfully with pancakes, desserts, or breakfast dishes, and leftovers can be refrigerated.
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, use less cornstarch or simmer for a shorter time.
- For a smoother sauce, mash the berries slightly or puree part of the sauce after cooking.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity to taste depending on the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If sauce becomes too thick when chilled, stir in a little water or lemon juice to loosen before serving.
Keywords: fresh strawberry sauce, strawberry topping, homemade strawberry sauce, fruit sauce, dessert sauce, breakfast topping
