Easy homemade strawberry sauce is a delightful treat that can elevate any dish. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this versatile sauce with only three ingredients. Whether you’re drizzling it over pancakes, topping your favorite cheesecake, or using it as an ice cream sauce, this strawberry sauce is sure to impress. It’s perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or simply enjoying a sweet moment at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only three main ingredients and 15 minutes of cooking, you can make this sauce in no time.
- Versatile Uses: This strawberry sauce pairs perfectly with desserts like cheesecake, waffles, or even yogurt.
- Fresh Flavor: The use of fresh strawberries gives the sauce a vibrant taste that’s far superior to store-bought options.
- Customizable Color: For those who want a richer color, adding red food coloring can enhance the visual appeal without altering the flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this delicious strawberry sauce, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a smooth cooking experience.
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 without burning.
- Masher or fork: Helps in easily mashing the strawberries to release their juices.
- Airtight container: Perfect for storing your strawberry sauce to keep it fresh.
Ingredients
Easy homemade strawberry sauce recipe that’s only 3 ingredients and takes 15 minutes!
For 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: Mash 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 and set aside. This step helps release their juices for a rich flavor.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar and cornstarch until combined. Then stir in the water along with the mashed strawberries. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. If you desire a deeper red color, you can stir in red food coloring at this point.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Continue cooking and stirring the mixture for about 3 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 5: Add Chopped Strawberries
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the reserved chopped strawberries. This adds texture and fresh bites of fruit to your sauce.
Step 6: Cool Down
Transfer the mixture into a bowl and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to thicken further as it cools down.
Step 7: Store or Serve
Add your strawberry sauce to a jar or container with a lid. You can serve immediately over dessert or store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight sealed container.
How to Serve Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce is versatile and can elevate many dishes. This delightful sauce adds a sweet, fruity touch that pairs beautifully with various desserts and breakfast items.
On Pancakes
- Pour warm strawberry sauce over fluffy pancakes for a delicious breakfast treat.
With Ice Cream
- Drizzle strawberry sauce on top of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
For Cheesecake
- Use as a topping for cheesecake to enhance its flavor and presentation.
On Waffles
- Serve strawberry sauce over crispy waffles for a delightful weekend brunch option.
In Yogurt Parfaits
- Layer strawberry sauce with yogurt and granola for a healthy snack or breakfast.
As a Cake Drizzle
- Add a beautiful finish to cakes by drizzling strawberry sauce over the top before serving.
How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce
Perfecting your strawberry sauce enhances its taste and texture. Here are some tips to achieve the best results:
Use fresh strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries yield the best flavor for your sauce.
Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture as you cook and adjust the sugar to suit your preference.
Control thickness: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of water.
Experiment with flavors: Consider adding lemon juice or vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Cool before storing: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to jars for storage.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce can accompany various side dishes, enhancing your dining experience. Here are some great options:
Chocolate Cake: The rich chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of strawberry sauce.
Pound Cake: A slice of pound cake topped with strawberry sauce offers a delightful contrast in textures.
Oatmeal: Stirring in strawberry sauce into oatmeal adds natural sweetness and fruitiness.
French Toast: Top your French toast with strawberry sauce for an indulgent twist on breakfast.
Cream Cheese Muffins: Spread some strawberry sauce on cream cheese muffins for added flavor and moisture.
Rice Pudding: A drizzle of this fruity sauce brings brightness to creamy rice pudding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade strawberry sauce can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few to watch out for:
Not washing strawberries properly: Always wash your strawberries thoroughly before using them. This removes any dirt or pesticides and enhances the flavor of your sauce.
Using overripe or underripe strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for the best taste. Overripe berries can make the sauce too mushy, while underripe ones won’t provide enough sweetness.
Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for thickening the sauce. Omitting it may result in a runny consistency that doesn’t cling well to desserts.
Cooking too long: Be careful not to overcook your strawberry mixture. Stir until it thickens, but once it reaches that point, remove it from heat to maintain the fresh strawberry flavor.
Not letting it cool: Allow your strawberry sauce to cool before storing it. Cooling helps maintain its texture and flavor, preventing separation.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Strawberry Sauce
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Label with the date and use within 3 months for optimal freshness.
- Leave some space in the container as the sauce may expand when frozen.
Reheating Strawberry Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make strawberry sauce without cornstarch?
Yes! You can use alternative thickening agents like arrowroot powder or simply reduce the mixture longer on the stovetop until it thickens naturally.
What can I serve with strawberry sauce?
Strawberry sauce pairs beautifully with cheesecake, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, and even yogurt. It adds a delightful burst of flavor to many dishes!
How should I store leftover strawberry sauce?
Store leftover strawberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using them in your recipe.
How do I know if my strawberries are ripe?
Ripe strawberries should be bright red with a fragrant smell and firm texture. Avoid any berries that appear dull or have white spots.
Final Thoughts
This easy homemade strawberry sauce is a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire. Its sweet and tangy flavor elevates everything from pancakes to cheesecakes. Feel free to customize by adding other fruits or spices! Give this quick recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of fresh strawberries in every bite.
Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce
Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of homemade strawberry sauce that can elevate any dish in just 15 minutes. This easy recipe calls for only three ingredients: fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, topping cheesecakes, or enhancing ice cream, this versatile sauce is a must-have for any dessert lover. With its vibrant flavor made from fresh strawberries, you can enjoy a taste far superior to store-bought options. This strawberry sauce not only impresses at family gatherings but also provides a delightful treat for everyday moments at home.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings (1 tablespoon each) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (cleaned and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Mash 1 cup of the chopped strawberries in a small bowl using a masher or fork.
- In a medium saucepan, mix together sugar and cornstarch; stir in water and the mashed strawberries.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add red food coloring if desired.
- Cook for about 3 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in reserved chopped strawberries.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring to an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15g)
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Adjust sweetness by tasting during cooking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.