Fresh Strawberry Topping

This fresh strawberry topping will replace whatever strawberry sauce you used to use! The strawberries themselves are not cooked, thereby maintaining all the glory of a fresh strawberry, but with all the drippy goodness of a sauce. Top your pancakes, strawberry shortcake, No Bake Cheesecake, or ice cream, you can’t go wrong! I especially love this strawberry topping for cheesecake! Originally published March 3, 2014.

Have you ever been trapped on an airplane with a lap-baby and a 3-year-old who just wet her pants? Yeah, me neither.

But just hypothetically, what you should NOT do is take her all the way to the front of the plane (carting the aforementioned 20-pound baby) only to be told that you can’t wait there, go to the back of the plane and wait, (shuffling slowly behind the drink dispensing flight attendant) where you wait some more while the ice-cup-filling flight attendant eyes your barefoot, pants-less child and says, “People always think there’s water on the floor of airplane bathrooms…it’s not.”

Here male flight attendant, hold my baby, I have to lift my kid onto the toilet, WHOA, that was a BUMP– “This is the captain speaking, everyone sit down, flight attendants, get in your seats, we’re getting some turbulence” Except now you’re standing in the spot where the flight attendants’ seats fold out and you all just stare at each other with your feet spread out linebacker-like, thinking, when is this airplane going to stop earthquaking, I hope we don’t die.

This is what you should NOT do when your 3-year-old wets herself on a full-capacity commercial jet. When I figure out what exactly it is that you ARE supposed to do, I will call you on the phone to tell you because this is really important information to have. Really important.

The lady sitting next to us was super nice. She offered Charlotte a banana and even helped her put on her still-damp shoes when the plane landed. Bless you, Josie. You saved my children from being abandoned on an airplane.

I’m glad to be home. I had so much fun visiting my sister but sometimes there’s just nothing like a routine. You know?

You´ll love this strawberry sauce recipe

And can I just say, there’s nothing like this strawberry sauce? It’s not really a sauce, per se, because the strawberries are not cooked, but it works as a sauce. It’s perfect for topping anything from ice cream, to strawberry shortcake, to cheesecake, to waffles, crepes, to your naked spoon. I really love that the strawberries are not mushy. They remain firm yet tender. The fresh lemon juice adds the perfect brightness, so don’t skip it.

Fresh strawberry sauce ingredients

Here’s a quick shopping list to help you gather your ingredients. Jump to the recipe for the full ingredients and instructions!

• strawberries
• sugar
• Kosher salt
• strawberry jam
• cornstarch
• lemon juice

Can I use frozen strawberries?

You can, but it don’t be the same! It’s called “Fresh” strawberry topping for a reason! That said, you can still follow the recipe as written and get something delicious, perfectly suitable for your pancakes or crepes. Let the strawberries thaw to release their juices, then continue the recipe as written.

How to serve this strawberry topping

Maybe the question should be, what CAN´T I use this strawberry sauce on, because I´m having a hard time thinking of something this wouldn´t be delicious with. Cheesecake, waffles, ice cream, or even just eat it with a spoon-YUM. But here are some of my favorite ways to serve this strawberry sauce.  

• Classic Cheesecake >> a classic for a reason
• No Bake Cheesecake Parfait Bar >> sub out the cherry filling for for strawberry sauce
• No Bake Cheesecake >> a match made in heaven
• Easy French Toast Recipe >> skip the syrup and use strawberry sauce instead
• Best Waffle Recipe from Scratch >> crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside
• Strawberry Shortcake >> just like Grandma used to make
• Dutch Pancake >> looks fancy but super easy to make
• Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream from Bigger Bolder Baking
• Angel Food Cake from Baran Bakery
• Easy Strawberry Crostini from Life as a Strawberry

How to store strawberry sauce

Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week (if it lasts that long!). If you want to freeze it, put the leftovers into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge or warm it up on the stove.

Other strawberry recipes

Strawberry Truffle Cake >> it’s heavenly,  you guys

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie >> one of my absolute FAVORITE pies of all time

Strawberry Spinach Salad >> perfect for showers, brunch, or a light main course

Strawberry Lassi >> a truly magical beverage that will make all of your problems go away

Strawberry Pineapple Meringue Cake >> ultra-thin cake topped with fluffy meringue and crunchy almonds, layered with pineapple and strawberry whipped cream

Strawberry Basil Chicken from Wholesomelicious

Strawberry, Basil and Balsamic Pizza from Cookie + Kate

Strawberry Overnight Oats from Maple + Mango