Fresh Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Topping) Recipe
This Fresh Strawberry Sauce is a simple, vibrant topping made with ripe strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or yogurt, this sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop and can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Strawberry Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (rinsed, hulled, and halved or quartered)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine strawberries and sugar: In a medium pot or saucepan, add the prepared fresh strawberries along with the granulated sugar. Mix them together gently to begin releasing the fruit’s natural juices.
- Prepare thickening mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until fully smooth with no lumps. This mixture will help thicken the sauce and add flavor.
- Cook the sauce: Pour the cornstarch mixture over the strawberries in the pot and stir well to combine. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. Cook until the berries soften and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes for a chunky texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve or store: Remove the saucepan from heat. The sauce can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled based on your preference. It works beautifully as a topping on desserts or breakfast foods.
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cornstarch dissolved in a little water if you want it thicker, or cooking it for a shorter time for a runnier consistency.
- For a smoother sauce, mash the strawberries slightly while cooking or blend after cooling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain excess juice before starting the recipe.
Keywords: strawberry sauce, strawberry topping, fresh strawberries, dessert sauce, strawberry syrup
