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.
Macerated berries are an easy way to add a fruity sweetness to all sorts of breakfast items and desserts. Try them spooned over vanilla ice cream with whipped cream, served with breakfast favorites like Belgian Waffles and Buttermilk Pancakes, and slathered over a slice of Lemon Blueberry Bread, No-Bake Cheesecake, or Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake.
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Macerated 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 use this simple technique for macerating other fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, peaches, cherries, plums, apricots, kiwi, and much more.
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.
How to Macerate Strawberries
- 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.)
- 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.
- Use immediately or store in the fridge. Enjoy!
Flavor 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to Make with Macerated Strawberries
Got some juicy strawberries? Macerating them is a simple process of soaking them in sugar and then allowing the natural juices to release. Once you have a bowl of macerated strawberries, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas:
- Strawberry Shortcake: Layer the macerated strawberries between fluffy shortcake biscuits and top with whipped cream.
- Strawberry Lemonade: Muddle some macerated strawberries in a glass with fresh lemon juice, water, and a touch of sugar.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Fold macerated strawberries into vanilla ice cream.
- Strawberry Yogurt Parfait: Layer macerated strawberries with vanilla yogurt and granola.
- Strawberry Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with macerated strawberries, goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant appetizer.
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 Recipe
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
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
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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.
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