Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe - Pumpkin 'N Spice (2024)

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by Gayle on Apr 8, 2015 (updated Jun 2, 2020) 96 comments »

This Fresh Strawberry Sauce is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Made with just four ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, this easy sauce is perfect for topping ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, and more!

Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe - Pumpkin 'N Spice (1)

The hubster and I are pretty predictable when it comes to our eating habits.He usually eats cereal or waffles for breakfast, while I grab some yogurt, some granola, or a piece of this oatmeal.

We both make our lunches for work at night, and while I like a little bit of variety, the hubster usually makes a sandwich or dishes up some leftovers, along with some strawberries, for the next day.

You can pretty much always find a carton of strawberries in our fridge, as it’s one of our favorite fruits! I like to slice it up to add to my yogurt or dip it into some chocolate or brown sugar when I want something sweeter. But whatever the case may be, we never seem to waste this fruit.

But instead of just eating strawberries my usual way, I decided to get more creative and turn it into this Strawberry Sauce recipe!

What Makes This Strawberry Sauce so Great:

  • It’s bursting with juicy strawberries and brimming with flavor!
  • The lemon juice gives it a nice perk to the sweetness.
  • Did I mention how easy this Fresh Strawberry Sauce is to make? So easy, guys!

Once you try this stuff, I guarantee that you’ll be making it all the time. So let’s get down to business!

Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe - Pumpkin 'N Spice (2)

Fresh Strawberry Sauce Ingredients

This strawberry sauce recipe is made with just four simple ingredients:

  • Fresh strawberries
  • Granulated sugar
  • Water
  • Lemon juice

How to Make Strawberry Sauce

  1. Gather the strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice and combine then into a medium pot.
  2. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and let cook. Serve immediately or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How Long Does Strawberry Sauce Last?

This fresh strawberry sauce will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe - Pumpkin 'N Spice (3)

Strawberry Sauce Variations to Try

  • Add a little lemon zestinto the strawberry sauce to really pack in the lemon flavor
  • If you’re out of white sugar, try using honey or maple syrup instead (use 4 tablespoons of either).
  • Add in a different type of berry if you’re running low on strawberries. Raspberries would be a great choice!

Ways to Use Strawberry Sauce

Perfectly sweet and oh-so delicious, this Fresh Strawberry Sauce will wow your tastebuds! It’s so versatile, so you can enjoy it as a strawberry topping for pancakes or waffles, drizzle it over ice cream or yogurt, or just eat with your trusty ‘ole spoon. It’s also delicious as a topping for cheesecake!

This sauce is simply amazing and I know you’ll think the same!

Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe - Pumpkin 'N Spice (4)

Tips for Making Fresh Strawberry Sauce

  • If you like a smoother sauce, cook the topping for a couple minutes longer than the recipe calls for.
  • If you like more strawberry pieces in your sauce, check it at 15 minutes as that may be enough for you.
  • Bottled lemon juice works great, but fresh lemon juice really makes the strawberry topping sing.
  • Don’t forget to stir the sauce! If you don’t stir it, the sugars will burn.

Looking for more strawberry recipes? Then I’ve got you covered!

  • No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
  • Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
  • Strawberry Pound Cake
  • Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
  • Strawberry Cinnamon Dump Cake

Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe - Pumpkin 'N Spice (5)

Fresh Strawberry Sauce

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Fresh Strawberry Sauce is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Made with just four ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, this easy sauce is perfect for topping ice cream, oatmeal, pancakes, and more!

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, , hulled and sliced
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.

  • Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to simmer and let cook 20-25 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

  • Serve immediately or keep in an airtight container or glass jar in refrigerator.

Notes

Strawberry sauce will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Serving: 1g, Calories: 58kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 116mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 9IU, Vitamin C: 46mg, Calcium: 12mg, Iron: 1mg

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Author: Gayle

Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.

Desserts

originally published on Apr 8, 2015 (last updated Jun 2, 2020)

96 comments Leave a comment »

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96 comments on “Fresh Strawberry Sauce”

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  1. Mir Reply

    I can imagine this on so many things. Like cheesecake! And definitely ice cream, with some chocolate syrup. Mmm. This looks great!

    • Gayle Reply

      This sauce is perfect on just about anything! Thanks, Mir!

  2. Ami@NaiveCookCooks Reply

    Fresh strawberry sauce sounds awesome Gayle! Why did I not think of it as I have a box sitting at home?! This would be perfect for breakfast or desserts! Mmmm the possibilities..

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Ami! It’s so good and disappeared way too fast! 🙂

  3. Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating Reply

    Oooh, you are making me long for summer, Gayle! Bring on the strawberries!

    • Gayle Reply

      I am so ready for summer and all of the fresh fruits and veggies, Kelly!

  4. Sues Reply

    I would most definitely be eating this out of the jar!! It’s so beautiful 🙂

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Sues! And it’s definitely acceptable to eat this out of the jar!

  5. Jess @ whatjessicabakednext Reply

    Strawberries are my favourite fruit too! This sauce looks divine – I love how simple it is to make! 😀

    • Gayle Reply

      Thank you, Jess!

  6. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter Reply

    We love strawberries so much too and I’m so excited to see them around again! This strawberry sauce looks gorgeous, Gayle! Love the pretty color and I could think of so many ways to use this but mostly like you said, just straight up with a spoon 🙂

    • Gayle Reply

      Thank you, Kelly! I have to admit that I ate a lot of this with just my spoon but I did use it on a few other things, too!

  7. Alyssa @ My Sequined Life Reply

    I would be putting this on EV-ERY-THING Gayle! I think I’m picking up extra strawberries this weekend!

    • Gayle Reply

      It’s SO good on just about anything, Alyssa!

  8. Melanie @ Carmel Moments Reply

    That looks fabulous! I can never resist anything homemade with strawberries. YuM!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Melanie! I love using fresh strawberries whenever I can!

  9. Jen @ Baked by an Introvert Reply

    I love strawberries and would possibly be guilty of drinking this sauce!

    • Gayle Reply

      It’s definitely ok to do that, Jen! 🙂

  10. Valya @ Valya's Taste of Home says Reply

    This strawberry sauce is perfect topping for everything waffles, pancakes ice cream etc… looks delicious 🙂

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Valya!

  11. Justine | Cooking and Beer Reply

    This is something I totally need to start doing so I have an abundance of sauces in my fridge! I just don’t think they would last very long! Love this fresh strawberry sauce, Gayle! Yum!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Justine! It’s so perfect for when you always have strawberries laying around! 🙂

  12. Manali @ CookWithManali Reply

    This would be so great on pancakes, waffles or even ice cream! Gorgeous color Gayle! 🙂 Pinned!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks for the strawberry love and pin, Manali!

  13. Christine@ Apple of My Eye Reply

    Mhmm strawberry sauce is one of my favorite condiments! Growing up, my mom used to make Norwegian waffles occasionally and we would always top them with sour cream + strawberry jam. I need some of this in my life! :). Pinned!

    • Gayle Reply

      Oh those waffles sound perfect, Christine! Thanks for the kind words and pin!

  14. Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat Reply

    I love the freshness of strawberries, especially now in Spring. This sauce would be great on ice cream or toast!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Shelby!

  15. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom Reply

    Gayle, you and your husband have a great routine!! I love it! and I LOVE this Fresh Strawberry Sauce!! We always have strawberries in our fridge around this time of the year and into the summer!! pinned!!! this is gorgeous!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks so much, Alice!

  16. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom Reply

    Yum, Gayle! We are chomping at the bit to go strawberry picking as soon as the local berries ripen. It won’t be long! Saving this recipe so that we can use some of our extras to make this sauce!

    • Gayle Reply

      I would love to go strawberry picking, Blair! Sounds like so much fun!

  17. Judit + Corina @Glamorous Bite Reply

    Gayle, there is nothing more divine then starting the day with fresh strawberries or your fabulous strawberry sauce drizzled over pancakes or waffles!
    J+C

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks so much for the kind words! This is definitely a great way to start out the day!

  18. Michelle { A Latte Food } Reply

    Gayle, this sauce is everything! I already have dozens of recipes flowing through my mind that this sauce would be perfect on! Like brownies. And ice cream. So amazing!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Michelle!

  19. Olivia @ Olivia's Cuisine Reply

    I’m making a strawberry dessert today too! lol I love your strawberry sauce. I usually have too much strawberries and they end up going bad, so this would be a perfect solution for my strawberry problems! 🙂

    • Gayle Reply

      This is the perfect way to use up strawberries, Olivia! Thanks for the kind words!

  20. Annie @ ciaochowbambina Reply

    So simple, pretty and delicious! We always have strawberries around too…I love this creative use for them!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Annie!

  21. Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. Reply

    I’m so happy strawberry season is coming, I’ve missed eating truckloads of strawberries over the winter! This sauce looks perfect Gayle!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thank you, Stacey!

  22. Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze Reply

    Yumm I love homemade strawberry sauce! This looks perfect for waffles and pancakes. I could even eat it out of the jar, hehe. Love how easy it is to make too. Your photos are gorgeous Gayle!! Happy Wednesday! 😉 Pinned.

    • Gayle Reply

      This is so easy to make and so versatile, too! And eating it straight from the jar is the best part! 🙂 Thanks for the kind words and pin, friend!

  23. Kelley @ Chef Savvy Reply

    This looks wonderful Gayle! Just in time for spring. I love how there are only a couple of ingredients! My kind of recipe!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Kelley! I love easy recipes like this, too!

  24. Christina @ Bake with Christina Reply

    Mmm that sauce looks SO yummy and flavorful! 🙂

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Christina!

  25. Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates Reply

    I love all fruits but my husband is especially fond of strawberries..this sauce looks just perfect! I am thinking I need to make this to spoon over a big batch of pancakes this weekend! Yummm! Pinned!

    • Gayle Reply

      This would be so perfect with pancakes, Mariah! Thanks for the strawberry love and pin!

  26. Ashley | The Recipe Rebel Reply

    This is pretty much the most beautiful strawberry sauce I’ve ever seen. I want summer SO badly!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Ashley!

  27. Annie @ The Garlic Diaries Reply

    This strawberry sauce looks so, SO delicious! I grew up with my mom making about a million jars of strawberry jam every spring that would last the whole year, so that jar of strawberry sauce brings back some nostalgic memories :).

    • Gayle Reply

      That is so neat that you grew up with strawberry jam, Annie! Sounds delicious!

  28. Cailee Reply

    YUM! This looks delicious! So sweet! Gotta love strawberries!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Cailee!

  29. mira Reply

    This strawberry sauce looks perfect Gayle! It is the perfect time for this recipe- I just have a lot of strawberries, that might go bad in a couple of days, but making the sauce will be awesome!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Mira!

  30. Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen Reply

    This looks so good Gayle, and I love how easy it is! I’d love some on top of my morning waffles or pancakes!

    • Gayle Reply

      It’s so delicious, Kristine!

  31. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy Reply

    This looks like the perfect way to use strawberries. I am so excited to go strawberry picking this year.

    • Gayle Reply

      Definitely, Dannii! Thanks!

  32. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg Reply

    Strawberry sauce is the best! It goes great with oatmeal and ice cream. I think I probably should try adding it to a frozen margarita as well. It’s almost Friday, right? 🙂

    • Gayle Reply

      Oh I love the idea of adding it to oatmeal and margaritas! Good thinking, Erin! 🙂

  33. Sarah@ Whole and Heavenly Oven Reply

    I have a recipe JUST like this that I make every summer when we have a ton of of fresh strawberries! You just can’t beat 3 ingredients for a sauce brimming with flavor like this is!

    • Gayle Reply

      Yes! It’s definitely the best, Sarah!

  34. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen Reply

    Yum! I would love this strawberry sauce on some pancakes!

    • Gayle Reply

      It would be so perfect on pancakes, Christin!

  35. Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness Reply

    Strawberries are so cheap right now! I need to be making more recipes. Like this sauce! I can practically TASTE this on some pancakes!

    • Gayle Reply

      You need to make this, Cathleen! It’s SO good!

  36. Katalina @ Peas and Peonies Reply

    Love the color, so bright! This would be great on any dessert or just on itself!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Katalina!

  37. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely Reply

    So happy strawberries are in season! My favorite! I was even thinking about adding some to our garden. I wonder how they’ll grow? I love this strawberry sauce! My favorite is using it to cover my cheesecake. Yum!

    • Gayle Reply

      You should definitely try planting strawberries, Natalie! Then you can make ALL the strawberry sauce you want! 🙂

  38. Linda @ Veganosity Reply

    This is so easy, but it looks so decadent! I would spoon it over everthing Gayle. 🙂

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Linda!

  39. Keri @ Fashionable Foods Reply

    I love fresh strawberries and especially strawberry sauce. It’s so vibrant and pretty! I’d love some right now over ice cream!

    • Gayle Reply

      Thank you, Keri!

  40. Kathy @ Olives & Garlic Reply

    Wow Gayle, this is the kind of thing I need to make this weekend. I love using jam on an english muffin for breakfast for my daughter but hate giving her the store bought kind.

    • Gayle Reply

      Sounds like this is perfect for you, Kathy! Thanks!

  41. Emma Jenkins Reply

    Has anyone ever tried freezing this sauce so it would last longer than a couple weeks?

    • Gayle Reply

      Hi Emma! I have never tried freezing this sauce before, so I can’t say for sure. But I would think it would be fine to freeze since there is no dairy or creamer products in here. Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy this sauce!

  42. Shirley Reply

    Can this be canned? I would want it to last longer than two weeks and our berry season here is pretty short. I picked berries yesterday and going again tomorrow. Would love to have something that’s shelf stable to do with lots of these luscious berries!!

    • Gayle Reply

      Hi Shirley! Unfortunately, I’ve never canned this sauce, so I’m honestly not sure. I would think you could do definitely try, but I’m not sure what the results would be. Good luck and I hope you love this!

  43. Catherine Reply

    Dear Gayle, these is nothing better than homemade fruit preserves. This looks perfect…always great to have strawberry sauce on hand! xo, Catherine

    • Gayle Reply

      Thanks, Catherine!

  44. Barbara Reply

    Can you use frozen strawberries for this sauce?

    • Gayle Reply

      Hi Barbara! I’ve never made this sauce using frozen strawberries, so I can’t say for sure how this would turn out. But you could definitely try it! Hope you love this and thanks for stopping by!

  45. Starr Reply

    Can you use this recipe to fill a cake?

    • Gayle Reply

      Hi Star! I have never used this sauce in a cake, so I can’t say for sure. I’m thinking you may need to thicken it a little bit more for a filling. Either cornstarch or less liquid may work, but again, I’m not positive since I’ve never tried it before. Thanks for stopping by!

  46. Michelle Bird Reply

    Can you freeze it?

    • Gayle Reply

      Hi Michelle! Yes, this should last in the freezer for up to two months. Enjoy!

  47. Nancy S. Reply

    Have you tried canning this sauce for use over the long winter months?

    • Gayle Reply

      I haven’t tried that but I have frozen it for several months!

  48. Penny Villegas Reply

    Can this be made sugar free?

    • Gayle Reply

      Hi Penny! I’ve never tried that, so I’m not sure how it would turn out.

Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe - Pumpkin 'N Spice (2024)

FAQs

How to 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 go best with strawberries? ›

In addition to mint, you may also consider complementary herbs such as lavender, tarragon, rosemary, angelica, fennel and lemon grass. Not an herb or a spice, per se, but balsamic vinegar is traditional with strawberries.

Why put black pepper on strawberries? ›

Well, like some citrus fruits, strawberries actually have an inherent amount of tartness, and the pepper neutralizes that tartness, keeping any overly sweet elements to a minimum and, ultimately, making strawberry flavor shine. The theory even works for other acidic (or tart) fruits, like pineapple.

What brings out the flavor of strawberries? ›

Such is the case with strawberries, and their new best friend, according to many gourmet chefs: black pepper. If it sounds gross, you're not alone in that opinion. But black pepper is actually the secret ingredient in bringing out the flavor of strawberries; it does to them what salt does to meat.

Does putting sugar on strawberries make them sweeter? ›

It's also a hands-off recipe: Just toss strawberries with sugar and let time take care of the rest. The sugar will coax out the berries' juices, creating a thick and succulent syrup, while the strawberries will deepen in flavor and soften in texture. The result is a versatile, sweet-tart topping that's hard to resist.

What is the best combination for strawberry? ›

We all know about mint being a great pairing with strawberries, but rosemary is also a match made in heaven. Give it a try sometime. Basil is also a lovely flavour combination and means you have something else to do with that pot sitting on your kitchen windowsill.

What flavors mix well with strawberry? ›

Strawberry: Pairs well with other berries, almond, apple, banana, chocolate, citrus, coriander, honey, melon, mint, peach, pineapple, rhubarb, vanilla, and walnut.

Why do you put vinegar on strawberries? ›

Vinegar Bath Method

Like the previous method, this one is about killing bacteria and mold dead. Soak berries in a vinegar solution that is 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. Let soak for 15 minutes. Like the previous method, this one is about killing bacteria and mold dead.

What does coffee grounds do for strawberries? ›

Because coffee grounds are slightly acidic, they are ideal for strawberries and other plants that prefer a slightly acidic soil. Although coffee grounds are high in nitrogen, they should not be used as the only fertiliser for strawberries, as they contain hardly any other nutrients.

When not to use black pepper? ›

Bleeding conditions: Piperine, a chemical in black pepper, might slow blood clotting. Taking black pepper in amounts greater than those in food might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Can dogs have strawberries? ›

Yes, a dog can eat strawberries. If you're looking for a fun and safe treat to help expand your dog's palate, strawberries are an excellent choice. Like many other fruits and berries, strawberries are a healthy snack choice for dogs. Other options include apples, watermelon, blueberries, raspberries and more.

Why do you soak strawberries in baking soda? ›

Add 1 tsp. of baking soda to 4 cups of water, and soak your strawberries in a large bowl for five minutes. Then, rinse your strawberries with cold running water and pat them dry. Baking soda helps remove dirt, traces of pesticides, and more from fresh fruits and vegetables.

How to enhance strawberry flavor in baking? ›

Instead of settling for artificial strawberry flavoring, I took a trick from Sally's Candy Addiction: strawberry dust! Grab some freeze-dried strawberries, grind them up, and mix that magic dust into the frosting. (I actually added freeze-dried strawberries to cake batter as one of my test recipes.

How to concentrate strawberry flavor? ›

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.

What can I use for strawberry flavoring? ›

While there is no direct replacement for fresh strawberries, especially as a garnish, natural strawberry extract allows you to add authentic strawberry flavor to any recipe. Strawberry extract can be used to flavor cakes, cookies, ice cream, beverages, breads, and more.

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