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There is something truly special about a homemade fruit sauce. It instantly elevates even the simplest desserts into something that feels bakery-worthy — yet it takes just minutes to make.
This easy homemade strawberry sauce is rich, glossy, and packed with fresh berry flavor. Whether you’re topping a classic cheesecake, spooning it over vanilla ice cream, or adding it to pancakes or waffles, this versatile sauce delivers bright flavor and beautiful presentation every time.
Once you make it from scratch, you may never go back to store-bought toppings again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comes together in about 15 minutes
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Tastes fresher and brighter than bottled sauces
- Perfect for cheesecakes, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, and sweet breads
- Make-ahead friendly
👉 If you’re planning dessert, this sauce pairs beautifully with our Classic Cheesecake — the creamy texture and buttery crust are the perfect match for the vibrant strawberry topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this sauce. Full amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Fresh strawberries (or frozen)
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Water (to make the slurry)
- Salt
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan — Allows the berries to cook evenly and thicken properly.
- Silicone spatula — Ideal for stirring without damaging cookware.
- Small bowl — Used to mix the slurry for smooth thickening.
- Glass storage jar or airtight container – Keeps the sauce fresh and makes reheating easy.
How to Make Strawberry Sauce
Making strawberry sauce is less about complicated steps and more about understanding how fruit transforms when heated.
As the strawberries cook, they release their natural juices and soften into a vibrant mixture. The sugar enhances flavor while helping the fruit break down into a glossy consistency.
The slurry is the key to achieving that classic dessert-sauce texture. Once added, the sauce quickly shifts from lightly juicy to luxuriously thick — perfect for drizzling without becoming runny.
Allowing the sauce to cool is equally important. As it rests, it continues to thicken into the ideal spoonable topping.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintEasy Homemade Strawberry Sauce
This easy homemade strawberry sauce is bursting with fresh berry flavor and comes together in minutes using simple ingredients. Perfect for drizzling over cheesecake, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, and more, this glossy sauce tastes far better than store-bought toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: about 1 1/2 cups
- Category: Dessert Toppings, Sauces
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
(Frozen strawberries work well too — no need to thaw.) - ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 TBSP cornstarch
- 2 TBSP water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and begin to soften.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the saucepan and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- For a smoother sauce, lightly mash the berries with a spoon or potato masher. Leave some chunks for texture if preferred.
- Allow the sauce to cool before serving — it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Notes
-
Adjust sweetness depending on your berries. Peak-season strawberries may need slightly less sugar.
-
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in 1–2 tsp water until it reaches your desired consistency.
-
Want it ultra smooth? Blend briefly with an immersion blender after cooking.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe strawberries for the best natural flavor.
- Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
- Adjust sweetness depending on the berries — peak-season fruit often needs less sugar.
- For a smoother sauce, gently mash the berries while cooking.
Storage & Reheating
Store:
Keep strawberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat:
Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring until smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is strawberry sauce made of?
Strawberry sauce is typically made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and a thickening agent such as cornstarch. Lemon juice is often added to brighten the flavor, while vanilla enhances the overall warmth of the sauce.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work very well and make this recipe convenient year-round. There is no need to thaw them first — simply cook a few minutes longer as they release their juices.
Why is my strawberry sauce too thin?
The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. If it still seems too thin, simmer it slightly longer or add a small amount of additional slurry.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Strawberry sauce is an excellent make-ahead topping and reheats beautifully.
Serving Ideas
This sauce is incredibly versatile and can transform everyday desserts into something memorable.
Try it with:
- Cheesecake
- Vanilla ice cream
- Pancakes or waffles
- Filling for Sourdough Crepes
- French toast
- Angel food cake
- Yogurt parfaits
- Oatmeal
- Sweet breads
👉 It is especially delicious spooned over our Classic Cheesecake, where the bright berry flavor balances the richness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
A simple homemade sauce like this is one of the easiest ways to elevate desserts without extra effort. It adds color, freshness, and flavor while making any dish feel thoughtfully prepared.
Keep a jar in the refrigerator and you’ll always have a quick way to make desserts feel a little more special.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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