If you love a vibrant, fresh burst of fruit flavor that can complement everything from pancakes to ice cream, this Strawberry Sauce recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with natural sweetness and a hint of tanginess, this easy-to-make Strawberry Sauce brings the essence of summer right to your kitchen all year round. The simplicity of the ingredients doesn’t just make the process delightful; it makes the end result irresistibly delicious and versatile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smooth texture in your Strawberry Sauce. Each one plays a crucial role in turning those fresh strawberries into a luscious sauce full of depth and color.

Fresh or frozen strawberries (4 cups): Make sure they’re chopped small to help them soften evenly and release maximum flavor.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds the perfect sweetness to balance the natural tartness of strawberries.
Lemon juice (1 Tbsp): A splash of acidity to brighten the flavor and prevent the sauce from tasting flat.
Water (4 Tbsp, divided): Helps to create the right consistency and makes the sauce simmer just right.
Cornstarch (1 Tbsp): This thickening agent ensures your sauce has a lovely, smooth texture without being too runny.

How to Make Strawberry Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by chopping your fresh strawberries into small, uniform pieces. This may seem like a small step, but it’s crucial for the strawberries to soften properly and release their natural juices during cooking. If you’re using frozen strawberries, defrost them slightly and chop if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Strawberries with Sugar and Lemon

In a pot, combine the chopped strawberries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and half of the water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently for about 3 to 4 minutes while the strawberries soften, blending their sweetness with the tanginess of lemon. This step is where the Strawberry Sauce begins to develop its rich, vibrant flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

While the strawberries are simmering, mix the cornstarch with the remaining water in a small bowl until smooth. This slurry will prevent any lumps when thickening the sauce in the next step.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering strawberry pot, stirring continuously to incorporate it evenly. Heat the sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes, watching as it begins to thicken into that perfect glossy consistency you’ve been hoping for. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid any burning on the bottom of your pot.

Step 5: Cool and Store Your Strawberry Sauce

Once thickened to your liking, remove the pot from heat. The Strawberry Sauce can be enjoyed warm straight away or set aside to cool down to room temperature. For a chilled variation, refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Sauce

Garnishes

A drizzle of Strawberry Sauce is fantastic on its own, but adding fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation even more. Small dollops of whipped cream alongside add an airy softness that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

This Strawberry Sauce is incredibly versatile and works beautifully as a topping for your favorite pancakes, waffles, or French toast. It also makes for a perfect companion to vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, and even yogurt bowls, bringing a fresh fruity flair to your usual favorites.

Creative Ways to Present

Try swirling Strawberry Sauce into panna cotta or layering it in parfait glasses with granola and cream for an elegant dessert. You can also spoon it over grilled desserts like pound cake or mix it into cocktails for a fruity twist. There’s so much room to get creative with this delicious sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Strawberry Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Its flavor and texture hold up wonderfully, making it easy to enjoy again with breakfast or dessert.

Freezing

For longer preservation, freeze the Strawberry Sauce in small portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to use, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to restore its silky texture without boiling it excessively, which can change the consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Sauce without sugar?

Absolutely! You can reduce or omit sugar depending on your taste and the sweetness of your strawberries. Keep in mind that sugar helps with preservation and enhances flavor balance, so you might want to experiment with a small batch first.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

Frozen strawberries work just as well for making Strawberry Sauce. Just allow them to thaw slightly before chopping, and you may want to adjust the cooking time since frozen berries release more liquid.

How thick should my Strawberry Sauce be?

The ideal Strawberry Sauce should be pourable yet thick enough to coat a spoon. Using cornstarch helps achieve this perfect balance, but if it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash of water until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use this sauce on savory dishes?

While traditionally sweet, Strawberry Sauce can be a nice complement to certain savory dishes like roasted meats or salads. Try pairing it with balsamic vinegar and herbs for a creative glaze or dressing.

Is it possible to make strawberry sauce without cooking?

You can make a quick, uncooked strawberry topping by mashing strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, but this won’t have the same thickened consistency or depth of flavor as the cooked Strawberry Sauce in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste this vibrant, luscious Strawberry Sauce, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your kitchen. It’s incredible how a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps can transform fresh fruit into a magical sauce that elevates so many dishes. Trust me, whether dolloped onto your breakfast or drizzled over dessert, this Strawberry Sauce will become a staple you’ll reach for again and again. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love!

Strawberry Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 1 ½ cups of strawberry sauce 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and luscious homemade strawberry sauce made with fresh or frozen strawberries, perfect for topping desserts like ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt. This quick and easy recipe balances the natural sweetness of strawberries with a hint of lemon and a smooth, thickened texture thanks to cornstarch.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Sauce Ingredients

4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped small
½ cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
4 Tbsp water, divided
1 Tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

Prepare Strawberries: Chop 4 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Cook Strawberries: Combine the chopped strawberries, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp water in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Remove from heat after.
Mix Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp cornstarch and the remaining 2 Tbsp water until smooth. This slurry will help thicken the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot with the strawberry mixture and return to heat. Stir continuously and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Cool and Serve: Remove the strawberry sauce from heat and allow it to cool. You can serve it warm immediately or chill it overnight in the refrigerator if you prefer a cold sauce.

Notes

You can use frozen strawberries if fresh are not available; just thaw before chopping.
Adjust sugar quantity according to the sweetness of your strawberries or personal preference.
For a smoother sauce, you can blend it after cooking if desired.
This sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
Use lemon juice to enhance the flavor and natural color of the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Sauce, Dessert Topping
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American