Macerated strawberries are an easy way to preserve the decadently sweet strawberry flavor of summer.
Use this simple recipe to draw out the flavors of fresh berries and create a little sauce to spoon over your favorite sweets, treats, and breakfast recipes.
It doesn’t take long to prep and marinate sliced berries in sugar so they can be used in everything from a cake topping to a fancy tropical cocktail.
What are Macerated Strawberries?
Macerating strawberries is more of a method than a recipe.
Similar to a marinade, simply combine cut fruit with an ingredient like sugar, or alcohol (think rum or Grand Marnier) and allow it to rest at room temperature. Fresh or thawed-from-frozen berries will work!
Combining the berries with sugar helps to preserve them and creates a syrup or sauce. They’re delicious spooned over pound cake, trifle, ice cream, or even mixed into plain yogurt.
Just 2 ingredients!
STRAWBERRIES: Choose bright red, firm berries without any soft spots or cuts. Other berries can be added like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or thin slices of fresh peaches. Try a combination of berries!
SUGAR: White or brown sugar is perfect in this recipe! Or use a sugar substitute like Swerve or monk fruit. Simple syrup is great to have on hand for all kinds of desserts and drinks!
Honey, maple syrup, spirits like rum or vodka will work (the alcohol will stay in the fruit so be cautious), and acidic bases like balsamic vinegar and lemon juice help the fruit release its juices. Experiment with the combination you like best!
How to Make Macerated Strawberries
This is a great way to enjoy fresh berries and the perfect way to preserve those that have been in the fridge just a little too long!
With only a few simple steps, this recipe is the perfect way to preserve the flavors of summer.
- Wash, hull, and slice or chop the strawberries.
- Mix with white sugar and rest at room temperature (as per the recipe below).
How to Use Macerated Strawberries
The ideas are endless! Use macerated strawberries as a topping for fluffy pancakes, homemade Belgian waffles, a French toast casserole, or as a dip for French toast sticks.
Mix strawberries into or top homemade vanilla ice cream, add to strawberry shortcake, or a fancy trifle. It’s also great in this homemade strawberry butter or salad dressing.
How to Store Macerated Strawberries
Keep macerated strawberries in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before using.
Freeze macerated strawberries in ice cubes to pop into iced tea or sparkling water or freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 1 month.
Surplus of Summer Strawberries?
How do you use Macerated Strawberries? Leave us a comment below!
Macerated Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1 pint strawberries about 2 cups
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar or brown sugar
Instructions
- Wash and hull strawberries, cutting them into thin slices.
- Place in a medium-sized bowl and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Mix until combined and let the strawberries sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes or until they have released juices.
Notes
- orange or lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice
- a splash of Grand Marnier, brandy, or rum
- other berries or sliced peaches
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
nice
My mother used this method not only with strawberries but all kinds of fruit – and I had absolutely forgotten it. Thank you for refreshing my memories. I used this method today with strawberries and they were exactly how I remembered them. I won’t forget this one again!
So happy we could bring that memory back, Lesley. Enjoy!
We love strawberries in our household. Such a simple way to prepare them….my husband loves them, fixed this way and spooned over his cereal.
I prefer to eat strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with some sliced bananas but without any sugar. Strawberries are so delicious!!
I’m 67 and I watched my mama add sugar to strawberries all the time. We had a berry patch growing up. I never knew that there was a name for the process . Great memories!
The best kinds of memories for sure! ♥️
Can this recipe be used as a topping for cheesecake, ie, right on the cake before cutting and serving, or is it too liquify and better suited to spoon over the cheesecake just before serving? It looks and sounds delicious!
The strawberries can definitely be spooned over cheesecake, the ‘sauce’ is quite watery. If you’re looking for a thicker sauce, I would suggest making strawberry sauce.
It’s great on cheesecake, use less or more liquid as wanted.
My mom taught me this years ago. Makes great strawberry shortcake!
I love shortcake!!
And who doesn’t? With ice cream or cool whip? Yes both!