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. One of my favorite memories from childhood is sitting in the kitchen with my mum, watching her gently stir a pot of strawberries with sugar and a hint of vanilla, the aroma filling the whole house. That sweet, comforting scent still takes me back to that warm, sunny kitchen, and it’s exactly why I fell in love with making strawberry sauce.
Today, I’m sharing my Strawberry Sauce with Vanilla recipe. This sauce is velvety, rich, and naturally sweet, perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or even a slice of fresh pound cake. I’ll walk you through my step-by-step process, share little kitchen secrets, and explain how I serve and store this sauce at home.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is approachable, comforting, and full of love. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love Making Strawberry Sauce with Vanilla
There’s something magical about strawberries and vanilla together. The strawberries bring a bright, fruity sweetness, and the vanilla adds a warm, cozy depth. Making this sauce reminds me that cooking is not just about feeding ourselves but also creating moments of joy and connection.
I love how versatile this sauce is. You can pour it over desserts, swirl it into yogurt, fold it into cheesecake, or even stir it into morning oatmeal. It’s a small touch that transforms everyday meals into a little celebration. Every time I make this recipe, I feel like I’m passing down a tradition of love and flavor that I hope my family will cherish too.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious strawberry sauce:
- 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 100g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp water
- Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for a thicker sauce)
Little kitchen secrets:
- I always choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for maximum flavor. If they’re too tart, you can increase sugar slightly.
- Adding lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances sweetness.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but gives a lovely, slightly thicker consistency perfect for drizzling.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In a medium saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree to your desired consistency. If you like it chunky, leave it as is.
- Optional: If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and return to low heat for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before serving or storing.
How I Serve It at Home
At home, I love to drizzle this sauce over vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert. Sometimes I swirl it into Greek yogurt for a sweet breakfast treat. It’s also perfect as a topping for pancakes, waffles, cheesecakes, or even a simple slice of sponge cake.
One of my favorite indulgences is a warm slice of pound cake with a generous spoonful of strawberry sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of fresh mint. It’s a little slice of happiness, and it never fails to bring smiles to my family’s faces.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This strawberry sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing in small portions so you can thaw exactly what you need.
To reheat, gently warm in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce separates slightly, just give it a quick stir or blend it for a smooth finish.
I sometimes make a batch in advance and keep it ready for spontaneous dessert emergencies trust me, it comes in handy more often than you’d think!
100-Word Short Version
My Strawberry Sauce with Vanilla is a cozy, sweet, and versatile treat perfect for desserts, breakfast, or even as a gift. Made with fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of pure vanilla, it’s easy to make and full of love. Simmer strawberries with sugar and lemon, add vanilla, and blend for a smooth or chunky sauce. Drizzle over pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt for a simple indulgence. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for later. Every spoonful brings warmth, nostalgia, and a burst of sweet, fruity flavor.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Total: 25 mins
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>500g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped</li> <li>100g granulated sugar</li> <li>1 tsp pure vanilla extract</li> <li>1 tbsp fresh lemon juice</li> <li>2 tbsp water</li> <li>Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan.</li> <li>Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.</li> <li>Reduce heat and simmer 10–15 mins until strawberries break down.</li> <li>Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.</li> <li>Blend with an immersion blender if desired, or leave chunky.</li> <li>Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry for thicker consistency, cook 1–2 mins.</li> <li>Cool slightly before serving or storing.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for maximum flavor.
- Adjust sugar according to sweetness of fruit.
- Sauce can be stored in the fridge up to 1 week or frozen up to 3 months.
- Perfect for pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, or cakes.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 90 | Sugar: 18g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Sodium: 0mg | Carbs: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 0mg
Strawberry Sauce with Vanilla
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
My Strawberry Sauce with Vanilla is a cozy, sweet, and versatile treat perfect for desserts, breakfast, or as a gift. Made with fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and pure vanilla, this sauce is easy to make and full of love.
Ingredients
- 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and simmer 10–15 mins until strawberries break down.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Blend with an immersion blender if desired, or leave chunky.
- Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry for thicker consistency, cook 1–2 mins.
- Cool slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
Use ripe strawberries for maximum flavor. Adjust sugar to taste. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 3 months. Perfect for pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, or cakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 60ml
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
Making Strawberry Sauce with Vanilla always brings a little magic into my kitchen. It’s simple, comforting, and full of memories just like cooking should be. I hope this recipe inspires you to slow down, enjoy the process, and share this sweet delight with your loved ones. Every spoonful is a reminder that the best meals are the ones made with love, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia.