If you find yourself with more strawberries than you can eat in a couple of days, why not make a delicious homemade strawberry sauce? Strawberries don’t last long, so turning them into a sauce is a great way to enjoy them over desserts, making them both fancier and tastier.
The recipe is very straightforward, and it’s simple enough to get the kids involved too. They’ll love this tasty and nutritious fruit sauce on their favorite treats. Plus, strawberry sauce can be made anytime during the year, providing a healthier option than store-bought versions. You can also store it for future use, as it maintains its quality when stored properly.
Strawberries are packed with nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. Creating a sauce at home means you know exactly what’s in it, unlike some of the expensive brands where ingredients are unclear. Today, I’m sharing a super easy strawberry sauce recipe you can whip up at home with just a few basic ingredients.
**Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe #1**
This recipe is quick to make, fitting easily into a busy schedule. Simply stir the ingredients a few times, and you’ve got a delicious topping for pancakes, ice cream, waffles, or even bread in place of jam.
**Ingredients**
– 1 pint of sliced fresh strawberries
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
**Instructions**
1. Take a medium-sized saucepan and mix the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. In about 5 to 8 minutes, the strawberries will release their juice and start to boil.
3. Lower the heat to medium-low and continue to stir regularly until the mixture thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat once thickened, pour into a glass container, and let cool completely. Your strawberry sauce is ready to serve or store in the fridge for later.
**Notes**
– If using frozen strawberries, measure 2 ¼ cups and cook for 8 to 10 minutes over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low for 15 to 20 minutes.
– Adjust sugar if your strawberries are particularly sweet.
– Store unused sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
– Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
– Fresh strawberries are ideal in warmer months, but frozen ones are fine in winter.
**Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe #2**
Here’s another simple strawberry sauce recipe requiring four ingredients to enhance desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
**Ingredients**
– 2 cups diced fresh strawberries
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– ½ tablespoon lemon juice
**Instructions**
1. In a medium saucepan, mix all ingredients and heat on medium until boiling. Stir occasionally.
2. Once boiled, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring as needed until the strawberries soften and become juicy.
3. Turn off the heat, mash the strawberries to your desired consistency, and let the sauce cool for 10 minutes.
4. Pour into a jar and refrigerate, where it can last up to two weeks.
**Notes**
– Use one pound of strawberries to get two cups when diced.
– Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor.
**Tips for Using Strawberry Sauce**
Use your homemade sauce on pancakes, waffles, ice cream, cheesecakes, or even Greek yogurt pancakes.
**Health Benefits of Strawberries**
– **Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease:** Rich in antioxidants, strawberries can help lower bad cholesterol and inflammation, reducing heart disease risk.
– **Boosts Immunity:** High in vitamin C, they improve immune function and eye health.
– **Improves Skin Health:** Vitamin C in strawberries boosts collagen, maintaining skin elasticity and health.
– **Facilitates Weight Loss:** Low in calories and high in fiber, they aid weight loss and improve metabolism.
– **Promotes Digestion:** Their fiber content enhances digestive health.
– **Protects from Environmental Damage:** Acts as a defense against sun damage due to antioxidants.
– **Reduces Arthritis Risk:** Anti-inflammatory properties help prevent joint inflammation.
Making strawberry sauce at home allows you to control the sugar content, adjusting it according to the strawberry sweetness and your preference. It’s an easy recipe that will surely win you compliments!