Strawberry puree is a smooth, thick, and vibrant red sauce made by blending fresh or frozen strawberries, often with a little sugar and lemon juice to balance the flavor. It is highly versatile, commonly used in beverages like smoothies, margaritas, and milkshakes, as well as for topping desserts such as cheesecakes, ice cream, and pancakes. It can be made in minutes using a blender for a fresh, raw, sauce or by simmering on the stove for a more concentrated, jammy consistency.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Servings: 16
Yield: 1 cup strawberry puree
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Puree
- Ingredients: 16 oz (about 4 cups) of fresh or thawed frozen strawberries, 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (optional, to taste), and 1 tsp lemon juice (to enhance flavor and color).
- Method 1 (Raw/No-Cook): Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
- Method 2 (Cooked/Reduced): Simmer ingredients in a saucepan for 5–10 minutes, mashing with a fork or potato masher, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens.
- Refining: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve if a seedless, velvety texture is desired.
- Storage: The puree can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
Common Uses
- Drinks: Smoothies, daiquiris, lemonade, iced tea, and milkshakes.
- Desserts: Topping for cheesecake, pound cake, or ice cream; swirl into yogurt or oatmeal.
- Baking: Filling for cakes and cupcakes, or flavoring for buttercream.
- Savory: Pan sauces or glazes for meat.
Tips for Best Results
- For Thickening: If you prefer a less watery puree, simmer it on the stove to evaporate moisture.
- Macerating: If using out-of-season berries, you can macerate them with sugar for 2-3 hours to bring out their flavor before blending.
- Freezing: Freeze the puree in ice cube trays for easy, portion-controlled,, use in, smoothies or drinks later.
What is a strawberry puree?
Strawberry puree is a smooth, thick sauce made from blended strawberries, often with added sugar and lemon juice, used to intensify fruit flavor in drinks, desserts, and baked goods. It's made by cooking or blending fresh or frozen strawberries until smooth, and can be strained for a seedless texture or kept with seeds for a jam-like consistency.
How do you get strawberry puree?
Hull and slice the strawberries in half or quarters (depending on size)
Place in a saucepan, heat over low heat, simmer until the strawberries become soft and jammy. Turn off the heat and let the cool.
Transfer the strawberries to a blender, and blend until smooth.
Enjoy!
How to make strawberry puree on the stove?
Step 1: Break down strawberries with heat. Add strawberries and sugar to a saucepan.
Break down strawberries with fork. Cook on medium heat periodically mashing.
(Optional) Step 3. Remove unwanted seeds and solids by straining.
Store in a jar and cool before using. Pour into a jar!