Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fresh Strawberry Sauce is a game-changer! It’s incredibly versatile and can be used to enhance so many dishes with minimal effort. The sweet, tangy strawberry flavor, balanced with a hint of vanilla and lemon, transforms even the simplest desserts into something special. It’s a great recipe to have on hand for quick last-minute entertaining or to add a burst of fresh fruit flavor to your favorite breakfast or dessert items. Plus, it’s made with only 4 ingredients, so it’s super simple to whip up!

Ingredients

3 cups strawberries, diced
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture to combine.
Bring to a Boil:
Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The strawberries will soften, and the syrup will thicken and reduce by about ⅓ to ½ in volume.
Adjust the Consistency:
The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, whisk in a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
Serve:
Once the syrup has reached your preferred thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm or refrigerate for later use.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 12 servings (1 cup total)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Chunky or Smooth: For a chunkier syrup, dice the strawberries into larger pieces. For a smoother sauce, dice them smaller.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet syrup, reduce the amount of sugar or add a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Herb Infusion: Add a sprig of fresh mint or basil to the sauce while simmering for a hint of herbal freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating: If the syrup thickens too much after refrigeration, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to return it to your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh berries will provide a fresher, more vibrant flavor. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them before cooking.

2. Can I use a different sweetener besides granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.

3. How can I make this syrup thicker?

To thicken the syrup, allow it to simmer for a longer period of time. The longer it cooks, the thicker it will become.

4. How can I make it thinner?

If you find the syrup too thick, simply stir in a little water until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Can I freeze this strawberry syrup?

Yes, you can freeze the syrup. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

6. Can I use this sauce on savory dishes?

While this strawberry syrup is best suited for sweet dishes, it could pair beautifully with certain savory options like grilled chicken , providing a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

7. How do I store leftover syrup?

Refrigerate any leftover syrup in an airtight container for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for long-term storage.

8. Can I make this syrup ahead of time?

Yes, this strawberry syrup can be made up to a few days ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

9. Can I use this as a topping for ice cream?

Absolutely! This fresh strawberry syrup is perfect as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, crepes, and much more.

10. Can I make this syrup without lemon juice?

Lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness of the strawberries, but if you prefer, you can omit it. You can also try using a small amount of lime juice for a different citrus flavor.

Conclusion

This Fresh Strawberry Syrup is incredibly easy to make and adds a fresh, homemade touch to any dessert. Whether you’re serving it with ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake, this simple yet flavorful sauce will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a gourmet topping that will elevate any meal!

Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe

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This Homemade Fresh Strawberry Syrup is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious way to elevate your desserts. Made with strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, it’s a versatile topping for a variety of sweet treats.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 12 servings (1 cup total)
Category: Dessert Topping
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

3 cups strawberries, diced

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture to combine.
Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The strawberries will soften, and the syrup will thicken and reduce by about ⅓ to ½ in volume.
If the syrup becomes too thick, whisk in a little water to adjust the consistency.
Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm or refrigerate for later use.