Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

15 minutes mins

| 15 Comments |

4.97 from 29 votes

Jump to Recipe | Updated: | by Nora

This fresh Strawberry Sauce is quick and easy to make and tastes delicious as a topping for cheesecake or pound cake; or as a sauce with ice cream or whipped cream.

Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (1)

Fresh strawberry topping

There’s nothing like strawberry season, if you ask me. I love using the fresh berries to make this strawberry sauce/strawberry topping for yogurt, cheesecake… Or to eat with a spoon!

  • It’s quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of time
  • This is a great recipe to use for berries that need to be used up and may not look their best anymore, or for off-season berries that lack natural sweetness
  • This freezes well, so it’s a great way to preserve those juicy farmer’s market strawberries!
Jump to:
  • Fresh strawberry topping
  • Ingredients you’ll need
  • How to make strawberry sauce
  • Recipe tips
  • Storage tips
  • Ideas for using
  • Printable recipe
  • More strawberry recipes
  • Comments

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!

Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (2)

Ingredient notes

  • Strawberries: You can make this with frozen strawberries. You don’t need to defrost them, but the sauce will take a little longer to cook and they tend to break up more. Feel free to substitute other berries – the sauce works great with blueberries, blackberries or cherries. Raspberries tend to completely break up and form more of a jam.
  • Cornstarch: Feel free to double or triple the cornstarch for a more jammy, thick sauce (the recipe as-is yields chunks of soft strawberry in syrup-y sauce).
  • Lemon juice: The lemon aids with the thickening of the sauce. If you use bottled or skip the lemon juice, you may need to add a little more cornstarch to get the same consistency.

How to make strawberry sauce

1. Combine the strawberries and sugar in a pot. Whisk together the cornstarch, vanilla and lemon juice in a small bowl, then pour into the pot with the strawberries and sugar.

  • Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (3)
  • Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (4)

2. Stir well, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat once. This will start releasing the strawberries’ juices, which will be very liquid at this point.

Reduce the heat to medium and allow the sauce to simmer for around 5 minutes, stirring often, until the juices have thickened to your liking. Break up or even mash part of the berries as the sauce cooks if you like, for a less chunky and more mashed sauce.

  • Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (5)
  • Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (6)
  • Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (7)

You can serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a simple dessert. Use at room temperature or chilled on cheesecakes and the like, in order to keep your dessert from melting away under the heat of the freshly cooked sauce.

Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (8)

Recipe tips

  • You can cut the strawberries as small or as chunky as you’d like. I prefer a chunky strawberry sauce, especially for cheesecake toppings or for things like extra-special strawberry shortcake and the like.
  • The sauce thickens a little as it chills. If it is too thick when you want to use it, microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
  • This yields soft, juicy strawberries in a sirup-y sauce. For a thicker sauce, double or even triple the cornstarch.

Sauce consistency

I like a chunky strawberry topping with lots of juicy syrup. But in some instances, it can be more useful to have more of a sauce consistency, or smaller chunks. Here are some ways you can vary the consistency:

  • Cut the strawberries in large chunks (halve or quarter) and only stir carefully during simmering to leave the berry chunks whole for a very chunky topping, perfect for cheesecake
  • Dice the strawberries in medium chunks, and/or break up some of the berries as the sauce simmers for a more small chunk, jamm-y topping
  • For a smoother sauce, please do not blend – it turns out too liquid-y. Instead, break up/mash all of the berries with a wooden spoon after simmering the sauce for about 5 minutes. Simmer for 5-10 more minutes, stirring often, until thickened to your preferred consistency.

Storage tips

Fridge: Cool the sauce to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm the sauce and to make it thinner again if it is too thick.

Freezer: Cool the sauce to room temperature, then place in a labelled freezer bag or freezer container. Freeze for up to 4 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Ideas for using

  • Top a cheesecake or a no bake cheesecake with your strawberry sauce
  • Use as an extra-special topping for strawberry shortcake
  • Spoon some on top of Greek yogurt
  • Serve with lemon pound cake
  • Use as a Crépe filling
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, or cold with whipped cream
  • Serve hot with waffles, pancakes or French toast
Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (9)

PSIf you try this recipe, please leavea review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along onPinterest,FacebookorInstagram.

Printable recipe

Printable Recipe Card

Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (10)

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Fresh Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping)

This fresh Strawberry Topping or Sauce is quick and easy to make and tastes delicious as a topping for cheesecake or pound cake; or as a sauce with ice cream or whipped cream.

Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings

made it? tap the stars to add your rating!

4.97 from 29 votes

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh strawberries rinsed, hulled and halved or quartered
  • 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.

  • Whisk together lemon juice, vanilla extract and cornstarch in a small bowl until fully smooth/no lumps remain. Pour over strawberries and stir well.

  • Bring to a boil once over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer sauce until berries are soft and juices have thickened slightly, about 5 minutes for a chunky topping (see notes below for other consistencies).

  • Use warm, at room temperature or chilled.

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Notes

Ingredient notes

  • Strawberries: You can make this with frozen strawberries. You don’t need to defrost them, but the sauce will take a little longer to cook and they tend to break up more. Feel free to substitute other berries – the sauce works great with blueberries, blackberries or cherries. Raspberries tend to completely break up and form more of a jam.
  • Cornstarch: Feel free to double or triple the cornstarch for a more jammy, thick sauce (the recipe as-is yields chunks of soft strawberry in syrup-y sauce).
  • Lemon juice: The lemon aids with the thickening of the sauce. If you use bottled or skip the lemon juice, you may need to add a little more cornstarch to get the same consistency.

Recipe tips

  • You can cut the strawberries as small or as chunky as you’d like. I prefer a chunky strawberry sauce, especially for cheesecake toppings or for things like extra-special strawberry shortcake and the like.
  • The sauce thickens a little as it chills. If it is too thick when you want to use it, microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
  • This yields soft, juicy strawberries in a sirup-y sauce. For a thicker sauce, double or even triple the cornstarch.

Sauce consistency

I like a chunky strawberry topping with lots of juicy syrup. But in some instances, it can be more useful to have more of a sauce consistency, or smaller chunks. Here are some ways you can vary the consistency:

  • Cut the strawberries in large chunks (halve or quarter) and only stir carefully during simmering to leave the berry chunks whole for a very chunky topping, perfect for cheesecake
  • Dice the strawberries in medium chunks, and/or break up some of the berries as the sauce simmers for a more small chunk, jamm-y topping
  • For a smoother sauce, please do not blend – it turns out too liquid-y. Instead, break up/mash all of the berries with a wooden spoon after simmering the sauce for about 5 minutes. Simmer for 5-10 more minutes, stirring often, until thickened to your preferred consistency.

Storage tips

Fridge: Cool the sauce to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm the sauce and to make it thinner again if it is too thick.

Freezer: Cool the sauce to room temperature, then place in a labelled freezer bag or freezer container. Freeze for up to 4 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 119mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 9IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition is an estimate.

More recipe information

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

More strawberry recipes

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  • Strawberry Oatmeal Muffins
  • Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie
  • Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (19)
About Nora
When I got married to my professional chef husband, I realized I had to step up my game in the kitchen. Now I share my favorite foolproof family recipes here on Savory Nothings: Chef-approved, kid-vetted and easy enough for everyday home cooks like you and me! Learn more.

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Comments

  1. Priscilla says

    oh my goodness this is soooooo delicious. My husband just loves it and it’s all natural ingredients no artificial anything. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to try blueberry.

    Reply

  2. Jessica W says

    Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (22)
    So good! It was exactly what I was looking for. I had a large batch of strawberries that I needed to use up so I made this and froze half then made a strawberry whipped cream and a whipped strawberry butter for waffle recipe!

    Reply

    • Nora says

      That sounds delicious, Jessica!

      Reply

  3. DOROTHY L MACASKILL says

    Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (23)
    I put it on Angel Food Cake. It came out very good. I added one more ingredient from an old recipe. Just a little Hershey strawberry syrup. But it didn’t need it. Thank You, Dottie

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad you liked the recipe, Dottie! What a great topping for an angel food cake.

      Reply

  4. Lystessa says

    Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (24)
    This was exactly what I wanted, thank you! I wanted a topping for cheesecake and also to go with scones and give a strawberry shortcake vibe. I added a pinch of salt after reading the comments but I don’t know if I would have missed it. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad, Lystessa!

      Reply

  5. Donna says

    Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (25)
    Quick, easy and so delicious! Perfect with a slice of pound cake. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad, Donna!

      Reply

  6. Kyle says

    Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (26)
    Simple recipe to follow with delicious results! It’s perfect just as listed so absolutely no additional ingredients are necessary! Great option to provide when serving homemade cheesecake! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad, Kyle!

      Reply

  7. Jo says

    Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (27)
    good recipe, but definitely needs a pinch of salt to help the flavors. i also added a touch of red food dye to make it look even prettier lol.

    Reply

    • Nora says

      Pretty never hurts, haha! Glad you liked it, I need to try with a pinch of salt – sounds genius!

      Reply

  8. Jesse says

    Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (28)
    I love this recipe it’s ???

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad, Jesse!

      Reply

Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

FAQs

Homemade Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe - Savory Nothings? ›

In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, 1/3 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp lemon juice. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Strawberries will release juice without any mashing required. Reduce heat and simmer 20-23 min or until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

Why is my strawberry puree not thickening? ›

To make your strawberry puree thicker, you're going to want to simmer it for a few minutes. Simmering the mixture reduces the amount of moisture that is in the puree allowing for a stronger strawberry flavor with less liquid.

How to make strawberry Flavour at home? ›

Strawberry puree is made by cooking strawberries with sugar. The heating dissolves and melts the sugar in the water contained in the strawberries. It also evaporates water, creating a thick red syrup containing strawberry solids. The resulting puree is concentrated in color, texture, and strawberry flavor.

Why is my strawberry glaze cloudy? ›

Do not use cornstarch since this ingredient will make your strawberry sauce/topping cloudy. How do I thicken strawberry sauce without cornstarch? Instead of using cornstarch to thicken your strawberry sauce/ topping add ¼ – ½ teaspoon of unflavored gelatin (powder) to make a thick and clear strawberry sauce/ topping.

Why is there strawberry juice after putting sugar on a bowl of strawberries? ›

When sugar is sprinkled on the strawberries, it creates a hypertonic solution. This means that the concentration of solute (sugar) is higher outside the cells than inside the cells. As a result, water from inside the cells moves out to dilute the sugar, causing the berries to release juice.

How do you thicken fruit topping? ›

You can try using ingredients like arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or potato starch as natural thickeners for your sauce. Another option is to reduce the sauce by simmering it for a longer period of time, which can help it naturally thicken as the liquid evaporates.

How do you intensify strawberry flavor? ›

Add a little sugar and salt! Wash your strawberries, cut them, and hit them with a pinch of salt and a couple good three-finger pinches of granulated sugar, give them a little tossy-toss, and watch them magically start to darken and get extra juicy.

What spices enhance strawberries? ›

In addition to mint, you may also consider complementary herbs such as lavender, tarragon, rosemary, angelica, fennel and lemon grass.

What flavor brings out strawberry? ›

Black pepper and balsamic vinegar

Black pepper and balsamic vinegar are both championed by chef Nigel Slater as giving strawberries more flavour: "You only need a little – and it does sound daft, but it works."

What is strawberry glaze made of? ›

What Is Strawberry Glaze Made Of? Strawberry glaze is made from just five ingredients: fresh strawberries, sugar, vanilla, lemon, and a touch of cornstarch for consistency.

What do you use to thicken strawberries? ›

Cornstarch + water: You don't need much, but you must dissolve the cornstarch in a little water before using. This is called a “slurry”; see raspberry cake filling an example. Without mixing with water, the cornstarch will leave white chunks in your strawberry sauce.

Why is my glaze not thickening? ›

If you allow your glaze to cool off too much, you'll have a much harder time getting your thickening agents fully incorporated. When thickening glazes after the fact, low, steady heat is the key to achieving a smooth, consistent texture and unobtrusive flavor.

Can dogs have strawberries? ›

Yes, dogs can eat strawberries. “Dogs can eat strawberries in moderation,” says Dr. Jennifer Power, D.V.M., senior veterinarian at Small Door Vet, a chain of veterinary facilities in the Northeast. “They are a safe and healthy treat for most dogs due to their low-calorie and high-nutrient content.”

What is it called when you mix strawberries with sugar? ›

Macerating fruit simply means to soften or steep it. It might sound fancy, but the process is really quite simple: Macerating typically involves adding sugar and often a liquid (like fruit juice or liquor) to fruit, and letting it all marinate until the fruit is soft or more tender.

Why do you soak strawberries in salt water? ›

The salt water revealed bugs much more quickly. I found dead little fruit flies in the water, and any bugs that were still alive were clinging to the fruit for dear life.

Why is my strawberry syrup not thickening? ›

Insufficient cooking time: Simmering the strawberries for an inadequate amount of time can result in a watery sauce. The heat helps to evaporate excess moisture and thicken the sauce. Ensure that you simmer the strawberries long enough to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken to the desired consistency.

Why isn t my strawberry jam thickening? ›

Low cooking temperature: The temperature to which you cook jam significantly impacts its thickness. If the jam doesn't reach a high enough temperature, the pectin or other gelling agents won't set.

How do you make thick puree? ›

If you need to thicken up your puree for an older baby, it can sometimes be as simple as adding less liquid. You can also try adding baby cereal, plain whole milk yogurt, wheat germ, mashed low-sodium cottage cheese, mashed banana, pureed sweet potato, or pureed tofu.

How do you thicken strawberries? ›

You can dissolve a little cornstarch in a small amount of water and add it to the berries. The cornstarch will do its thickening job the minute the sauce comes to a boil. To thicken strawberry sauce without cornstarch, use arrowroot powder, which is gluten-free, grain-free and paleo-friendly.

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