Learn how to macerate strawberries with granulated sugar. Serve the strawberries with whipped cream or use them to top other desserts.
Wondering how to macerate strawberries? Just mix them with sugar and a bit of vanilla and let them sit until they release their juices. Itโs an easy way to make them sweeter and juicier for desserts, pancakes, or yogurt.
Check out more simple ways of enjoying these wonderful berries: Strawberry Mascarpone Dessert, Romanian Strawberry Foam, or Strawberry and Rhubarb Compote.
Featured comment:
Kathy: This technique certainly does bring out the best in strawberries. I have not tried it with a bit of vanilla. That would add amazing flavor!
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What is maceration?
In food, maceration means softening something with a liquid. For strawberries, this usually means sprinkling them with sugar to bring out their juices, taste, and texture, especially if they are underripe.
The easiest way to macerate strawberries is to add sugar and let them sit for at least half an hour. The sugar will help them release their juices, making a syrup that makes them taste better and feel softer.
You can also macerate strawberries by soaking them in alcohol, sweet liqueurs, juice, or good balsamic vinegar.
Recipe ingredients
You will only need fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and a little vanilla extract (or vanilla sugar).
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to macerate strawberries?
Step #1: Wash and hull the berries. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size, and place them in a bowl.
Step #2:ย Sprinkle them with sugar, add vanilla extract or vanilla sugar to taste, toss well, and let stand for at least 30 minutes until the juice is formed. Stir again.
Good to know!
Use a stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowl to macerate the strawberries. Avoid reactive metals like aluminum or uncoated copper, as the acidity of the fruit can cause a metallic taste.
Storage
Macerated strawberries can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days in an airtight container. Over time, they will continue to soften and release more juice. If they start to look mushy or ferment, it's best to use them up quickly.
How to serve macerated strawberries?
You can have them as they are, just plain, and eaten with a spoon to ensure you get all those juices as well.
Otherwise, serve them with whipped cream orโas my son likes themโwith pourable heavy cream that hasn't been whipped.
You can serve them over Greek yogurt, strained yogurt (my favorite version), quark, or ice cream.
Serve on top of pancakes, creme fraiche crepes, or with a slice of the 2-ingredient cake (or any cake).
How to Macerate Strawberries
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries Note 1
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar to taste
- a few drops vanilla extract optional
- 1 cup heavy cream to serve, optional
Instructions
- Prepare strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size, and place them in a bowl.1 lb strawberries
- Sprinkle with sugar, add vanilla extract or vanilla sugar to taste, toss well, and let stand for at least 30 minutes until the juice is formed. Stir again.2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar + a few drops vanilla extract
- Whip the heavy cream and serve over the macerated strawberries.1 cup heavy cream
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
This technique certainly does bring out the best in strawberries. I have not tried it with a bit of vanilla. That would add amazing flavor!