If your fridge is packed with strawberries and you don’t plan to finish them in a day or two, here’s a fantastic alternative to use them up. Since strawberries don’t last long, you can make a simple and delicious homemade strawberry sauce to elevate your desserts, making them look fancy and taste extraordinary.
The cooking process for this sauce is so easy that even your kids can pitch in. It’s a fun kitchen activity with a tasty reward at the end. You can use this delightful and nutritious fruit sauce on their favorite snacks or desserts.
One of the best things about strawberry sauce is its versatility—you can make it any time of the year. Whenever you want to try something new or prefer homemade over store-bought, this strawberry sauce is a healthier, tastier option. Plus, it stores well if kept in a suitable container, so you can enjoy it long after preparing it.
Strawberries are nutrient powerhouses with numerous health benefits. Making this sauce allows you to enjoy those benefits in a delicious way. It’s a much better choice compared to expensive market sauces with questionable ingredients.
So here’s a delightful strawberry sauce recipe you can easily whip up at home with a few simple ingredients in no time.
Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe 1
This strawberry sauce recipe is simple and requires minimal effort, fitting easily into a busy schedule. You’ll only need to stir the ingredients a few times as they cook, resulting in a perfect topping for pancakes, ice cream, waffles, or even bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 Pint sliced fresh strawberries
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Use a medium-sized saucepan to combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. In about 5-8 minutes, the strawberries will release their juice, and the mixture will begin to boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low-medium and continue stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens, usually taking 15-20 minutes.
4. Once thickened, remove from heat and transfer the sauce to a glass container to cool completely. Your strawberry sauce is now ready to use. Store it in the fridge for later.
Notes:
– If using frozen strawberries, use 2 ¼ cups and cook on medium heat for 8-10 minutes before reducing the heat and cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
– Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
– Store extra sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
– Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can also work.
– Fresh strawberries work best, especially in the summer and spring, but frozen ones can be used if cooked longer.
Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe 2
For a slightly different twist, try this easy recipe with just four ingredients. Perfect for topping cheesecakes, ice cream, and other desserts.
Ingredients:
– 2 Cups diced fresh strawberries
– ½ Cup granulated sugar
– 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
– ½ Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium flame until boiling, stirring occasionally.
2. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the strawberries are soft and juicy.
3. Remove from heat, mash the strawberries to your desired texture, and let the sauce cool completely for about 10 minutes.
4. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate. It can last up to two weeks.
Notes:
– Ensure you use one pound of strawberries to get two cups diced.
– Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor.
Tips to Use Strawberry Sauce:
– Pancakes
– Waffles
– Ice-cream
– No-bake cheesecakes
– Traditional cheesecakes
– Mini cheesecakes
– Homemade Greek yogurt pancakes
Health Benefits of Strawberries:
1. Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases:
– Rich in antioxidants, strawberries help suppress inflammation and control LDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular issues.
2. Boosts Immunity:
– High in Vitamin C, strawberries boost immunity. A cup of strawberries fulfills the daily Vitamin C requirement, aiding in overall health and eye function.
3. Improves Skin Health:
– The antioxidants and Vitamin C in strawberries boost collagen production, keeping skin elastic, glowing, and youthful.
4. Assists in Weight Loss:
– Strawberries boost blood flow and metabolism, aiding in weight loss. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great diet option.
5. Improves Digestion:
– High fiber content promotes healthy bowel movements, improving digestion and relieving constipation and gas.
6. Protects from Environmental Damages:
– Anthocyanins in strawberries protect against sun damage and speed up wound healing. Their antioxidant effect lasts for 24 hours after consumption.
7. Reduces Risk of Arthritis:
– Their anti-inflammatory properties reduce joint inflammation, lowering the risk of arthritis.
By making homemade strawberry sauce, you control the sugar content, ensuring it’s as healthy as possible. Adjust the sweetness based on your taste and the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Try this simple recipe and get ready for compliments from your family!