Strawberry Sauce

Easy homemade strawberry sauce is a delightful addition to many desserts. This versatile sauce can elevate your ice cream, pancakes, and cheesecakes with its fresh flavor. With just three ingredients and a quick 15-minute preparation time, you’ll find yourself making this strawberry sauce for every occasion. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter dessert, this sauce shines with its vibrant color and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this strawberry sauce in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute desserts.
• Few Ingredients: With only three main components, this recipe keeps things simple and accessible for anyone.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it on waffles, ice cream, or even as a topping for cheesecake; the possibilities are endless!
• Fresh Flavor: Using fresh strawberries gives this sauce a natural sweetness that enhances any dish.
• Customizable Color: The optional red food coloring allows you to adjust the hue to suit your occasion or preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of strawberry sauce, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Small bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups
• Jar or container for storage

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the strawberries and ensuring an even heat distribution.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mashing strawberries without making a mess.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon helps combine ingredients well, ensuring a smooth sauce.

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. Mash them until they are mostly smooth, then set aside.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, stir together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Then add in the water and the mashed strawberries.

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 time.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Cook and stir the mixture for about 3 minutes or until it has thickened to your liking.

Step 5: Finish Up

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

Step 6: Store Your Sauce

Once cooled, add your strawberry sauce to a jar or container with a lid. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

How to Serve Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry sauce is a versatile topping that adds sweetness and flavor to various dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve this delightful sauce.

On Ice Cream

• Scoop it on top: Drizzle warm strawberry sauce over scoops of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
• Blend it in: Mix the sauce into your favorite ice cream for a fruity twist.

With Pancakes and Waffles

• Serve it as a topping: Pour strawberry sauce over fluffy pancakes or waffles for a breakfast treat.
• Layer it between: Spread the sauce between layers of pancakes for an indulgent stack.

As a Cheesecake Topping

• Pour it generously: Top your cheesecake with strawberry sauce for added flavor and a pop of color.
• Create swirls: Use a knife to swirl the sauce into the cheesecake before serving.

In Yogurt Parfaits

• Layer with yogurt and granola: Combine strawberry sauce with yogurt and granola for a tasty parfait.
• Mix with cottage cheese: Stir some strawberry sauce into cottage cheese for a refreshing snack.

On Oatmeal

• Sweeten your bowl: Drizzle warm strawberry sauce over oatmeal to enhance its flavor.
• Add fresh fruit: Combine with sliced bananas or nuts for extra texture.

For Fruit Salad

• Toss with fresh fruits: Stir strawberry sauce into a bowl of mixed fruits for added sweetness.
• Use as a dip: Serve the sauce on the side as a dip for fruit skewers.

How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce

Creating the perfect strawberry sauce is easy when you follow these simple tips.

• Choose ripe strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries yield the best flavor and sweetness in your sauce.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to modify the sugar amount based on how sweet your strawberries are.
• Use cornstarch wisely: Ensure you mix cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps in your sauce.
• Cook until thickened: Monitor the cooking time closely; cook just until your mixture has thickened properly.
• Customize color if desired: Add red food coloring only if you want an extra vibrant appearance.
• Let it cool before serving: Allow the strawberry sauce to cool slightly before using it, enhancing its rich flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry sauce pairs beautifully with many dishes, making them even more delightful. Here are some side dishes that complement this fruity topping well.

1. Pound Cake: A slice of moist pound cake provides a perfect base for drizzling strawberry sauce.
2. Crepes: Fill thin crepes with whipped cream and top them off with strawberry sauce for an elegant treat.
3. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites can be enhanced with strawberry sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
4. French Toast Sticks: Dip crispy French toast sticks into warm strawberry sauce for a fun breakfast option.
5. Scones: Serve buttery scones alongside strawberry sauce and clotted cream for afternoon tea.
6. Rice Pudding: A scoop of creamy rice pudding topped with strawberry sauce creates a delightful dessert experience.
7. Fruit Tarts: Use strawberry sauce as a glaze over fresh fruit tarts, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
8. Chocolate Mousse: Complement rich chocolate mousse with a tart ribbon of strawberry sauce on top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry sauce can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your strawberry sauce turns out perfectly every time.

• Using overripe strawberries: Overripe strawberries can lead to a sauce that is too mushy and lacks flavor. Choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much sugar or cornstarch can alter the consistency and taste of your sauce. Always measure your ingredients carefully for a balanced flavor.
• Skipping the mashing step: Failing to mash some of the strawberries can result in an unbalanced texture. Mashing helps create a smoother sauce while still leaving some chunks for added texture.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking the sauce for too long can cause it to become overly thick or burnt. Keep an eye on it and cook just until it thickens, usually about 3 minutes.
• Storing improperly: If you don’t store your strawberry sauce in an airtight container, it may spoil quickly. Use a jar with a tight seal to keep it fresh.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Allow the sauce to cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Strawberry Sauce

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time.

Reheating Strawberry Sauce

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Sauce?

Strawberry sauce is a sweet topping made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. It’s perfect for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.

Can I make Strawberry Sauce without cornstarch?

Yes! You can create strawberry sauce without cornstarch by simply cooking the strawberries longer until they naturally thicken.

How do I use Strawberry Sauce?

You can use strawberry sauce as a topping for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or even as a filling for cakes and pastries.

How long does homemade Strawberry Sauce last?

Homemade strawberry sauce lasts up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I customize my Strawberry Sauce?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like vanilla extract or lemon juice for extra zest or mix in other fruits for variety.

Final Thoughts

This easy homemade strawberry sauce recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re drizzling it over pancakes or using it as a topping for cheesecake, you’ll love how simple and delicious it is. Feel free to customize it with different flavors or fruits to suit your taste!