Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This homemade strawberry sauce is a vibrant and sweet topping perfect for pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt. Made with fresh strawberries and just a few simple ingredients, it delivers a fresh, natural flavor that brightens any dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, chopped or sliced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chopped strawberries and granulated sugar in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with three tablespoons of water until smooth to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the strawberries in the saucepan.
- Step 3: Heat the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir often and scrape the edges and bottom of the pan to avoid burning. The sauce should become thick and juicy, and the strawberries should soften. If you prefer a smoother texture, gently press some strawberries with a spoon or spatula to break them down.
- Step 5: Stir in the lemon juice and strawberry jam or preserves. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- For a chunkier sauce, gently mash some strawberries while cooking; for a smoother sauce, blend half the mixture after cooking.
- Swap the granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth to the sauce.
Storage
Transfer the cooled strawberry sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave if desired, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this sauce?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.
How long will the sauce keep in the fridge?
The strawberry sauce will keep for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
PrintEasy Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe
This homemade strawberry sauce recipe is a simple and delightful way to transform fresh strawberries into a luscious topping perfect for desserts, pancakes, or yogurt. Made with fresh fruit, a touch of sugar, and a hint of lemon juice, it balances sweetness and freshness with a thickened texture thanks to cornstarch. The addition of strawberry jam enhances the flavor and provides a glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup of strawberry sauce 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Strawberry Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, chopped or sliced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- Add to pan: Place the chopped or sliced strawberries and granulated sugar into a medium-sized saucepan. This forms the base of the sauce.
- Make cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with three tablespoons of water until smooth. This slurry will be added to the strawberries to thicken the sauce.
- Cook: Turn the heat on to medium-high and bring the strawberry and sugar mixture to a boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often and scraping the edges and bottom of the pan. During this time, the mixture will thicken and the strawberries will soften. You can press some strawberries with a spoon to break them down further for a thicker consistency.
- Finish and cool: Stir in the lemon juice and strawberry jam to add brightness and depth of flavor. Remove the pan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate. The sauce can be stored for up to four days.
Notes
- Make sure to stir frequently during cooking to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
- Pressing the strawberries down during cooking helps create a smoother sauce but you can leave it chunkier if preferred.
- Lemon juice adds acidity which balances the sweetness and preserves the bright color.
- Use fresh strawberries at peak ripeness for the best flavor.
- This sauce can be enjoyed warm or cold and is excellent over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
Keywords: Strawberry sauce, homemade strawberry topping, fresh strawberry preserves, dessert sauce, strawberry syrup
