Easy Strawberry Syrup is one of those simple from-scratch recipes that instantly makes every day dishes feel special. Made with real strawberries and just a few pantry staples, this homemade syrup adds fresh, natural flavor to everything from pancakes and waffles to lemonades, cocktails, and weekend brunch spreads.
There’s a special kind of joy in making something beautiful from simple ingredients, and this easy strawberry syrup is a perfect example. With just fresh strawberries, sugar, and water, you can create a vibrant, naturally flavored syrup that instantly makes everyday treats feel a little more special. It’s the kind of recipe that fits right into our kitchen. Uncomplicated, reliable, and made from scratch.
Whether you’re dressing up a weekend brunch, sweetening summer drinks, or adding a finishing touch to desserts, this homemade strawberry syrup delivers fresh flavor without artificial colors or store-bought shortcuts.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Syrup Recipe
- Made with real strawberries and pantry staples
- Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop
- Naturally colored and flavored
- Versatile for desserts, drinks, and breakfast dishes
- Perfect for using up ripe or extra strawberries
How Thick Will Strawberry Syrup Be?
This strawberry syrup is meant to be pourable, not thick like jam or jelly. It will lightly coat a spoon when warm and thicken slightly more as it cools.
- For a thicker syrup, simmer a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid further.
- For a thinner syrup, stir in a small splash of water after straining.
Keep in mind that homemade syrup naturally varies depending on how juicy the strawberries are and how long the mixture simmers.
Easy Strawberry Syrup to Elevate Desserts, Drinks & Brunch
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Fresh Strawberries hulled and sliced, see notes for how many cups
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup Water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice brightens flavor and helps preserve color
Instructions
- Add the sliced strawberries, sugar, and water to a medium saucepan. Stir gently to coat the berries.1 Pound Fresh Strawberries, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Cup Water
- Simmer slowly. Bring the mixture to a light boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
- Mash and strain. Lightly mash the berries with a spoon or potato masher to extract more flavor. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or glass measuring cup, pressing gently on the solids.
- Finish and cool. Stir in lemon juice if using. Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring to a clean jar or bottle.Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- This syrup is a lovely way to use strawberries that are slightly soft or past their peak—perfectly sweet, but no longer ideal for eating fresh.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Tips for Rich Flavor and Color
- Choose ripe strawberries for the sweetest, most vibrant syrup.
- Keep the heat gentle to prevent scorching and preserve fresh flavor.
- Adjust thickness by simmering a few extra minutes for a thicker syrup or adding a splash of water if it becomes too concentrated.
How to Wash Strawberries Properly
Before using strawberries, gently wash them to remove dirt and residue.- Place strawberries in a colander and rinse under cool running water.
- Gently rub the surface of each berry with your fingers.
- Do not soak strawberries, as they absorb water and can lose flavor.
- Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Hull and slice after washing.
Vinegar or Salt Wash: When It’s Useful (and When It’s Not)
Some cooks prefer a vinegar or salt wash for strawberries, especially when berries are not organic or are visibly dirty.- When it’s helpful. If strawberries are very muddy, heavily handled, or you want extra reassurance about surface bacteria, you can soak them briefly in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water or 1 teaspoon salt per 4 cups of water for 5–10 minutes.
- When it’s not necessary. For clean, fresh strawberries, especially homegrown. Plain running water is usually sufficient.
Nutrition
Ways to Use Strawberry Syrup
This syrup is wonderfully versatile and adds a pop of flavor to both sweet treats and beverages:
- Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Spoon onto cheesecake, ice cream, or pound cake
- Stir into lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water
- Add to cocktails or mocktails
- Swirl into yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese
- Use as a topping for biscuits or scones
What Can You Do with the Strained Strawberries?
After making strawberry syrup, you’ll be left with soft, cooked strawberries—and they’re too good to waste. While most of the liquid has been strained out, the pulp still has plenty of flavor and can be used in simple, everyday ways.
Try using it:
- As a spoonful mixed into yogurt, cottage cheese, or oatmeal
- Spread lightly on toast, biscuits, or pancakes
- Blended into smoothies for natural strawberry flavor
- Warmed and served over ice cream or cake
- Folded into whipped topping for a quick dessert spread
Store the leftover strawberries in a covered container in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
How to Store Homemade Strawberry Syrup
Pour the cooled syrup into an airtight jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage:
- Freeze in small jars or ice cube trays for up to 6 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before using.
Can You Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work beautifully in this recipe and are a great option when fresh berries aren’t in season. Add them directly to the saucepan—no thawing required.
Is Strawberry Syrup Safe for Canning?
I would not recommend canning this recipe. This recipe is best suited for refrigerator or freezer storage. For shelf-stable canning, use a tested, high-acid syrup recipe specifically developed for water bath canning to ensure safety.
Simple Variations to Try
- Strawberry Vanilla Syrup. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract after straining.
- Strawberry Lemon Syrup. Add extra lemon juice for a brighter, tangy finish.
- Strawberry Mint Syrup. Simmer with a small handful of fresh mint leaves during the last few minutes.
A Sweet Staple
This easy strawberry syrup is one of those from-scratch recipes that earns a regular spot in the refrigerator. It’s simple enough for everyday use yet special enough for guests, making it a lovely addition to desserts, drinks, and brunch spreads. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want a touch of homemade sweetness.
