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    Where Is My Spoon > Recipes > Sweets > Desserts

    How to Macerate Strawberries

    Published by: Adina May 2, 2020 ยท Last modified: April 1, 2025 1 Comment
    Jump to Recipe
    pin image with the title macerated strawberries.

    Learn how to macerate strawberries with granulated sugar. Serve the strawberries with whipped cream or use them to top other desserts.

    chopped strawberries macerating in a bowl.

    Wondering how to macerate strawberries? Just mix them with sugar and a bit of vanilla and let them sit until they release their juices. Itโ€™s 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!

    Jump to recipe
    • What is maceration?
    • Recipe ingredients
    • How to macerate strawberries?
    • Good to know!
    • Storage
    • How to serve macerated strawberries?
    • More strawberry recipes
    • Recipe
    • How to Macerate Strawberries

    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

    labeled ingredients: strawberries, granulated sugar and vanilla extract.

    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?

    halved strawberries mixed with granulated sugar in a metal bowl.

    Step #1: Wash and hull the berries. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size, and place them in a bowl.

    sugared strawberries steeping 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 orโ€”as my son likes themโ€”with 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).

    sugared strawberry halves in a small bowl.

    More strawberry recipes

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      Easy Strawberry Swiss Roll
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      Strawberry Tiramisu

    Do you like this recipe?

    Please leave a good rating in the recipe card below. Stay in touch through social media: Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Donโ€™t forget to tag #whereismyspoon when you try a recipe!

    Recipe

    macerated strawberries in a white bowl with a spoon in it.

    How to Macerate Strawberries

    Learn how to macerate strawberries with sugar and vanilla. Serve them with whipped cream or over ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Share GrowSaved! Rate
    Course: Desserts
    Cuisine: International
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 289kcal
    Author: Adina

    Equipment

    • Bowl
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    Notes

    You can also macerate strawberries by soaking them in alcohol, sweet liqueurs, juice, or good balsamic vinegar.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 18mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 17g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @adinabeck or tag #WhereIsMySpoon!

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    Comments

    1. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says

      April 30, 2018 at 3:01 am

      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!

      Reply
    5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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