Strawberry Topping
The perfect addition to any dessert, this Strawberry Topping is sweet, fresh, and easy to make. Bursting with flavor, it enhances everything from pancakes to cheesecake. Try making it tonight, and watch your desserts shine!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Blender
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups Chopped Fresh Strawberries
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 1/3 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch or Potato Starch
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped fresh strawberries and sugar. This will allow the strawberries to begin releasing their juices.
- Add 1/3 cup of water to the mixture. Stir gently to ensure that everything is blended together well.
- Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat. Watch as the liquid starts to bubble, and once it does, give it a good stir to blend everything thoroughly.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. This will prevent the mixture from boiling over while allowing it to cook down and thicken.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold or room temperature water until you form a thick liquid. This mixture is your thickening agent!
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan gradually, stirring continuously as you do. Keep stirring to ensure that it incorporates evenly into the strawberry mixture.
- Cook the strawberry mixture over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. You'll want to keep stirring frequently to avoid sticking and to check for the thickness of the sauce.
- As it cooks, the mixture will become thick and syrupy. Once it reaches the perfect consistency, remove it from the heat.
- Finally, stir in the vanilla to enhance the flavor of your Strawberry Topping.
- At this point, you can decide how you want to serve your topping. You can keep it chunky for a rustic feel, or use an immersion blender to puree it smooth or to a desired consistency. This topping is perfect for cheesecakes, ice cream sundaes, waffles, or cheese blintzes!
Notes
- Tip 1: Store any leftover topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the topping in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using.
- Tip 3: This topping goes wonderfully with pancakes, yogurt, and even savory crepes. The options are endless!
- Tip 4: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an interesting flavor twist!
- Tip 5: Combine strawberries with other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry topping.