Get ready for a burst of pure berry sunshine! This Homemade Strawberry Sauce is a quick and delightful recipe that transforms everyday strawberries into a luscious, ruby red topping that tastes like summer in a jar. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little stovetop magic, you’ll be spooning this sweet, tangy sauce over pancakes, swirled into yogurt, or drizzled generously over cheesecake. It’s that tried-and-true recipe you’ll want to bookmark and make again every strawberry season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Strawberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by hulling and chopping your fresh strawberries into small pieces. Chopping them not only helps them cook down faster, but also creates a wonderful texture in your finished Homemade Strawberry Sauce. If your strawberries are extra sweet or tart, you can adjust the sugar later to suit your taste.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Saucepan
Grab a medium saucepan and add in the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice really brightens the berries and helps preserve their beautiful color. Set the pan over medium heat and give everything a good stir to begin blending the flavors.
Step 3: Simmer to Release Juices
Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally, as the strawberries start to release their juices. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the berries will soften and the sauce will thicken slightly. If you’d prefer a chunkier Homemade Strawberry Sauce, you can stop here—or gently mash some of the berries with a spoon for a smoother texture.
Step 4: Thicken with Cornstarch (Optional)
If you want your sauce thick enough to spoon over desserts or breakfast treats, now’s the time to stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water). Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sauce becomes glossy and thick enough for your taste.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the homemade strawberry sauce cool for a few minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve warm for a cozy topping, or chill it for a few hours if you prefer your sauce cold. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Sauce
Garnishes
Enhance your Homemade Strawberry Sauce with a sprinkle of fresh mint, a zest of lemon, or a handful of toasted almonds. These extra touches can turn a humble bowl of sauce into a showstopper, adding color and a pop of flavor with every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This sauce is impossibly versatile! Pour it over pancakes or waffles for breakfast glory, spoon it across silky cheesecake, or drizzle over vanilla ice cream. It’s also delicious with yogurt parfaits, French toast, or even spread on scones for an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a little playful? Swirl the sauce into overnight oats, layer it between cake layers, or serve it in tiny jars as party favors. You can even use your Homemade Strawberry Sauce as a surprise filling in cupcakes or drizzled artistically on dessert plates for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Homemade Strawberry Sauce in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to one week. Its delicious flavor holds up beautifully, making it ideal for planning ahead or meal prepping sweet treats.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy strawberry sunshine long after berry season is over, freeze portions of your sauce in small, airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It’ll keep well for two to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for more.
Reheating
To reheat, simply spoon out the desired amount and warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your perfect temperature. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this sauce?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully; just toss them in straight from the freezer and cook a few minutes longer until they break down and thicken. The result is still a vibrant, delicious homemade strawberry sauce.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
It’s easy to adjust: simply reduce the amount of sugar or use berries that are naturally sweeter. Taste as you go, and remember you can always add a touch more sugar at the end if needed.
Is the cornstarch necessary?
Nope! The strawberries and sugar naturally create a lovely syrupy sauce as they simmer. The cornstarch just gives it extra body if you want your sauce on the thicker side for drizzling over desserts.
What other fruits can I use for variety?
Try mixing in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version, or swap in your favorite fruit. The method remains the same, and you’ll end up with a different twist on classic Homemade Strawberry Sauce.
Can I make this sauce in advance for a party?
Definitely! The sauce keeps really well, so go ahead and make it a day or two ahead. Just store it in the fridge, then serve cold or gently warm it before your guests arrive—it will wow everyone!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to discover just how easy and delicious Homemade Strawberry Sauce really is. Whether you’re swirling it on pancakes, elevating a scoop of ice cream, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar, this sweet, tangy sauce will have you coming back for more. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the joy of homemade sweetness!
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Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the fruity goodness of this Homemade Strawberry Sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. Made with fresh strawberries, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice, this sauce is a versatile and delectable addition to your favorite desserts.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Cook the Strawberries: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally and cook until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture begins to thicken, about 10-15 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm or cold over pancakes, waffles, cheesecake, or ice cream.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- Frozen strawberries can be used—just cook a few minutes longer if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
