Strawberry Sauce

Easy homemade strawberry sauce is a delightful treat that elevates any dessert. With just three ingredients and a quick cooking time of 15 minutes, this strawberry sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, waffles, or cheesecake. The fresh flavors and vibrant color make it a standout addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this strawberry sauce will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute desserts.
• Versatile Usage: Use it as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or cakes to enhance any dish.
• Fresh Ingredients: With just fresh strawberries and simple pantry staples, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
• Customizable Color: Add red food coloring for extra vibrancy if desired—perfect for special occasions!
• Storable Delight: This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can always have some on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your strawberry sauce, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• medium saucepan
• small bowl
• wooden spoon or spatula
• measuring cups and spoons
• jar or airtight container

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for cooking the strawberry mixture evenly without burning.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of sweetness and thickness.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

Easy homemade strawberry sauce recipe that’s only 3 ingredients and takes 15 minutes!

For the Strawberry 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. Mash them well using a fork or potato masher, then set aside.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in the water along with the mashed strawberries until well 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, now is the time to stir in some red food coloring.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Cook and stir the mixture for about 3 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove from heat. Gently stir in the reserved chopped strawberries to add texture. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Store or Serve

Pour your delicious strawberry sauce into a jar or an airtight container with a lid. You can serve it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry sauce is a versatile and delightful topping that can elevate many dishes. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet dessert at home, this sauce adds a sweet touch to various treats.

Over Ice Cream

• Scoop some vanilla ice cream and drizzle warm strawberry sauce on top for a refreshing dessert experience.

On Pancakes or Waffles

• Pour strawberry sauce over pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast. It pairs perfectly with whipped cream!

With Cheesecake

• Use strawberry sauce as a topping for cheesecake to add sweetness and color, enhancing the flavor profile of this classic dessert.

In Yogurt Parfaits

• Layer strawberry sauce in yogurt parfaits with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy snack or breakfast option.

As a Fruit Dip

• Serve the strawberry sauce as a dip alongside fresh fruits like apples or bananas for an inviting snack platter.

On Toast or Bagels

• Spread cream cheese on toast or bagels and top it with strawberry sauce for a delightful breakfast treat.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce

To achieve the best strawberry sauce, focus on quality ingredients and careful preparation. Here are some tips:

• Use fresh strawberries – Fresh berries provide the best flavor and texture, making your sauce vibrant and tasty.
• Adjust sweetness – Taste your sauce while cooking; if it’s too tart, add more sugar gradually until you reach your desired sweetness.
• Consider texture – If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it after cooking for a silky finish.
• Experiment with flavors – Add a splash of lemon juice or vanilla extract for extra depth in flavor.
• Store properly – Keep the strawberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge; this ensures it stays fresh for up to two weeks.
• Serve warm or cold – Depending on your dish, try serving the sauce either warmed up or chilled to see which you prefer.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry sauce can complement many side dishes beautifully. Here are some delightful pairings that will enhance your meal:

1. Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes topped with strawberry sauce make for an indulgent breakfast option.
2. French Toast – Drizzle warm strawberry sauce over crispy French toast to elevate its sweetness.
3. Cheesecake Bites – Small cheesecake bites paired with strawberry sauce create perfect bite-sized desserts.
4. Oatmeal – Stir in some strawberry sauce into oatmeal for a fruity breakfast twist.
5. Scones – Enjoy scones with clotted cream and strawberry sauce for an elegant tea-time treat.
6. Fruit Salad – Toss fresh fruit salad with strawberry sauce to enhance its natural sweetness and flavor.
7. Pudding Cups – Top creamy pudding cups with strawberry sauce for added flavor contrast.
8. Crepes – Fill crepes with cream cheese and drizzle them generously with strawberry sauce before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry sauce can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Using stale strawberries: Always use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Check for ripeness and avoid any that are overripe or moldy.
• Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for thickening the sauce. If you don’t want to use it, consider alternatives like arrowroot or tapioca starch.
• Not mashing enough: Properly mashing your strawberries releases their juices, which enhances the flavor of your sauce. Make sure to mash them well before cooking.
• Overcooking the mixture: Cooking your strawberry sauce too long can lead to a syrupy texture instead of a fresh, fruity one. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat as soon as it thickens.
• Ignoring optional ingredients: Adding red food coloring can enhance the visual appeal if desired. Don’t skip this if presentation matters for your dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Allow the sauce to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing Strawberry Sauce

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion.
• The sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the sauce in an oven-safe dish. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make strawberry sauce without cornstarch?

Yes! You can substitute cornstarch with other thickening agents like arrowroot or use less liquid to achieve a thicker consistency without cornstarch.

How do I use strawberry sauce?

Strawberry sauce is versatile! It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or cheesecake. Use it as a topping or mix it into yogurt for added flavor.

How long does homemade strawberry sauce last?

Homemade strawberry sauce can last up to two weeks when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I add other fruits to my strawberry sauce?

Absolutely! Mixing in fruits like blueberries or raspberries can create a delightful fruit medley. Adjust sweetness and thickness as needed based on added fruits.

Final Thoughts

This easy homemade strawberry sauce recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or adjust sweetness based on your preferences. Whether you drizzle it over desserts or mix it into breakfast dishes, this delicious sauce will elevate any meal. Give it a try and enjoy its fresh flavors!

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Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing taste of summer with this easy homemade strawberry sauce. Perfect for enhancing a variety of desserts, this luscious sauce requires just three simple ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare. Whether drizzled over creamy ice cream, fluffy pancakes, or rich cheesecake, its vibrant color and fresh flavor will impress your guests and elevate any dish. Ideal for both everyday treats and special occasions, this versatile sauce is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweetness and fruity goodness that is sure to brighten up your meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (cleaned and chopped)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¾ cup water
• Red food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mash 1 cup of the chopped strawberries with a fork or potato masher; set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add water and the mashed strawberries, stirring until well mixed.
3. Cook on medium heat until boiling, stirring constantly. For a deeper color, add red food coloring at this stage.
4. Continue cooking for approximately 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat and gently stir in the remaining chopped strawberries. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving or storing.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 30g
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg