Name: Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 lb fresh strawberries, washed and chopped; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g); 1 tablespoon corn starch; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon vanilla

Get ready to fall in love with this Homemade Strawberry Sauce! Sweet, juicy strawberries simmer down into a luscious, vibrant sauce that’s absolutely irresistible on everything from pancakes to ice cream. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can transform fresh berries into a glossy, flavorful topper that instantly brightens desserts, breakfasts, and even classic comfort foods.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Brings the taste of summer year-round: Nothing captures sunshine quite like a fresh strawberry sauce, and this recipe lets you enjoy that brightness—no matter the season.
Just a handful of ingredients: You probably have everything you need already in your kitchen, making this an easy, fuss-free treat.
Versatile and customizable: Spoon it over yogurt, stack it onto waffles, swirl it into cheesecake—even drizzle onto grilled pound cake for a stunning finish.
Natural flavors shine through: With minimal processing and no artificial flavors, the strawberries truly get their moment to sparkle.

Homemade Strawberry Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Homemade Strawberry Sauce comes together with a short ingredient list, but don’t let its simplicity fool you—each element is essential to bringing out the sweetness, body, and gorgeous color in every spoonful. Let’s break down the star players and a few ways to tweak them if needed.

Fresh Strawberries: The fresher and riper, the better. Opt for sweet, red berries with no white tops for the juiciest flavor. In a pinch, you can use frozen berries—just thaw and drain off excess liquid first.
Granulated Sugar: Works as both a sweetener and a way to draw out the strawberries’ natural juices; you can also use organic cane sugar here, or reduce the amount slightly if your berries are extra sweet.
Cornstarch: This is the key to getting that luscious, thick sauce texture. If you’re out of cornstarch, try arrowroot powder at a 1:1 ratio for a similar result.
Water: Just a splash is needed to mix with the cornstarch so you get a smooth slurry—don’t skip it, or you’ll risk lumps!
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and rounds out the berry flavor beautifully. Pure vanilla is best, but vanilla paste or even almond extract can be used for a slightly different twist.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Strawberries and Sugar

Start by tossing your washed, chopped strawberries into a large saucepan along with the granulated sugar. Set the pan over medium heat and get ready for some magic—the berries will begin to release their juices as they warm up. Stir frequently, and after about 20 to 25 minutes you’ll notice the strawberries are beautifully soft and the mixture is bubbling away in its own glossy syrup.

Step 2: Thicken the Sauce

While the strawberries are still simmering, quickly stir together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the saucepan and stir it in—almost instantly, your sauce will turn thick and luscious, clinging to the fruit and bursting with color. This step is key for that perfect diner-style strawberry sauce.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cool

Take the pan off the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. This little touch rounds out the flavor with incredible depth. Let the sauce cool just enough that it won’t melt your favorite treat, or bring it to room temperature and chill for serving later—either way, it’s glorious!

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Sauce

Garnishes

Top your Homemade Strawberry Sauce with a handful of fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint for a lovely pop of color. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a zesting of lemon can also brighten up the whole dish and make your presentation extra special.

Side Dishes

There’s no shortage of ways to pair this sauce! It’s sensational poured over fluffy pancakes, dolloped on waffles, or swirled into creamy Greek yogurt. For a truly decadent treat, try it over cheesecake, angel food cake, or vanilla ice cream—the sweetness and acidity are a match made in dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to get playful, try serving your strawberry sauce in mini glass jars for individual parfaits, or layer it between shortcake biscuits for a festival of color and flavor. For brunch, set up a “strawberry sauce bar” with pancakes, whipped cream, and other fun toppings so guests can assemble their own stacks. The possibilities are endless with this vibrant sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Homemade Strawberry Sauce keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer it to a clean, airtight container and it’ll stay fresh for up to one week—perfect for enjoying over several days of breakfast and dessert adventures!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your strawberry sauce if you want to stretch out that berry bliss. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zipper bags. It freezes well for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use again.

Reheating

To reheat, simply spoon the chilled strawberry sauce into a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring gently until it loosens up. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between, so you don’t overcook the fruit. Whether warm or chilled, it’s heavenly!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for Homemade Strawberry Sauce?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well for this sauce. Just thaw them first and drain off any extra liquid to avoid watering down your final result. The flavor will still be delicious, and the convenience can’t be beat during the off-season.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Definitely. If your strawberries are very sweet, feel free to cut down on the sugar by a tablespoon or two. Likewise, if you prefer a more dessert-like sauce, you can add a tad more sugar. Taste as you go, and make it your own!
Is this sauce suitable for canning or long-term storage?

This Homemade Strawberry Sauce is best kept refrigerated or frozen for safety, since it’s a quick-cook recipe and not formulated for water bath canning. For pantry storage, be sure to use a tested canning recipe instead.
Can I use this sauce for drinks like strawberry lemonade or cocktails?

Absolutely! This sauce adds fabulous fruity flavor to lemonades, milkshakes, and even sparkling cocktails. Simply stir a spoonful into your beverage of choice and enjoy a burst of summery strawberry magic.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if this Homemade Strawberry Sauce becomes a staple in your kitchen! It’s easy, wildly versatile, and guaranteed to bring a smile with every spoonful. If you haven’t tried making your own sauce before, now’s the perfect time—your breakfasts and desserts are about to get a major upgrade!