Easy homemade strawberry sauce is the perfect addition to elevate your desserts! This delightful sauce takes just 15 minutes and only three ingredients. Whether you’re drizzling it over pancakes, ice cream, or cheesecake, its fresh, sweet flavor will make any dish special. Plus, it’s a fantastic treat for gatherings or family brunches, making it an essential recipe in your kitchen.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For Strawberry Sauce
- How to Make Strawberry Sauce
- Step 1: Prepare Strawberries
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Step 3: Cook Mixture
- Step 4: Thicken Sauce
- Step 5: Add Fresh Strawberries
- Step 6: Store or Serve
- How to Serve Strawberry Sauce
- Desserts
- Breakfast Items
- Beverages
- How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce
- Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Strawberry Sauce
- Reheating Strawberry Sauce
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make strawberry sauce without cornstarch?
- What can I use strawberry sauce for?
- How do I store leftover strawberry sauce?
- Can I add other fruits to my strawberry sauce?
- How long does homemade strawberry sauce last?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just three ingredients and 15 minutes of cooking time, you can whip this up in no time.
- Versatile Usage: Use this strawberry sauce on ice cream, waffles, pancakes, or as a topping for cheesecake.
- Fresh Flavor: The vibrant taste of fresh strawberries shines through, providing a lovely burst of sweetness.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and color with sugar and optional red food coloring to suit your preference.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a simple breakfast or a special dessert at a party, this sauce fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. These items will help you create the perfect strawberry sauce.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Small bowl
- Masher or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Jar or container with lid
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: This is crucial for heating the mixture evenly to achieve the right consistency.
- Masher or fork: Use this tool to break down the strawberries effectively for smooth texture.
- Jar or container with lid: Storing your strawberry sauce in an airtight container keeps it fresh for longer.
Ingredients
To make your easy homemade strawberry sauce, gather the following ingredients:
For Strawberry 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: Prepare Strawberries
Take 1 cup of the chopped strawberries and add them to a small bowl. Mash them thoroughly using a masher or fork, then set aside.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, stir together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Then add the water along with the mashed strawberries. Mix well until combined.
Step 3: Cook Mixture
Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. If you want a deeper red color in your sauce, this is the time to stir in some red food coloring.
Step 4: Thicken Sauce
Cook and stir the mixture for about 3 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Fresh Strawberries
Remove from heat and gently stir in the reserved chopped strawberries. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 6: Store or Serve
Once cooled, add your strawberry sauce to a jar or container with a lid. You can serve it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight sealed container. Enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce is a versatile addition to many dishes. Whether you’re looking to enhance desserts or breakfast items, this sauce can elevate your meals with its bright flavor and vibrant color.
Desserts
- Ice Cream – Drizzle strawberry sauce over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing treat.
- Cheesecake – Use it as a topping for cheesecake to add a fruity twist.
- Pancakes – Pour strawberry sauce over pancakes for a delicious breakfast upgrade.
Breakfast Items
- Waffles – Serve warm waffles with a generous helping of strawberry sauce for added sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and strawberry sauce for a delightful parfait.
- French Toast – Top French toast with strawberry sauce for an indulgent morning meal.
Beverages
- Milkshakes – Blend strawberry sauce into milkshakes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Sparkling Water – Mix strawberry sauce with sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
How to Perfect Strawberry Sauce
To make the best strawberry sauce, follow these helpful tips that ensure the perfect texture and flavor.
- Use fresh strawberries – Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and vibrant color in your sauce.
- Adjust sweetness – Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may need to adjust the sugar amount.
- Mash thoroughly – Ensure you mash the strawberries well to release their juices and create a smoother sauce.
- Cook until thickened – Keep stirring until the mixture has thickened properly for the right consistency.
- Add food coloring if needed – For deeper color, consider adding red food coloring, especially if the strawberries are lighter in hue.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Sauce
Strawberry sauce pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
- Vanilla Pudding – The creamy texture of vanilla pudding pairs beautifully with tart strawberry flavors.
- Shortcakes – Light and fluffy shortcakes make an excellent base for dollops of strawberry sauce.
- Angel Food Cake – This airy cake absorbs the flavors of strawberry sauce perfectly, enhancing every bite.
- Oatmeal – Stirring in some strawberry sauce can transform your morning oatmeal into a delightful breakfast treat.
- Brownies – A drizzle of strawberry sauce over warm brownies adds both flavor and visual appeal.
- Scones – Spread scones with butter and top them off with strawberry sauce for a lovely afternoon tea snack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating a delicious strawberry sauce is easy, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your sauce turns out perfectly every time.
Using overripe strawberries: Overripe strawberries can lead to an overly mushy texture. Choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best flavor and consistency.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can throw off the balance of flavors. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise amounts of sugar and cornstarch.
Ignoring cooking time: Cooking the sauce too long can result in a burnt taste. Pay attention to the cooking time and stir constantly until it thickens.
Skipping the cooling step: Serving immediately after cooking can make the sauce too runny. Allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes for optimal thickness before serving.
Neglecting storage tips: Improper storage can spoil your strawberry sauce quickly. Use airtight containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer as needed.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store strawberry sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Make sure it is completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Strawberry Sauce
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Strawberry Sauce
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sauce in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warm.
Stovetop: Pour sauce into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make strawberry sauce without cornstarch?
Yes! You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or simply reduce the cooking time to create a thinner sauce without thickeners.
What can I use strawberry sauce for?
Strawberry sauce is versatile; you can use it as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even cheesecake!
How do I store leftover strawberry sauce?
Store any leftover strawberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I add other fruits to my strawberry sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in blueberries or raspberries for a delightful fruit medley that enhances flavor and color.
How long does homemade strawberry sauce last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade strawberry sauce lasts up to two weeks in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This easy homemade strawberry sauce recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding other fruits or adjusting the sweetness according to your preference. Whether you’re topping desserts or drizzling over breakfast items, this strawberry sauce will surely elevate your dishes. Give it a try today!
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Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups (8 servings) 1x
Description
Elevate your desserts with this easy homemade strawberry sauce that comes together in just 15 minutes using only three simple ingredients. This vibrant and delicious sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake, adding a refreshing burst of sweetness to any dish. It’s a fantastic choice for brunch gatherings or family celebrations, making it an essential recipe for any kitchen. You can customize the sweetness and color to match your preference, ensuring each batch is tailored just for you. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast or as a topping for desserts, this strawberry sauce will impress your family and friends alike.
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 chopped strawberries with a fork or masher until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, mix granulated sugar and cornstarch; then add water and mashed strawberries. Stir well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a boil.
- Continue to cook for about 3 minutes until thickened to your liking.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in remaining chopped strawberries. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg