Description
This Fresh Strawberry Sauce is a quick and easy homemade strawberry topping perfect for enhancing desserts, pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. Made with fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla, it simmers into a luscious, slightly thickened sauce with a bright, fruity flavor. You can customize the consistency by adjusting the cornstarch, making it ideal for chunky or smooth toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (rinsed, hulled, and halved or quartered)
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or more to taste; see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Strawberries and Sugar: In a medium pot or saucepan, add the prepared fresh strawberries and granulated sugar. Stir together gently to coat the berries with sugar evenly.
- Prepare the Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch together until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture over the strawberries and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the Sauce: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries become soft and the juice thickens slightly — about 5 minutes for a chunky texture. Adjust cooking time or cornstarch amount for desired consistency.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool to warm, room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator. Use as a topping for desserts, breakfast dishes, or snacks.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, use additional cornstarch and cook longer, stirring frequently.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little water or lemon juice to your preferred consistency.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Fresh, ripe strawberries yield the best flavor for this sauce.
