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.
Strawberry Sauce with Cornstarch is one of those recipes that instantly brings me back to my childhood. I remember standing on a stool in my mum’s kitchen, helping her mash the berries while she whispered tips and little secrets. The smell of fresh strawberries mingling with sugar, slowly thickening over the stove, made our kitchen feel like magic. That memory is why I love making this strawberry sauce it’s simple, sweet, and full of love.
I use this strawberry sauce with cornstarch in so many ways: spooned over pancakes, drizzled on vanilla ice cream, or stirred into yogurt for a quick dessert. Each time I make it, it’s like reliving those warm, cozy afternoons in my mum’s kitchen. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a thick, glossy strawberry sauce that’s naturally sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced without any complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade strawberry sauce. Unlike store-bought versions, you can adjust the sweetness, control the thickness, and really taste the freshness of the berries. Using cornstarch gives it that silky texture that clings beautifully to anything you pour it on.
I also love that this recipe is forgiving. If your berries are extra juicy, it still works. Too sweet? Just add a little lemon juice. And it’s fast from fridge to table in under 20 minutes. For me, cooking is about joy, connection, and sharing moments. Every spoonful of this sauce is a little act of love for whoever you’re serving it to.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds depth)
Little secrets:
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh always wins.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in cold water before adding it to the sauce this prevents lumps and keeps it silky smooth.
- A tiny splash of lemon juice brightens the sweetness and balances the flavor beautifully.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes to release their juices.
- Heat the pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until fully dissolved.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering strawberries, stirring constantly.
- Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before serving, or store it for later.
How I Serve It at Home
I love spooning this strawberry sauce over:
- Fluffy pancakes or waffles for weekend breakfasts
- Vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert
- Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for an easy breakfast or snack
- Sponge cakes or cheesecakes as a fruity topping
It’s versatile, quick, and always a hit. I even sometimes swirl it into oatmeal or drizzle it over fresh fruit for a beautiful, edible garnish.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
- You can make this sauce ahead of time for brunches or dessert parties. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld together.
- Freeze extra sauce in small portions and thaw as needed for easy desserts anytime.
100-Word Short Version
Strawberry Sauce with Cornstarch is a quick, silky, and naturally sweet sauce perfect for breakfast or dessert. I love it over pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, or cakes. Using fresh strawberries, sugar, and a simple cornstarch slurry, this sauce thickens beautifully and carries a bright, fruity flavor. A splash of lemon juice balances the sweetness, while optional vanilla adds depth. It’s quick, forgiving, and full of love perfect for busy mornings or last-minute desserts. Make extra to store in the fridge or freezer for whenever you need a touch of strawberry magic in your life.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook: 10 minutes
- Total: 15 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Combine strawberries and sugar in a saucepan and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until simmering.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- Stir cornstarch mixture into strawberries, cook 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
- Serve warm or let cool and store.
📝 Notes
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Add lemon juice to balance sweetness.
- Can be made ahead and stored in fridge for up to 5 days or frozen.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: ¼ cup
Calories: 80
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Strawberry Sauce with Cornstarch
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make silky, sweet Strawberry Sauce with Cornstarch in just 15 minutes. Perfect for pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt, this homemade sauce is simple, cozy, and full of love, bringing warm, fruity flavor to every meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Combine strawberries and sugar in a saucepan and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until simmering.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- Stir cornstarch mixture into strawberries, cook 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
- Serve warm or let cool and store.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Add lemon juice to balance sweetness.
- Can be made ahead and stored in fridge for up to 5 days or frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
Making Strawberry Sauce with Cornstarch is like creating a little jar of happiness. It’s simple, comforting, and instantly elevates any meal. Every time I make it, I think of my mum and those warm afternoons in the kitchen, and I feel that same joy sharing it with friends and family. Cooking is about love, memories, and flavor, and this sauce embodies all of that in one silky, sweet spoonful. Whether you’re drizzling it over pancakes or spooning it onto ice cream, it’s a recipe that brings smiles and it always will.