Description
This easy homemade strawberry sauce is a sweet and tangy topping made from fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, or desserts, it can be enjoyed chunky or smooth depending on your preference. The optional cornstarch thickens the sauce for a more syrupy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the strawberries evenly with sugar, which helps to draw out the natural juices.
- Cook Strawberries: Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the strawberries soften and release their juicy liquid, creating the base of the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): For a thicker consistency, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the saucepan. Continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Adjust Consistency: Remove the saucepan from heat. For a chunky sauce, leave the strawberries whole as they are. For a smoother sauce, mash the cooked strawberries with a spoon or blend briefly using an immersion blender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or chilled as a versatile topping for various dishes.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar quantity based on the sweetness of the strawberries used.
- The lemon juice adds brightness and helps preserve the sauce.
- If using frozen strawberries, you may need to cook a little longer to release juices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This sauce is great on desserts such as cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
