Homemade Strawberry Sauce is the perfect way to elevate your desserts, breakfasts, or snacks. Made with fresh or frozen strawberries, a touch of sugar, and vanilla, this sauce is sweet, fruity, and easy to prepare. Whether drizzled over pancakes, ice cream, or cheesecake, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick—ready in just 15 minutes.
- Uses minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Customizable texture—chunky or smooth, as you prefer.
- Versatile topping for desserts, breakfasts, or even drinks.
- A great way to use up ripe or frozen strawberries.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 quart fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
Directions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
- If using fresh strawberries, remove the stems and quarter them. Set aside ½ cup of strawberries if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
2. Cook the Strawberries
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, vanilla, and sugar.
- Stir well to coat the strawberries as they warm up and begin to release their juices.
3. Mash or Blend
- After 7–10 minutes, the strawberries will soften and release a lot of liquid.
- Use a potato masher to mash the mixture into a chunky sauce. For a smoother consistency, transfer the hot mixture to a blender and pulse 2–3 times.
4. Add Chunky Strawberries
- Dice the reserved ½ cup of strawberries and stir them into the warm sauce for added texture.
5. Cool and Serve
- Pour the sauce into a bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until cooled.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature over your favorite dishes.
Serving Ideas
- Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Spoon onto cheesecake, ice cream, or yogurt.
- Use as a filling for crepes or cake layers.
- Add to milkshakes, smoothies, or cocktails.
- Spread on toast or scones for a fruity treat.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: ~174 kcal per serving
Variations
- Mixed Berry Sauce: Combine strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lemon or orange juice for extra brightness.
- Low-Sugar Option: Reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute like honey or stevia.
- Spiced Sauce: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
- Chunk-Free: Blend the entire mixture for a completely smooth sauce.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly for this recipe. No need to thaw them before cooking.
2. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce the liquid or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
3. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from being too sweet?
Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the sugar to your preference.
5. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
6. Can I leave out the vanilla?
Yes, but the vanilla enhances the strawberry flavor beautifully.
7. What can I do if my sauce is too runny?
Simmer it longer to thicken or blend the sauce for a more cohesive texture.
8. Is this sauce vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan.
9. What other fruits pair well with strawberries?
Try combining strawberries with rhubarb, peaches, or cherries for unique flavors.
10. Can I use this sauce as a filling?
Yes, it’s great for layering in cakes, pastries, or as a pie topping.
Conclusion
Homemade Strawberry Sauce is a versatile and delicious topping that enhances any dish it touches. Whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, this sweet and fruity sauce is a breeze to make and perfect for all your dessert and breakfast needs. Whip up a batch today and add a burst of strawberry goodness to your meals!
Print
Homemade Strawberry Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your desserts with this Homemade Strawberry Sauce! Made with fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, and vanilla, this sweet and chunky sauce is perfect for pancakes, ice cream, cheesecake, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 quart fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- If using fresh strawberries, remove the tops and quarter them. Set aside ½ cup of strawberries if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
- Cook the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, vanilla, and sugar. Stir to mix.
- As the strawberries warm up, they will release their juices. Stir every 1–2 minutes.
- Mash or Blend:
- After 7–10 minutes, the strawberries will soften, and the mixture will become liquidy. Mash with a potato masher for a chunky texture or pulse 2–3 times in a blender for a smoother sauce.
- Add Chunky Strawberries:
- Dice the reserved ½ cup of strawberries and stir them into the hot sauce for added texture.
- Cool and Serve:
- Pour the sauce into a bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, use it to top pancakes, waffles, ice cream, cheesecake, or any dessert of your choice.
Notes
- Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available; no need to thaw before cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 174 per serving
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