• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Carefree Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
    • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
      • Cheese
      • Dips
    • Breakfast
      • Quick Bread Recipe
      • Breakfast Casseroles
      • Eggs
      • French Toast
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Main Dish
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pasta
      • Pizza
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
    • Sides
      • Potatoes
      • Rice
      • Veggies
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Cakes
      • Cookies
      • No Bake
    • Breads
    • Sauces & Condiments
    • Drinks
    • Einkorn Flour
  • Videos
  • Gift Guide 2020
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
  • Videos
  • Gift Guide 2020
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Desserts » Macerated Strawberries

    Macerated Strawberries

    Published: February 23, 2022 · Jill Baird · Leave a Comment

    macerated strawberries in a small glass dish

    Sharing is caring!

    3 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe

    Macerated Strawberries are the perfect sweet, juicy topper for everything from pancakes and waffles to ice cream and cake.  All you will need to make this simple recipe are fresh strawberries, sugar, and a little time.

    Jump to:
    • Macerating Strawberries
    • How to Macerate Strawberries
    • Recipe Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storing Macerated Strawberries
    • Macerated Strawberries Recipe
    • More of the Best Strawberry Recipes

    Macerating Strawberries

    After making this recipe for Macerated Strawberries just one time, you’ll probably never need to look at it again.  With only two ingredients, it’s really more of a technique than a recipe. 

    Once you've mastered the basics, you can start to create all sorts of fun recipe variations using different berries, fruits and flavors.  

    Macerated Strawberries being made in a glass bowl.

    Why Do You Macerate Fruit?

    When we talk about macerating fruit, we are referring to letting fruit sit with sugar for a period of time so that it naturally softens.  Sugar works to pull juices from the fruit which softens it and consolidates its sugars into a delicious syrup.

    So why do you macerate fruit?  Well, for starters it makes less than perfect fruit sweeter.  If you find yourself with a container of strawberries that aren’t as ripe or sweet as you would like them to be, macerating them may be just the trick that you need.

    It’s also a great way to flavor your berries.  We’ve given you a whole bunch of ideas for flavor variations below - everything from fruit liqueurs to balsamic vinegar will taste amazing.

    You can use this simple technique for macerating fruit such as raspberries, blackberries, peaches, apricots, kiwi and much more. It's so easy to macerate fruit and use as toppings for desserts like Strawberry Shortcake or added to Lime Bundt Cake.

    Uses for Macerated Strawberries Recipe

    Macerated berries are an easy way to add a fruity sweetness to all sorts of breakfast items and desserts.  Here are a few of our favorite ways to use them:

    • Spooned over vanilla ice cream with whipped cream
    • Served with breakfast favorites like Belgian Waffles, French Toast Bake, or Buttermilk Pancakes
    • Added on top of No-Bake Cheesecake or this Chocolate Cheesecake Dip 
    • Slathered over a slice of Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake, Lemon Blueberry Bread or strawberry shortcake.
    A bowl of sliced strawberries in a glass bowl.

    How to Macerate Strawberries

    1. Mix together the berries and sugar.  Wash fresh strawberries and remove the stems.  Slice strawberries as desired, then place in a large mixing bowl.   Add sugar and mix the berries and sugar until combined. (You can use this same method to macerate berries, just about any berry will do.)
    2. Let sit at room temperature.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the strawberries sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. 
    3. Use immediately or store in the fridge.  Enjoy!

    Recipe Variations

    A few of our favorite flavor additions to try are:

    • Lemon juice or zest (add to taste)
    • Balsamic Vinegar (add to taste)
    • Liqueurs such as Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Aperol or Limoncello
    • Extracts such as vanilla or almond
    • Honey (add in place of granulated sugar)
    • Baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom

    You can also macerate all different types of sliced or porous fruits, including:

    • Raspberries
    • Cherries
    • Peaches
    • Plums
    • Nectarines
    • Pears
    • Melons

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long should you macerate strawberries?

    You should macerate your berries for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature.  If you are short on time, it is quickest if you place the bowl of strawberries in a warm spot in the kitchen.  You can also macerate fruit at room temperature for up to 4 hours if you’d like.  The longer it sits, the more natural juices will be released.

    Do you have to macerate fruit at room temperature?

    Nope - you can macerate fruit in the refrigerator but it will take longer.  If you plan to go this route, we recommend covering and letting the berries and sugar sit overnight.

    How long do Macerated Strawberries last?

    Your Macerated Strawberries should last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.  This is a good option if you find yourself with a lot of strawberries and you aren’t quite sure what to do with them all.

    Can you macerate frozen strawberries?

    You can, but it works a little differently.  Place frozen strawberries in a bowl with the sugar and let them thaw together at room temperature or in the refrigerator.  Once thawed and softened, strain the liquid and warm it slightly.  Pour back over the strawberries and use or store.

    Storing Macerated Strawberries

    • Refrigerator: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Freezer: store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.  To thaw, just transfer to the refrigerator overnight.
    macerated strawberries in a small glass dish
    Print

    Macerated Strawberries Recipe

    Macerated Strawberries are the perfect sweet, juicy topper for everything from pancakes and waffles to ice cream and cake.  All you will need to make this simple recipe are fresh strawberries, sugar and a little time.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Macerating Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 55kcal
    Author The Carefree Kitchen

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound Strawberries
    • 4-5 Tablespoons Sugar

    Instructions

    • Wash fresh strawberries and remove the stems. Slice strawberries as desired, then place in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar and mix the berries and sugar until combined.
    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the strawberries sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
    • Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a scoop of macerated strawberries on pancakes, waffles, cake or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 116mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
    Macerated strawberries for cakes, crepes and waffles

    More of the Best Strawberry Recipes

    • Strawberry Cream Scones
    • Virgin Strawberry Pina Colada Smoothie
    • Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
    • Strawberries and Cream French Toast Bake
    • Chocolate Covered Strawberries
    • Berry Salad with Citrus Glaze
    • More Easy Dessert Recipes
    • More Sauces and Condiments

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest,  feel free to leave a comment and photo there too.  Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    This recipe for Macerated Strawberries uses just two ingredients and a little bit of time. Serve these sweet, syrupy berries over pancakes, waffles, ice cream or a slice of cake.

    « Homemade Pesto Recipe
    Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I'm Jill.

    I love sharing my love of food with you and helping you find easy solutions for all of your family's meals and delicious treats.

    Learn More

    Let's Be Friends!

    • Facebook
    • Instragram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Most Popular Posts

    • Lemon Pepper Rotisserie Chicken 
    • Cheesy Bean Dip
    • Ramen Cabbage Salad
    • Classic Parker House Rolls
    • Easy Taco Soup Recipe
    • Carne Asada
    • Air Fryer Squash
    • Chipotle Chicken Burrito {How to Make a Chipotle Burrito at Home}

    Explore More Recipes

    Footer

    About The Carefree Kitchen

    The Carefree Kitchen is where I get to share my love of food with you! Every recipe is tested and approved by my family and friends. These recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and delicious!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2023 · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer • Terms and Conditions

    3 shares