Easy homemade strawberry sauce is a delightful treat that elevates any dessert. With just three ingredients and a quick 15-minute preparation time, this strawberry sauce is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, ice cream, or cheesecake. Its vibrant color and fresh flavor make it a standout addition to any occasion, from casual brunches to elegant dinner parties.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Sauce
- How to Make Strawberry Sauce
- Step 1: Mash the Strawberries
- Step 2: Combine Sugar and Cornstarch
- Step 3: Add Water and Strawberries
- Step 4: Bring to Boil
- Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Step 6: Add Chopped Strawberries
- Step 7: Cool and Store
- How to Serve Strawberry Sauce
- On Ice Cream
- Over Cheesecake
- With Pancakes or Waffles
- As a Cake Topping
- In Yogurt Parfaits
- Mixed in Smoothies
- How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce
- Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Strawberry Sauce
- Reheating Strawberry Sauce
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make strawberry sauce without cornstarch?
- Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry sauce?
- What desserts pair well with strawberry sauce?
- How long does homemade strawberry sauce last?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses only three basic ingredients, making it easy for anyone to prepare delicious strawberry sauce.
- Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a lovely sauce ready to enhance your desserts.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for topping waffles, pancakes, ice cream, or even cheesecake; the possibilities are endless!
- Fresh Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and sugar creates a bright and sweet flavor that will impress your guests.
- Customizable Color: You can add red food coloring for a deeper hue if desired, ensuring your sauce looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Small bowl
- Masher or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the strawberry mixture evenly while allowing it to thicken properly.
- Masher or fork: Useful for breaking down the strawberries to release their juices and create a smooth texture in your sauce.
Ingredients
Easy homemade strawberry sauce recipe that’s only 3 ingredients and takes 15 minutes!
For the Sauce
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (cleaned and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- Red food coloring (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Sauce
Step 1: Mash the Strawberries
Take 1 cup of the chopped strawberries and add them to a small bowl. Mash them well with a fork or masher until they resemble a chunky puree. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Cornstarch
In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar and cornstarch until well mixed. This will help prevent lumps when you add liquid.
Step 3: Add Water and Strawberries
Slowly stir in the water along with the mashed strawberries. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Bring to Boil
Place the saucepan on medium heat. Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. If you want a darker red color, now is the time to stir in some red food coloring.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Cook and stir the mixture for about 3 minutes or until it has thickened nicely. The sauce should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Add Chopped Strawberries
Remove from heat and gently stir in the reserved chopped strawberries. This adds texture and freshness to your sauce.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Transfer the mixture into a bowl and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, store your strawberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Enjoy your homemade strawberry sauce as an irresistible topping for any dessert!
How to Serve Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce is a delightful addition to various dishes. Its sweet and tangy flavor enhances desserts and treats beautifully. Here are some creative ways to serve strawberry sauce.
On Ice Cream
- Scoop your favorite ice cream flavor and drizzle warm strawberry sauce on top for a refreshing dessert.
Over Cheesecake
- Add a generous amount of strawberry sauce over cheesecake for a fruity twist that complements the creamy texture.
With Pancakes or Waffles
- Pour strawberry sauce over pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast option that brings sweetness to your morning.
As a Cake Topping
- Use strawberry sauce as a topping for layered cakes, adding both flavor and visual appeal with its vibrant red color.
In Yogurt Parfaits
- Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit, then finish with strawberry sauce for a nutritious and satisfying snack.
Mixed in Smoothies
- Blend strawberry sauce into smoothies for an extra burst of flavor, perfect for breakfast or a post-workout treat.
How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce
To make your homemade strawberry sauce even better, consider these tips. They will enhance the flavor and texture significantly.
- Use ripe strawberries: Choose strawberries that are bright red and fragrant for the best flavor in your sauce.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture while cooking and adjust the sugar according to your preference.
- Add acidity: A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors and balance out the sweetness in your sauce.
- Experiment with spices: A pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract can add depth to the flavor profile of your strawberry sauce.
- Cool before serving: Allowing your strawberry sauce to cool helps it thicken further and develop its flavors more fully.
- Store properly: Keep your strawberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness up to two weeks.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. It adds flair and enhances flavors, making every meal special. Here are some great options:
- Pound Cake: Serve slices of pound cake topped with strawberry sauce for a simple yet elegant dessert.
- French Toast: Drizzle warm strawberry sauce over French toast for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Oatmeal: Stir in some strawberry sauce into oatmeal for added sweetness and fruity goodness.
- Rice Pudding: Top creamy rice pudding with strawberry sauce to elevate this classic comfort food.
- Cheese Platter: Incorporate strawberry sauce with cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a charcuterie board for an interesting contrast.
- Fruit Salad: Use it as a dressing on mixed fruit salad, enhancing the natural flavors of the fruits used.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making strawberry sauce can be simple, but small mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the strawberries: Cooking the strawberries for too long can lead to a mushy texture. To avoid this, monitor closely and cook just until thickened.
- Not mashing enough strawberries: Failing to mash the strawberries properly may create a lumpy sauce. Ensure you mash at least one cup of strawberries well before mixing.
- Ignoring the sugar amount: Using too little sugar will result in a sauce that’s not sweet enough. Stick to the recipe’s measurements to achieve the right flavor balance.
- Skipping cornstarch: Omitting cornstarch can lead to a runny sauce. It’s crucial for thickening, so be sure to include it.
- Using old strawberries: Using overripe or spoiled strawberries can negatively impact flavor and texture. Always choose fresh, ripe berries for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store strawberry sauce in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Ensure it cools completely before sealing.
Freezing Strawberry Sauce
- Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- This sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space in the container for expansion when freezing.
Reheating Strawberry Sauce
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Place the desired amount of sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Pour the sauce into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until heated through, taking care not to boil.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make strawberry sauce without cornstarch?
You can make strawberry sauce without cornstarch by simply cooking down the strawberries longer until they thicken naturally. This may take more time, but it will yield a delicious result.
Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry sauce?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well for making strawberry sauce. Just thaw them first and drain excess liquid before following your recipe.
What desserts pair well with strawberry sauce?
Strawberry sauce is versatile and complements desserts like cheesecake, pancakes, ice cream, and waffles beautifully.
How long does homemade strawberry sauce last?
Homemade strawberry sauce lasts up to 2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
This easy homemade strawberry sauce is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding spices or using different types of sweeteners according to your taste preferences. Whether drizzled over ice cream or mixed into yogurt, this delightful topping is sure to impress! Try making it today and enjoy its freshness on various desserts!
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Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (8 servings) 1x
Description
Elevate your desserts with this easy homemade strawberry sauce! In just 15 minutes and with only three simple ingredients, you can create a fresh, vibrant topping that complements pancakes, ice cream, cheesecake, and more. This delightful sauce is bursting with sweet strawberry flavor and adds a beautiful pop of color to any dish. Perfect for brunches, dinner parties, or just a sweet treat at home, this strawberry sauce is versatile and customizable. Whether you want to drizzle it warm or serve it chilled, it’s sure to impress your guests and delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (cleaned and chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mash 1 cup of the chopped strawberries until chunky.
- In a medium saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch well.
- Slowly stir in water and mashed strawberries until combined.
- Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring continuously; add food coloring if desired.
- Cook for about 3 minutes until thickened; sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in remaining chopped strawberries.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring to an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg