Strawberry Sauce

Easy homemade strawberry sauce is a delightful addition to many desserts. This quick recipe, made with just three ingredients, takes only 15 minutes to prepare. Perfect for topping ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake, this strawberry sauce brings a burst of fresh flavor that enhances any dish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to elevate your everyday meals, this sauce will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this sauce in no time.
• Minimal Ingredients: Only three simple ingredients are needed, making it easy and accessible.
• Versatile Use: Great for desserts like cakes and sundaes, or as a topping for breakfast items like waffles and pancakes.
• Fresh Flavor: Using fresh strawberries ensures that the sauce is bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Customizable Color: Add red food coloring if you want a deeper hue to brighten up your dishes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Small bowl
• Masher or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight container

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the strawberry mixture evenly without burning.
• Masher or fork: Helps break down the strawberries quickly for a smoother sauce texture.

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. Use a masher or fork to mash them until they are mostly smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Stir these dry ingredients together. Next, add water along with the mashed strawberries into the saucepan.

Step 3: Cook 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 Sauce

Continue cooking and stirring for about 3 minutes or until the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Chopped Strawberries

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the reserved chopped strawberries for added texture. Transfer this mixture into a bowl and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Store or Serve

Once cooled, pour your strawberry sauce into an airtight container. You can serve it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy this delicious homemade strawberry sauce on your favorite desserts!

How to Serve Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry sauce is a versatile and delightful addition to various dishes. Whether you’re looking to enhance a dessert or add a fruity flair to breakfast, this sauce can elevate your meals with its vibrant flavor and color.

On Pancakes

• Drizzle over fluffy pancakes for a sweet breakfast treat that pairs wonderfully with maple syrup.

With Ice Cream

• Spoon it over vanilla ice cream to create a refreshing sundae. The warm sauce melts slightly into the cold ice cream for a delightful contrast.

As a Cheesecake Topping

• Spread on top of cheesecake for an elegant dessert presentation. This adds both flavor and visual appeal to your dish.

In Yogurt Parfaits

• Layer with yogurt and granola in a parfait glass for a healthy snack or breakfast option. The strawberry sauce adds sweetness and fruitiness.

With Waffles

• Use as a topping for waffles to transform your brunch experience. Pair it with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

In Smoothies

• Blend into smoothies for added flavor and natural sweetness. It works especially well in strawberry or berry smoothies.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce

Creating the perfect strawberry sauce involves attention to detail and some tips that can enhance your results.

• Choose ripe strawberries: Select fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe or under-ripe strawberries can affect the taste.

• Adjust the sweetness: Taste your mixture while cooking, and adjust the sugar based on your preference. Some may prefer it sweeter or less sweet.

• Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh strawberries rather than frozen ones for optimal texture and flavor.

• Thicken as needed: If you want a thicker sauce, allow it to cook slightly longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

• Experiment with flavors: Consider adding vanilla extract or lemon juice to enhance the sauce’s complexity and balance its sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry sauce can complement many dishes beautifully. Here are some side dishes that pair perfectly.

1. Cheesecake: This classic dessert benefits greatly from a generous drizzle of strawberry sauce on top.
2. Pancakes: A stack of pancakes topped with strawberry sauce makes for an unforgettable breakfast experience.
3. Waffles: Add strawberry sauce over waffles for a delicious twist on brunch favorites.
4. Oatmeal: Stirring in strawberry sauce can instantly elevate plain oatmeal into something special.
5. Yogurt Bowls: Use strawberry sauce as a topping in yogurt bowls for added sweetness and flavor.
6. Pound Cake: Slice of pound cake served with strawberry sauce is simple yet elegant, perfect for gatherings.
7. Ice Cream Sundaes: Layered with ice cream, this combination creates a delightful dessert experience.
8. Crepes: Fill crepes with cream cheese or ricotta, then top them off with warm strawberry sauce for a gourmet touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry sauce can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to a delicious outcome.

• Using overripe strawberries: Overripe strawberries can lead to a mushy sauce. Always choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin the balance of sweetness and thickness. Use precise measurements for sugar and cornstarch to achieve perfect consistency.
• Skipping the mashing step: Failing to mash some of the strawberries can result in a less flavorful sauce. Mashing helps release the natural juices, enhancing the overall taste.
• Cooking at too high a temperature: A high heat can cause the sauce to scorch. Always cook on medium heat and stir continuously to prevent burning.
• Not allowing time to cool: Serving strawberry sauce right away may not allow flavors to meld. Letting it cool for 10-15 minutes enhances its taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store strawberry sauce in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Sauce

• Pour cooled strawberry sauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Reheating Strawberry Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sauce in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer strawberry sauce to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Pour the sauce into a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make strawberry sauce without cornstarch?

Yes! You can use other thickeners like arrowroot or simply reduce the mixture longer on the stove until it thickens naturally.

How do I use strawberry sauce for waffles?

Drizzle warm strawberry sauce over waffles just before serving for an added touch of sweetness and color.

What is the best way to store homemade strawberry sauce?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to two weeks!

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen strawberries before using them in your strawberry sauce recipe.

Final Thoughts

This easy homemade strawberry sauce is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a topping for desserts like cheesecake, ice cream, or pancakes, you can customize it with optional ingredients like lemon juice or vanilla extract. Try this delightful recipe today and discover how simple it is to create a sweet treat that enhances any dish!