Strawberry Syrup Recipe

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of drizzling fresh, homemade strawberry syrup over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream, you know just how magical it is. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the vibrant red color just screams “summertime!” This easy-to-make syrup captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every spoonful and will make any dish feel like a special treat. Whether you’re topping your breakfast favorites or creating a delicious milkshake, this syrup is the secret ingredient to elevate your sweet moments. Trust me, once you try this, store-bought syrups will be a thing of the past!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Syrup

Here’s why this strawberry syrup is going to be your new favorite kitchen staple:

• Fresh & Fruity Flavor: Made with fresh strawberries, this syrup bursts with natural, vibrant flavor. You’ll taste the difference compared to the artificial stuff!
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic pantry ingredients, you can make this syrup from scratch. No complex ingredients, just pure, simple goodness.
• Versatile: Perfect for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt, or even in drinks like lemonade or cocktails. It’s the kind of syrup you’ll want to have on hand for all your sweet cravings.
• Easy to Make: If you’ve never made syrup before, this recipe is foolproof! You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make something delicious.
• Customizable: Want a thicker syrup? Let it simmer longer. Prefer it sweeter? Add more sugar. This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Syrup:

• Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Water
• Vanilla extract (optional)

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling your fresh strawberries (removing the green stems). Slice them into halves or quarters to help them break down more easily while cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Strawberries

In a medium saucepan, combine your sliced strawberries, sugar, and water. Stir it all together and place it on the stove over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the strawberries begin to break down.

Step 3: Simmer & Mash

Once the strawberries start to soften and release their juices, use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash them. This helps release even more flavor. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally, and if you want a smoother syrup, you can strain out the solids later.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice & Vanilla

Once the syrup has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract if you want a touch of extra depth and warmth.

Step 5: Cool & Strain (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother syrup, you can strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining strawberry bits. However, leaving the pieces in will give you a more rustic, chunky syrup.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Let the strawberry syrup cool for a bit before drizzling it over your favorite dishes! If you have leftovers, store the syrup in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Pour your homemade strawberry syrup over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or use it to sweeten your tea or lemonade. You’ll be amazed at how much better this tastes than anything you can buy at the store!

How to Serve Strawberry Syrup

• On Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle over your morning stack for a burst of sweet, fruity goodness.
• With Ice Cream: This syrup makes an incredible topping for vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Add some whipped cream and sprinkles for the ultimate dessert.
• In Beverages: Add a splash to your lemonade, iced tea, or even sparkling water for a refreshing twist.
• As a Yogurt Topping: Pour over Greek yogurt or regular yogurt for a sweet, nutritious snack or breakfast.
• In Smoothies or Milkshakes: Blend this syrup into smoothies or milkshakes for a rich, fruity flavor.

Additional Tips

• Strawberry Variations: If you’re in the mood to experiment, try using a mix of berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, to create a multi-berry syrup.
• Make it Sugar-Free: For a sugar-free version, swap the sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Thicker Syrup: If you like your syrup extra thick, simmer it longer or reduce the amount of water you use in the recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 45 kcal
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin A: 2% DV
Vitamin C: 30% DV
Calcium: 1% DV
Iron: 1% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

A1: Yes! Frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just thaw them before using and follow the recipe as usual.

Q2: How long will this strawberry syrup last in the fridge?

A2: This syrup will last for about a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I make the syrup thicker?

A3: Absolutely! If you prefer a thicker syrup, simply let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch slurry to help thicken it more quickly.

Q4: Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

A4: Yes! You can swap the sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or agave nectar. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to your taste.

Q5: Can I make this syrup ahead of time?

A5: Yes! You can make this syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. It’s perfect for meal prep or to have on hand for a quick, sweet addition to your favorite dishes.

Q6: Can I add other fruits to this syrup?

A6: Yes! You can add other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches to create a mixed-fruit syrup. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the fruit you add.

Q7: How can I make this syrup vegan?

A7: To make the syrup vegan, simply swap out the honey for a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave.

Q8: Can I freeze this strawberry syrup?

A8: Yes! You can freeze the syrup in an airtight container or ice cube tray for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge.

Q9: How do I prevent the syrup from being too runny?

A9: To avoid a runny syrup, make sure to cook it long enough for the liquid to reduce and thicken. If it’s still too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes.

Q10: Can I use this syrup for making strawberry-flavored cocktails?

A10: Yes! This strawberry syrup would be a fantastic addition to cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, or a strawberry mojito. It adds a lovely fruity sweetness!

Conclusion

This Strawberry Syrup is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste of fresh strawberries. It’s simple to make, packed with natural flavor, and perfect for adding a sweet, fruity touch to any dish. Whether you’re using it for breakfast, dessert, or drinks, it’s a versatile and delicious addition to your kitchen. So go ahead, make a batch, and enjoy the delightful taste of summer in every bite!

Print