Macerated strawberries are an easy way to level up your desserts, yet only takes a few minutes to make. Add them on top of your ice cream, pancakes/waffles, cheesecake, angel food, salads, cake, and more!
Looking for more easy strawberry desserts? Try my no bake strawberry cake!
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What Are Macerated Strawberries?
Macerated strawberries are a mixture of sliced or strawberries, sugar, and sometimes, other ingredients like citrus zest, mint, honey, etc.
The sugar pulls out strawberries’ natural juices, softening them over time. As the mixture sits, the strawberries become softer and release more liquid, creating a delicious, lightly sweetened syrup with an intense strawberry flavor!
You can virtually use this method with any type of fruit. However, keep in mind that some berries may have faster maceration times. Blackberries and raspberries macerate much faster, while firmer fruits like blueberries, peaches and cherries take longer.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy and quick! Simply mix strawberries, sugar, and optional lemon juice/zest. Let sit for a minimum of 15-20 minutes and it’s ready to go!
- It’s a versatile topping. You can use it on top of yogurt, ice cream, pancakes, cheesecake, and more!
Looking for more topping ideas? Try my crumble recipe!
Ingredients
To make macerated strawberries from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- You can use either whole or sliced strawberries. The smaller they are cut, the faster they will macerate. You can also use frozen strawberries, but keep in mind that they will get mushier much faster. If using frozen strawberries, I recommend very gently stirring them.
- The key ingredient to macerate the strawberries is using granulated sugar. Since sugar is hygroscopic (water-attracting), it pulls the juices from the fruit, which softens the strawberry and yields a delicious, light syrup.
For the full list of ingredients and measurements, see the recipe card below.
đź’ˇFlavor Variations
- Switch up the type of fruit. You can use this method with any type of fruit. However, keep in mind that some berries may have faster maceration times. Blackberries and raspberries macerate much faster, while firmer fruits like blueberries, peaches, and cherries take longer.
- Add citrus zest and juice. Use lemon, lime, or calamansi to brighten up the flavor!
- For a savory kick, add a small splash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of black pepper . It’s a great sweet-savory contrast, which would be amazing on salads.
- Add spices and herbs, like grated ginger, mint, basil.
- Swap out half of the granulated sugar for honey.
- Instead of granulated sugar, use brown sugar!
How to make Macerated Strawberries
Step 1: In a container, stir together sliced strawberries and sugar. Let sit for 15-20 minutes so the strawberries soften release their natural juices.
Step 2: Taste and add more sugar if needed. Use as a topping and enjoy!
For full instructions, see the recipe card below.
🍓 More Strawberry Recipes
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Thank you so much! -Bianca ❤️
đź“– Recipe
Macerated Strawberries
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IngredientsÂ
- 1 pound (454 g) strawberries whole or sliced
- 2 tablespoons (24 g) granulated sugar
- see notes section for flavor ideas!
InstructionsÂ
- Note: The smaller the strawberries are cut, the faster they will macerate. You can also use frozen strawberries, but keep in mind that they will get mushier much faster. If using frozen strawberries, I recommend very gently stirring them.
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 pound strawberries and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Let sit for 15-20 minutes so the strawberries soften release their natural juices.The longer the mixture sits, the softer the strawberries will become and there will be more syrup!
- Taste, add more sugar to your liking, and enjoy! Use as a topping for ice cream, oatmeal, pancakes, cakes, and more.
Notes
- Switch up the type of fruit. You can use this method with any type of fruit. However, keep in mind that some fruits may have faster maceration times. Blackberries and raspberries macerate much faster, while firmer fruits like blueberries, peaches, and cherries take longer.
- Add citrus zest and juice. Use lemon, lime, or calamansi to brighten up the flavor!
- For a savory kick, add a small splash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of black pepper . It’s a great sweet-savory contrast, which would be amazing on salads.
- Add spices and herbs, like grated ginger, mint, basil.
- Swap out half of the granulated sugar for honey.
- Instead of granulated sugar, use brown sugar!
