Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
Today, I want to share one of my absolute favorite recipes: Low-Sugar Strawberry Sauce. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves sweet flavors but wants to cut back on sugar. I remember the first time I made it it was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I wanted something fruity to drizzle over pancakes. My kids were jumping with excitement as the aroma of fresh strawberries filled the kitchen. Since that day, this sauce has become a staple in our home, from breakfast to desserts, and even stirred into yogurt.
I’ll show you step by step how to make this low-sugar strawberry sauce, share my little kitchen secrets, and give tips on how to serve and store it so it always tastes fresh. This recipe is cozy, simple, and full of love just like I like my kitchen to feel.
Why I Love Making This Low-Sugar Strawberry Sauce
There’s something magical about strawberries. Their natural sweetness, their vibrant red color—it’s impossible not to smile when cooking with them. What I love about this low-sugar strawberry sauce recipe is that it lets the strawberries shine without overpowering sweetness. It’s versatile, easy to make, and brings a fresh, light flavor to everything from pancakes and waffles to ice cream and cheesecake.
I also love that it’s healthier. By reducing sugar, I feel good serving it to my family, and my kids don’t even notice it’s “low-sugar.” It’s all about letting the fruit’s natural flavors take center stage.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this Low-Sugar Strawberry Sauce:
- 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch if using)
Little kitchen secrets:
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries. The sweeter the berries, the less sweetener you need.
- Lemon juice brightens the flavor and keeps the sauce vibrant.
- If you like a smooth sauce, mash or blend it at the end; for a chunkier texture, leave it as is.
- Cornstarch makes it thicker, perfect for pancakes or cheesecake toppings.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Place your chopped strawberries in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add maple syrup and lemon juice, stirring gently to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the strawberries release their natural juices, about 5–7 minutes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add to the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- For a smooth sauce, use a hand blender to puree to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky.
- Let it cool slightly before serving it will thicken a bit more as it cools.
How I Serve It at Home
I love drizzling this low-sugar strawberry sauce over:
- Pancakes or waffles for a cozy weekend breakfast
- Greek yogurt for a healthy snack
- Ice cream or sorbet for a guilt-free dessert
- Cheesecake or sponge cakes as a fresh topping
You can even stir a spoonful into oatmeal or overnight oats for a fruity start to your day.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently in a small saucepan or microwave. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
- Make ahead for weekend breakfasts or dessert nights it keeps well and tastes just as fresh.
- For longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
100-Word Short Version
This Low-Sugar Strawberry Sauce is sweet, tangy, and simple to make. Using fresh strawberries, a touch of maple syrup, and a hint of lemon, it’s perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or desserts. It’s naturally sweet with minimal sugar, letting the strawberries shine. You can make it chunky or smooth, thick or pourable, depending on your preference. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Quick, cozy, and full of love, this strawberry sauce is a family favorite and a healthy way to enjoy the fresh taste of summer strawberries anytime!
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time: 10 min prep | 10 min cook | 20 min total
🛒 Ingredients: <ul> <li>500g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped</li> <li>2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)</li> <li>1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice</li> <li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li> <li>2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)</li> <li>2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions: <ol> <li>Place chopped strawberries in a medium saucepan over medium heat.</li> <li>Add maple syrup and lemon juice, stir gently.</li> <li>Simmer for 5–7 minutes until strawberries release juices.</li> <li>If thicker sauce desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir in, cooking 1–2 minutes.</li> <li>Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.</li> <li>Blend for smooth sauce or leave chunky.</li> <li>Cool slightly before serving.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes:
- Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness.
- Adjust sweetness with maple syrup or honey.
- Sauce thickens as it cools.
- Store in fridge for 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.):
Calories: 50 | Sugar: 6g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 13g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1mg
Low-Sugar Strawberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Low-Sugar Strawberry Sauce is sweet, tangy, and easy to make. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or desserts, it uses fresh strawberries, a touch of maple syrup, and a hint of lemon. Naturally sweet and family-friendly, this sauce brings the taste of summer into your kitchen anytime!
Ingredients
- 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
Instructions
- Place chopped strawberries in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add maple syrup and lemon juice, stir gently.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until strawberries release juices.
- If thicker sauce desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir in, cooking 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- Blend for smooth sauce or leave chunky.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness. Adjust sweetness with maple syrup or honey. Sauce thickens as it cools. Store in fridge for 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
This Low-Sugar Strawberry Sauce is a little jar of happiness. It’s cozy, sweet, and full of love—the perfect addition to breakfasts and desserts alike. Making it brings back warm memories of cooking with my kids on rainy afternoons, and I hope it will do the same for you. Cooking isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about creating joy, sharing stories, and making moments that turn into lifelong memories. I promise, once you try this sauce, it will become a staple in your home too!