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A vibrant, glossy bowl of homemade 3-Ingredient Strawberry Sauce, garnished with fresh mint, ready to be served.

Best 3-Ingredient Strawberry Sauce Recipe (Thick & Glossy)

Imagine a bright, glossy, ruby-red strawberry sauce that transforms simple desserts into gourmet treats with minimal effort. This 3-Ingredient Strawberry Sauce uses a Cold-Start Maceration technique for robust flavor and natural thickness, elevating your culinary creations effortlessly.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Sauce
Calories: 75

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound strawberries (hulled and coarsely chopped)
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • juice of 1/2 lemon (or to taste)

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Potato masher or fork

Method
 

Prepare the Strawberries for Maceration
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the hulled and coarsely chopped strawberries, white sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  2. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes before turning on the heat. This maceration step encourages the strawberries to release their juices, enhancing flavor concentration.
Simmer and Mash
  1. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits begin to break down and release their juices.
  2. As it cooks, mash a few berries using a potato masher or fork to achieve your desired consistency, whether you prefer a chunkier compote or a smoother coulis.
Thicken to Perfection
  1. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, roughly 10-12 minutes, or to your desired consistency. You will notice slow, glossy bubbles forming, and the sauce will begin to coat the back of a spoon.
Cool and Store
  1. Remove from heat and leave the sauce to cool completely before using. This allows the pectin to fully set and flavors to meld beautifully.
  2. Store your homemade 3-Ingredient Strawberry Sauce in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator if not using right away.

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gPotassium: 80mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 10mg

Notes

The sauce thickens significantly as it cools, so avoid over-reducing it on the stove.
Taste the sauce before it cools completely; a little extra lemon juice can brighten flavors if your strawberries are very sweet.
Store cooled sauce in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. For longer preservation, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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