Easy homemade strawberry sauce is a delightful treat that enhances desserts and breakfast dishes. This strawberry sauce recipe features just three simple ingredients and can be whipped up in only 15 minutes. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With just three ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Fresh Flavor: Using fresh strawberries ensures that your sauce is bursting with authentic berry taste.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for topping waffles, pancakes, cheesecakes, and more.
- Customizable Color: Add red food coloring for an extra vibrant appearance if desired.
- Storage Friendly: Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy anytime.
Tools and Preparation
To make your strawberry sauce successfully, you will need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Small bowl
- Masher or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the strawberry mixture evenly while allowing you to stir constantly.
- Masher or fork: Helps you easily mash the strawberries to release their juice and flavor effectively.
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 Strawberries
Take 1 cup of the chopped strawberries and add them to a small bowl. Mash them using a masher or fork until they are mostly smooth. Set aside the mashed strawberries for later use.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, stir together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Then, add in the water along with the mashed strawberries. Mix well until everything is combined.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. If you want a deeper red color, this is the time to stir in some red food coloring.
Step 4: Thicken Sauce
Cook and stir the mixture for about 3 minutes or until it has thickened to your liking. The sauce should have a nice glossy finish when done.
Step 5: Add Chopped Strawberries
Remove from heat and stir in the reserved chopped strawberries. This step adds texture and freshness to your sauce.
Step 6: Cool Down
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Step 7: Store or Serve
You can serve your homemade strawberry sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy this versatile sauce on your favorite desserts!
How to Serve Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce is a versatile topping that can enhance many desserts and breakfast dishes. Whether you want to drizzle it over pancakes or incorporate it into a dessert, there are plenty of delicious ways to serve this sauce.
On Pancakes
- Drizzle warm strawberry sauce over fluffy pancakes for a delightful breakfast treat.
Over Ice Cream
- Spoon the strawberry sauce generously on top of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
With Cheesecake
- Use strawberry sauce as a rich topping for cheesecake, adding a fruity twist to this creamy dessert.
In Yogurt Parfaits
- Layer strawberry sauce with yogurt and granola in a glass for an easy and nutritious parfait.
As a Cake Filling
- Incorporate the sauce between cake layers for added moisture and flavor in your favorite cake recipes.
With Waffles
- Pour warm strawberry sauce over waffles, complemented by whipped cream for an indulgent brunch option.
How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce
Creating the perfect strawberry sauce is simple with a few tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your homemade version.
Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, making your sauce more vibrant and delicious.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture while cooking; you can always add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
Incorporate Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Experiment with Spices: Adding a hint of vanilla or cinnamon can give your strawberry sauce an extra depth of flavor.
Cool Before Serving: Letting the sauce cool allows it to thicken further, enhancing its consistency when served.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce pairs well with various side dishes, adding flavor and color. Here are some great options to consider when serving this delightful sauce.
- Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes topped with strawberry sauce make for a comforting breakfast option.
- Waffles: Crispy waffles come alive when drizzled with sweet strawberry sauce, especially when paired with whipped cream.
- Cheesecake: A slice of creamy cheesecake topped with fresh strawberry sauce creates a decadent dessert experience.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream becomes even more delightful with warm strawberry drizzle on top.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layering yogurt, granola, and strawberry sauce creates a healthy yet indulgent snack or breakfast.
- Pudding: Flavored pudding topped with strawberry sauce offers an easy but satisfying dessert option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making strawberry sauce, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect your final product. Here are some common mistakes to be aware of:
Using overripe strawberries: Using strawberries that are too ripe can lead to an overly mushy sauce. Choose firm, fresh strawberries for the best texture and flavor.
Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you’re using the right amount of sugar and cornstarch for thickening.
Skipping the mashing step: Mashing part of the strawberries is essential for creating a smooth sauce. Don’t skip this step, as it helps develop the sauce’s consistency and flavor.
Cooking at too high a temperature: Boiling the mixture too aggressively can burn the sauce. Keep your heat medium to low and stir constantly while cooking for best results.
Not letting it cool properly: Allowing the strawberry sauce to cool before storing is important. If stored while hot, condensation can form in your container, leading to spoilage.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: This helps keep your strawberry sauce fresh.
- Duration: The sauce lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Label the container: Include the date made for easy tracking.
Freezing Strawberry Sauce
- Use freezer-safe containers: This prevents freezer burn and preserves flavor.
- Duration: The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Portion control: Consider freezing in smaller portions for easy use later.
Reheating Strawberry Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (about 30 seconds), stirring after each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat over low flame in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberry Sauce?
Strawberry sauce is a sweet and flavorful topping made primarily from fresh strawberries, sugar, and sometimes cornstarch for thickening. It’s perfect for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake.
Can I make Strawberry Sauce without Cornstarch?
Yes! You can create strawberry sauce without cornstarch by simply cooking down the strawberries longer until they reach your desired thickness.
How do I use Strawberry Sauce?
You can drizzle strawberry sauce over desserts like pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or cheesecakes. It adds a delightful fruity flavor and vibrant color!
Can I adjust the sweetness of my Strawberry Sauce?
Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the sugar depending on your taste preferences. Experiment with natural sweeteners if preferred.
How long does homemade Strawberry Sauce last?
Homemade strawberry sauce can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored correctly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This easy homemade strawberry sauce recipe is not just quick but also versatile. You can customize it with spices or adjust its sweetness based on your preferences. Whether you’re topping off waffles or enhancing desserts like cheesecake, this sauce will delight your taste buds. Give it a try today!
Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce
Easy homemade strawberry sauce is a quick and delightful addition to your favorite desserts and breakfast dishes. Made with just three simple ingredients, this vibrant sauce can be prepared in only 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake for an instant flavor boost that brightens up any meal. With the freshness of ripe strawberries at its core, this versatile sauce is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this strawberry sauce will elevate your dishes and impress your guests.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups (8 servings) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (cleaned and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- Optional: Red food coloring
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mash 1 cup of the chopped strawberries until mostly smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, mix together sugar and cornstarch. Add water and the mashed strawberries; stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly.
- Cook for about 3 minutes or until thickened, then stir in the reserved chopped strawberries.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup (60g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use fresh strawberries for optimal taste and texture. Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. A splash of lemon juice can brighten flavors. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
