Easy homemade strawberry sauce is a delightful treat that requires just three ingredients and only 15 minutes of your time. This vibrant strawberry sauce is perfect for drizzling over desserts like cheesecake, pancakes, or ice cream. Its fresh, sweet flavor elevates any dish and makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual family breakfasts to elegant dinner parties. You’ll love how simple and quick it is to create this delicious strawberry topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can have a fresh batch of strawberry sauce ready in no time.
- Few Ingredients: This recipe uses only three main ingredients, making it both easy and affordable.
- Versatile Use: Great as a topping for desserts like cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, or even yogurt.
- Fresh Taste: Using fresh strawberries ensures a burst of flavor that’s hard to beat compared to store-bought options.
- Customizable Color: Add red food coloring if you want a deeper red hue for presentation.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process seamless and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Small bowl
- Masher or fork
- Jar or airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for combining ingredients over heat and ensuring even cooking.
- Small bowl: Perfect for mashing strawberries without making a mess.
- Masher or fork: Essential for breaking down strawberries quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Easy homemade strawberry sauce recipe that’s only 3 ingredients and takes 15 minutes!
For the Sauce
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (cleaned and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- Red food coloring (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Take 1 cup of the chopped strawberries and add them to a small bowl. Use a masher or fork to mash them well. Set this mixture aside as you’ll incorporate it later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, stir together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Mix these thoroughly before adding liquids.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the water along with the mashed strawberries. Ensure everything is mixed well before proceeding.
Step 4: Cook the Mixture
Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. If you prefer a darker red color, this is the time to mix in some red food coloring.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Continue cooking and stirring the mixture for about 3 minutes or until it thickens nicely.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove from heat and gently fold in the reserved chopped strawberries. Transfer the mixture into a bowl and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 7: Store or Serve
Add your strawberry sauce into a jar or container with a lid. You can serve it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight sealed container. Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry sauce!
How to Serve Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce is a versatile topping that can elevate many dishes. Whether you’re looking to enhance your desserts or add a fruity twist to breakfast, there are countless ways to serve this delicious sauce.
On Ice Cream
- Scoop your favorite ice cream and drizzle warm strawberry sauce on top for a delightful treat.
With Cheesecake
- Pour the strawberry sauce over cheesecake to add a fresh and fruity flavor that complements the creamy texture.
For Pancakes and Waffles
- Use strawberry sauce as a syrup alternative for pancakes or waffles, adding sweetness and a splash of color to your breakfast.
As a Fruit Dip
- Serve strawberry sauce as a dip for fresh fruit like apples, bananas, or strawberries for a fun and tasty snack.
In Yogurt Parfaits
- Layer strawberry sauce with yogurt and granola in a glass for a beautiful and healthy dessert or breakfast option.
On Toast
- Spread cream cheese on toast and top it with strawberry sauce for an easy yet elegant brunch dish.
How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce
Creating the perfect strawberry sauce is easy if you follow these tips. With just a few adjustments, you can make it even more delicious.
Use ripe strawberries: Choose sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe ones can be mushy, while underripe berries may lack sweetness.
Adjust sweetness: Taste your mixture before serving. You can add more sugar if it’s too tart or mix in lemon juice for extra zing.
Experiment with texture: If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend all the ingredients together instead of mashing some of the strawberries.
Store properly: Keep your strawberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It lasts up to two weeks!
Add spices: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for added depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the strawberries.
Incorporate other fruits: Mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for an exciting twist on traditional strawberry sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce pairs beautifully with various side dishes, making them even more delightful. Here are some great options to consider:
Shortcakes: Traditional shortcakes topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberry sauce create a classic summer dessert.
Pound Cake: Slices of moist pound cake are perfect when served with strawberry sauce drizzled over them.
French Toast: Add warmth and sweetness by pouring strawberry sauce over crispy French toast for a decadent breakfast.
Crepes: Fill crepes with whipped cream and top them with warm strawberry sauce for an elegant brunch option.
Rice Pudding: A dollop of strawberry sauce on creamy rice pudding adds vibrant color and brightens the dish’s flavor profile.
Savory Salads: Use strawberry sauce as a dressing or drizzle over spinach salads with goat cheese for a sweet-savory combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making strawberry sauce can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect your final product. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Using overripe strawberries: Overripe strawberries can lead to a mushy sauce. Choose firm, fresh strawberries for the best texture.
- Skipping the mashing step: Not mashing some of the strawberries before cooking will result in a less flavorful sauce. Mashing enhances the flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Not stirring enough: Failing to stir the mixture while it cooks can cause it to stick or burn. Keep stirring constantly to ensure even cooking.
- Ignoring consistency: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t coat desserts well. Cook it longer until it thickens properly, or add a little more cornstarch if needed.
- Storing improperly: Using an open container will lead to spoilage. Always store your strawberry sauce in an airtight container.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Keep in the main part of the fridge, not the door, for better temperature stability.
Freezing Strawberry Sauce
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as the sauce expands when frozen.
Reheating Strawberry Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a baking dish covered with foil for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring regularly until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Strawberry Sauce without cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or simply let the sauce simmer longer to thicken naturally without starch.
What desserts pair well with Strawberry Sauce?
Strawberry sauce is versatile; it pairs wonderfully with cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, and ice cream.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work well too. Just thaw them before use and reduce water slightly if necessary.
How long does homemade Strawberry Sauce last?
Homemade strawberry sauce lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
This easy homemade strawberry sauce is not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor. Whether drizzled over pancakes or served alongside cheesecake, this sauce enhances any dessert! Give it a try and enjoy its delightful taste!
Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce
Indulge in the freshness of homemade strawberry sauce that can elevate your desserts and breakfasts alike. This quick and easy recipe requires just three simple ingredients and takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. The vibrant color and sweet flavor make it an ideal topping for ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or enjoying a casual breakfast at home, this delightful sauce adds a burst of strawberry goodness to any dish. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but it also allows you to customize flavors with spices or even mix in other fruits. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this luscious strawberry sauce that’s sure to impress!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (8 servings) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (cleaned and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Mash 1 cup of chopped strawberries in a small bowl and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the granulated sugar and cornstarch thoroughly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in water along with the mashed strawberries until well combined.
- Cook Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue cooking for about 3 minutes until thickened.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat, fold in reserved chopped strawberries, and allow cooling for 10-15 minutes.
- Store or Serve: Transfer to a jar; serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For optimal flavor, use ripe strawberries. Adjust sweetness based on personal preference by adding more sugar or lemon juice. Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or vanilla for added depth.
