Imagine drizzling a luscious, vibrant strawberry sauce that transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary masterpieces. This homemade strawberry sauce is not just a topping – it's a game-changing condiment that will elevate everything from ice cream to pancakes with its fresh, bright flavors and stunning crimson color. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality sauce that will have your family and friends begging for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the fresh strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference for chunkiness in the sauce.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries and the sugar. Stir gently to coat the strawberries evenly with the sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This will allow the strawberries to release some of their natural juices, creating a syrupy base for your sauce.
- After the strawberries have macerated, place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally as it heats up. You want to dissolve the sugar completely and allow the strawberries to soften. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the strawberries have softened and the mixture is bubbling, add the lemon juice and vanilla extract. The lemon juice adds a nice tang and balances the sweetness of the sugar, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Continue to cook the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the strawberries to break down further and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a potato masher or a fork to mash some of the strawberries during this process.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the strawberry sauce to cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a clean jar or container. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
- Store the homemade strawberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve it over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or any dessert of your choice. Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry sauce topping!
Tips
- • Use the freshest, ripest strawberries for the most intense flavor • Let strawberries macerate with sugar for maximum juice extraction • Adjust sugar levels based on the sweetness of your strawberries • For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a gourmet twist • Store in an airtight container and consume within a week • Experiment with adding other berries like raspberries for a mixed berry sauce • Serve slightly warm for the most luxurious texture and flavor experience
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 254kcal
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
