Ah, strawberries! They remind me of lazy summer afternoons, the kind where the sun seems to kiss the earth just right. This homemade strawberry sauce—so vibrant and sweet, it’s like bottling up a bit of that sunshine. Whether you’re drizzling it over pancakes or swirling it into yogurt, it’s a simple pleasure that never fails to bring a smile.
Steps
- Rinse, hull, and thickly slice 1 pound of strawberries. In a medium saucepan, mix the sliced strawberries with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and allow the mixture to come to a boil, which will release the strawberries’ juice naturally.
- Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 23 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens. Take the saucepan off the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature, bearing in mind it will thicken further as it cools and once refrigerated.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and thickly sliced
- 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (from half a lemon)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 400 kcal | Carbs: 96 g | Potassium: 688 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 88 g | Vitamin A: 40 IU | Vitamin C: 272.8 mg | Calcium: 72 mg | Iron: 1.6 mg
FAQ
- Can I make this strawberry sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the strawberry sauce 1 to 3 days in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- What are the ingredients needed for the strawberry sauce?
- You will need 1 pound of strawberries (rinsed, hulled, and thickly sliced), 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (from half a lemon).
- How do I ensure the strawberry sauce has a glossy finish?
- Avoid blending the strawberries before cooking. Slicing them by hand yields a glossy sauce, whereas blended strawberries can result in a cloudy appearance.
- What desserts pair well with this strawberry sauce?
- This versatile sauce complements a variety of desserts such as ice cream, pancakes, waffles, pies, cheesecakes, and trifles.
- How long does it take to make the strawberry sauce?
- The preparation time is about 5 minutes, and the cooking time is around 20 minutes, totaling approximately 25 minutes.
Tips
- Plan Ahead: Prepare the strawberry topping 1 to 3 days in advance, store it covered in the refrigerator, and have it ready to enhance your desserts effortlessly.
- Avoid Blending: Slice strawberries by hand instead of blending them to maintain the glossy appearance of the sauce and avoid a foggy texture.
- Cooling Tip: Remember that the sauce will thicken as it cools and even more once refrigerated, so consider the final consistency when deciding when to remove it from the heat.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan – If you don’t already have a suitable saucepan for cooking the strawberry sauce, you might need to purchase one.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for accurately measuring the sugar and lemon juice.
- Citrus Juicer – Useful for extracting lemon juice if you don’t have one already.
