You can take any dessert over the top with this homemade Strawberry Sauce! This scrumptious recipe brings the fresh sweetness of strawberries together with a hint of tangy lemon juice, creating a versatile sauce perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, and ice cream, or for using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
What is Strawberry Sauce?
Strawberry sauce is a luscious fruit topping made from fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a cornstarch mixture to thicken it. It adds vibrant color and natural sweetness to all of your favorite desserts! Whether you’re looking to jazz up your morning pancakes or add a fruity twist to your desserts, this homemade sauce is a must-have in your kitchen!
Ingredients You Need
- Cornstarch – We add cornstarch to create a smooth, thick texture for the sauce.
- Cold Water – Mixing cold water with cornstarch to form a slurry helps dissolve it evenly, ensuring a lump-free sauce.
- Strawberries – We love using fresh strawberries because they bring a burst of juicy sweetness to the sauce. If you want to use frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw them ahead of time.
- Granulated Sugar – This sweetens the strawberries and helps release their natural juices.
- Lemon Juice – Lemon juice adds a touch of tangy and bright flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
How to Make Strawberry Sauce
- Make the Cornstarch Mixture. Start by combining cornstarch, cold water, and lemon juice in a small bowl and stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the liquid.
- Cook the Strawberries and Sugar. Place the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Stir while cooking to coat the strawberries.
- Thicken the Sauce. When the strawberries have softened and the sugar is dissolved, stir the cornstarch mixture briefly before gradually adding it to the strawberries while stirring continuously. Continue to cook.
- Cool the Sauce. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the stovetop and allow it to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve and Store. Serve the sauce once it has thickened, or store once it has completely cooled.
Variations
- Vanilla – Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or scrape in the seeds of a vanilla bean for a subtle vanilla flavor.
- Berries – Mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry sauce.
- Citrus – Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a zesty citrus twist!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftover strawberry sauce! This way, you can make it ahead of time and just pull it out when you want it.
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It may thicken more once it’s chilled. To reheat, gently warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave it in intervals, stirring after each.
We don’t recommend freezing the sauce because it may not have the same consistency after you thaw it.
More Easy Recipes with Berries
From morning meals to evening treats, we love showcasing sweet berries on our tables! Check out more of our simple recipes that shine the spotlight on berries:
Summer Berry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Berry Stuffed Croissant French Toast Bake
Strawberry Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons warm water
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pound strawberries hulled and sliced in half
- 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the cornstarch mixture: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of warm water and lemon juice until it is fully dissolved. Set aside.1 Tablespoon cornstarch, 3 Tablespoons warm water, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- Combine strawberries and sugar: In a medium saucepan, add the hulled and sliced strawberries along with the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir to combine.1 pound strawberries, 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
- Cook the strawberries: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to release their juices and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Thicken the mixture: Stir the cornstarch mixture again as it tends to settle and Add the mixture to the strawberries. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cool the mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool. The strawberry mixture is now ready to be used in your desired recipe, such as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or a filling for desserts.
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