Homemade Strawberry Sauce (With Fresh or Frozen Strawberries)
This easy homemade strawberry sauce is bursting with berry flavor and ready in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re topping ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or cheesecake, this sweet sauce is a must-have for summer—or anytime you want a fruity treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Works with fresh or frozen strawberries
- Just 4 simple ingredients
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Naturally gluten-free & dairy-free
- Stores well in the fridge or freezer
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen sliced strawberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (for a thicker sauce)
- Pinch of salt to balance sweetness
Instructions
- Cook the strawberries
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally as the mixture begins to heat and the strawberries release their juices. - Simmer and break down
Once bubbling, reduce heat slightly and simmer for about 8–10 minutes. Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently break down the strawberries as they soften. - Thicken (optional)
If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until thickened. - Add vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using. - Cool and store
Let the sauce cool slightly before serving warm, or refrigerate for a chilled topping.
How to Use Strawberry Sauce
- Spoon over vanilla ice cream
- Pour on pancakes or waffles
- Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
- Drizzle over cheesecake or pound cake
- Stir into sparkling water or lemonade for a fruity twist
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 5–7 days
- Freezer: Freeze in a jar or airtight container for up to 3 months
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove before serving
Recipe Tips
- If using frozen strawberries, no need to thaw—just cook a few minutes longer.
- Want it chunky? Leave the berries as-is. Prefer it smooth? Blend the finished sauce for a silky texture.
- You can swap the sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a low-sugar substitute if desired.
If you liked this recipe check out: Jello Salad Vintage Recipe
I hope you enjoyed this recipe, let me know how yours turned out in the comments!
-Hailee
HAVE YOU MADE AN OUR JOURNEY TO HOME RECIPE? UPLOAD A PICTURE TO FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM AND TAG US!
FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
VISIT OUR JOURNEY TO HOME’S WALMART STOREFRONT
SHOP THIS RECIPE
Mixing Bowls | Whisk Set | Spatula| Danish Dough Whisk | Frozen Sliced Strawberries |Sauce Pot
Homemade Strawberry Sauce
With Fresh or Frozen Strawberries
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen sliced strawberries
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh or bottled
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
Cook the strawberries
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally as the mixture begins to heat and the strawberries release their juices.
Simmer and break down
- Once bubbling, reduce heat slightly and simmer for about 8–10 minutes. Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently break down the strawberries as they soften.
Thicken (optional)
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Add vanilla
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
Cool and store
- Let the sauce cool slightly before serving warm, or refrigerate for a chilled topping.
*Walmart Partner and Amazon Affiliate- I make commission.