Transform fresh or frozen berries into the yummiest Strawberry Sauce to top yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, and yogurt. It’s ready in under 15 minutes and can even be frozen for easy meal prep!

strawberry sauce in jar with berries on counter.

Strawberry Sauce

I love using fruit sauces as dips to add flavor to kids’ meals, as toppings for pancakes and oatmeal, and cake, and to add flavor to Strawberry Yogurt. This method for making a sauce from strawberries is easy, and the resulting sauce can be stored in the fridge or freezer as you like.

You can make a small batch or a larger one, you can use fresh or frozen strawberries, and you can leave it added-sugar-free or sweeten it to taste to please the unique preferences of your family.

Most of all, though, this is just so delicious. It’s one of my very favorite foods to meal prep to share with my kids—and is a favorite strawberry recipe.

(You may also like Strawberry Yogurt, Strawberry Smoothie, and Strawberry Popsicles.)

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Ingredients You Need

Below is a list of what you need to have on hand to make this simple strawberry sauce recipe.

Ingredients for strawberry sauce on countertop.
  • Strawberries: You can use fresh berries with their stems removed or thawed frozen strawberries. I prefer to dice up fresh berries to help them cook a bit faster.
  • Apple juice: A small amount of apple (or orange juice) helps the fruit mixture start cooking without the risk of scorching the pan. It also helps even out the flavor if the berries happen to be very tart.
  • Honey (or maple syrup, optional): When the sauce is finished cooking, you can taste it and adjust the sweetness levels as you like.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is a preview of how to make this strawberry sauce recipe. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full recipe, including the amounts and timing.

how to make strawberry sauce in grid of images.
  1. If using fresh, wash and dry the berries. Remove the stems and slice to measure.
  2. Add to small pot or saucepan placed over low heat with the juice. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally and pressing on the berries with the back of a silicone or wood spoon to release their juices. The mixture will start to thicken.
  3. Taste and add honey or maple syrup to sweeten if desired. (Optionally, you can blend smooth in the blender.)
  4. Serve the homemade strawberry sauce warm or cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my strawberry sauce not thickening?

If you simmer the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, the natural sugars in the berries will help it thicken as the liquid evaporates. So keep cooking.

Are strawberry puree and strawberry sauce different?

Strawberry puree is often a simple blended mixture of fresh berries, whereas strawberry sauce is cooked down and thickened more.

Can I use frozen strawberries to make strawberry sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen strawberries to make this easy strawberry sauce recipe.

strawberry sauce in jar with spoon on counter.

How to Store

Store the strawberry sauce in the refrigerator in small airtight containers or jars for up to 5 days. Or you can freeze in an ice cube tray and pop out small portions to thaw to use as you like. (You might also like my Blueberry Sauce.)

Recipes to Try Strawberry Sauce With

Below are some of our favorite recipes to serve with Strawberry Sauce so you have some ideas for serving inspiration.

Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes
With the most delicious fresh lemon flavor and a distinctly fluffy texture, these Ricotta Pancakes are a perfect family breakfast to share—on a holiday or any day.
Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes
Fluffy ricotta pancakes in stack with syrup and raspberries.
Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes
With the most delicious fluffy texture and protein from Greek yogurt, these Greek Yogurt Pancakes are a breakfast win. You can add any fruit you like to the batter, too!
Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Greek yogurt pancakes on various plates with sides.
Easy French Toast Sticks (Freezer-Friendly)
Use this easy method to make the best French Toast Sticks to share with your kids. They freeze so well!
Easy French Toast Sticks (Freezer-Friendly)
French toast sticks on kids plate with sides.
Favorite Strawberry Yogurt
This is an easy and delicious way to make flavored yogurt at home for breakfast or snack. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries, freeze-dried strawberries, or strawberry puree. So yummy!
Favorite Strawberry Yogurt
strawberry yogurt in jars on counter.
Favorite Chia Seed Oatmeal
With an easy method and the option to flavor with a range of fruit, Chia Seed Oatmeal is a delicious, nutritious breakfast for kids…and us parents!
Favorite Chia Seed Oatmeal
chia-seed-oatmeal-with-blueberries
Easiest Baby Oatmeal
Make healthy baby oatmeal at home in less than 5 minutes and learn how to add flavor and nutrition easily with this super simple method.
Easiest Baby Oatmeal
Favorite Baby Porridge (Nutritious, Fast, Flavorful)
Make this quick and nutritious baby porridge for a baby of any age—or share with big kids and adults, too. With under 15 minutes of cook time and many flavor options, this is a favorite baby breakfast to try.
Favorite Baby Porridge (Nutritious, Fast, Flavorful)
Baby Porridge in three bowls with spoons
Easy Vanilla Cake (Vegan)
This Easy Vanilla Cake is egg-free, dairy-free, and SO darn delicious. It's lower in sugar but delivers on classic vanilla cake flavor and texture you expect.
Easy Vanilla Cake (Vegan)
Cut vanilla cake with slices on plates.
Healthy Chocolate Cake (Lower Sugar)
This Healthy Chocolate Cake is egg-free, dairy-free, and SO darn delicious. It's lower in sugar, but delivers on classic chocolate cake flavor you expect. (I use two 6-inch cake pans to make this cake, which is a perfect size for a small gathering or even to use as a smash cake. See the Notes for how to make this as a 9-inch cake and as cupcakes.)
Healthy Chocolate Cake (Lower Sugar)
healthy chocolate cake in slices on counter.
strawberry yogurt in small jars.

Best Tips for Success

  • This is extra delicious during the spring when fresh local berries are in season, but you can make it any time of the year.
  • Freeze small portions in an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw one or two cubes at a time in a small airtight container in the fridge overnight before you plan to serve.
  • Double the recipe to make a larger batch.
  • Serve this strawberry topping over Yogurt Waffles, Greek Yogurt Pancakes or Ricotta Pancakes. Stir into plain yogurt to make Strawberry Yogurt. Drizzle over Mango Sorbet or Banana Ice Cream. Add to a bowl of oatmeal.

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strawberry sauce in jar with berries on counter.

Fresh Strawberry Sauce

Transform fresh or frozen berries into the yummiest Strawberry Sauce to top yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, and yogurt. It's ready in under 15 minutes and can even be frozen for easy meal prep!
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 46kcal
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups diced strawberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • ¼ cup apple juice (or orange juice)
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup, optional)
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Instructions

  • If using fresh, wash and dry the berries. Remove the stems and slice to measure about 2 cups.
  • Add to small pot placed over low heat with the juice. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally and pressing on the berries with the back of a silicone or wood spoon to release their juices, for about 12-15 minutes. The mixture will start to thicken.
  • Taste and add honey or maple syrup to sweeten if desired. Let cool at least slightly and serve.
  • (Optionally, you can blend smooth in the blender.)
  • Serve warm or cold.

Notes

  • Store it in the fridge in small airtight containers for up to 5 days.
  • This is extra delicious during the spring when fresh local berries are in season, but you can make it any time of the year.
  • Freeze small portions in an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw one or two cubes at a time in a small airtight container in the fridge overnight before you plan to serve.
  • Serve over Greek Yogurt Pancakes or Ricotta Pancakes. Stir into plain yogurt to make Strawberry Yogurt. Drizzle over Mango Sorbet or Banana Ice Cream. Add to a bowl of oatmeal.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup, Calories: 46kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.2g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 129mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 9IU, Vitamin C: 43mg, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published June 2023.

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Comments

    1. I think that might make it really tart, and increase the need to add a lot of sweetener to balance it. A splash might be fine for flavor though