Simple Macerated Strawberries Recipe
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Macerated strawberries are simple, yet delicious with so many desserts. This also includes recipes using lemon juice, Grand Marnier, and balsamic vinegar to macerate strawberries.
It was years before I knew the technical name for these sweetened strawberries. In my family, that’s all we called them. Macerated wasn’t a cooking term that was used routinely in my house. It still isn’t. Sugared strawberries, sweetened strawberries, or dessert strawberries is more often used than not around here. But, I wanted to be sure to use the correct term for the recipe for sharing with you.
In my family, we make these a few ways, depending on how we plan to use them in a recipe, yet they all begin with the simplest of ingredients and methods.
Macerated Strawberries
Simple Macerated Strawberries are absolutely delicious for so many dishes. They are incredibly easy to make and add such a special touch for everything from breakfast dishes to decadent desserts.
How to Make Macerated Strawberries
Simple Macerated Strawberries
Wash, hull and slice strawberries, add sugar and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, but not so long that they become mush. As simple as it is, that’s the recipe the basic recipe. I make this version all the time. There’s just nothing like sweet strawberries to enhance a dish!
Macerated Strawberries with Grand Marnier or Citrus Juice
You can make these delicious strawberries even more special by adding just one more ingredient to the simple strawberry sugar base. Add a splash of Grand Marnier for an extra special touch during the holidays, or a bit of lemon juice or orange juice if you really want to enhance the flavor of a dish with citrus notes, like in a cheesecake.
Macerated Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar
Another favorite for me is to use balsamic vinegar. Any balsamic vinegar will do, no need to use the fanciest balsamic vinegar you have in this recipe.
Once you have your macerated strawberries, you can add them to any number of dishes for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
For breakfast or brunch, use them as a topping on your pancakes or waffles, stuff them into French toast, or pile them onto toasted pound cake or a biscuit with whipped cream. The possibilities are somewhat endless.
For a special dessert, use these atop my Mini New York Cheesecakes, my Strawberry Shortcakes or with my Cream Cheese Poundcake. These delicious macerated strawberries also make a beautiful dessert simply topped with my Perfect Whipped Cream too!
Here’s how you make simple macerated strawberries, with a few variations you might enjoy as well.
Macerated Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, 1 pound, 2 cups
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Macerated Strawberries with Grand Marnier
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
Macerated Strawberries with Citrus Juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, or orange juice or lime juice
Macerated Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Wash, hull, and slice strawberries and place into a large glass bowl. Stir in sugar and allow to stand for 30 minutes for strawberries to release their natural juices, but not so long that they begin to become mush.
- If using Grand Marnier, citrus juice or balsamic vinegar, add at the same time as sugar.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Has anyone tried this with frozen strawberries?
I haven’t made this with frozen strawberries, Sheelah, but I think you can put the sugar on the frozen strawberries and let them thaw with the sugar.
can i use frozen strawberries
I add a splash of Vanilla extract in mine Yum
How long does this last in the fridge?
How long can you keep in the fridge?
I like to use honey instead of sugar in mine. I also add a small sprinkling of kosher salt and about 1/4 tsp of fennel pollen.
These look delicious! I love the different flavor combos!
Strawberries are my favorite and this is perfect for spring!
Thanks Robyn. Have a Wonderful and Safe Day!
I have been doing this for years. I leave mine in the fridge over night and then use it as a natural strawberry topping for ice cream instead of that bottled stuff. I also use it to make a strawberry poke cake. I use it in the cake and add it to the top of the cake when it is cooled. I just use a skewer to make holes then pour the berries and juice on top!
Isn’t it delicious? Can’t beat that full strawberry flavor!
Oh yes! It is my favorite ice cream topping (caramel being a very close second!) I also wanted to say that I use Turbinado sugar instead of regular white.