Name: Homemade Strawberry Syrup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup pulled and chopped strawberries; ½ cup water; ¼ cup granulated sugar

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There’s something incredibly nostalgic about making Homemade Strawberry Syrup, especially when the weather warms up and fresh strawberries are in abundance. I remember the summer days spent at the local berry farm, plucking ripe strawberries right off the vine, their sweetness intoxicating. Armed with a basket full of these vibrant gems, I couldn’t wait to turn them into a syrup that would elevate breakfast from ordinary to extraordinary. Picture golden waffles drizzled with rich, ruby-red syrup, the perfect companion for pancakes, or even a generous splash over your favorite ice cream. This simple recipe captures the spirit of summer and allows you to relive those sweet moments all year round.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
75 kcal

Protein:
0 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
0 g

Tools Used:
Fine mesh strainer

The Magic of This Homemade Strawberry Syrup

Fresh and Versatile

The best part about Homemade Strawberry Syrup is its versatility. You can use it as a topping for just about anything! Imagine it swirling over your pancakes, lacing your yogurt, or adding a unique twist to your cocktails, mocktails, or sodas. It’s not just for breakfast – it can transform a simple dessert into something special.

Control Over Ingredients

When you make your own syrup, you have complete control over the ingredients. No preservatives or artificial flavors—just the essence of fresh strawberries, sugar, and a touch of water. You can tweak the sweetness to your liking or experiment by adding hints of lemon or mint to suit your palate.

Simple and Quick to Make

This syrup is incredibly easy to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch ready in under an hour. The process is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. It’s an ideal weekend project that fills your kitchen with the delightful aroma of simmering strawberries.

A Perfect Gift

Homemade gifts are always a hit, and Homemade Strawberry Syrup is no exception. Package it in a beautiful glass bottle, add a personal label, and you’ve got a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Friends and family will appreciate the time and care you put into making something so delicious.

Seasonal Enjoyment

This syrup captures the essence of spring, making it an ideal addition to your seasonal recipes. It can bring a touch of sunshine to dreary winter months when stored in your fridge, and you can make it with fresh strawberries during their peak season. Whenever you crave a taste of summer, this syrup will take you back to those sunny days.

What to Gather for Homemade Strawberry Syrup

Creating the perfect Homemade Strawberry Syrup begins with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in the final flavor, ensuring that your syrup is not only sweet but bursting with strawberry essence. The key players in this recipe are the strawberries, which provide the base flavor, complemented by water and granulated sugar, which help to create that delightful syrupy texture.

1 cup pulled and chopped strawberries – Fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe, offering a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. They should be ripe and fragrant to achieve the best taste.
½ cup water – This helps to extract the juices from the strawberries as they simmer, forming the base of your syrup.
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Added for sweetness, sugar balances the tartness of the strawberries while also aiding in thickening the syrup as it cooks.

The Process for Making Homemade Strawberry Syrup

Making Homemade Strawberry Syrup is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the sweet scent of strawberries. You’ll find it’s quite simple to follow, and I’ll guide you through each step to ensure the best results. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a delicious homemade treat.

Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Remove the green tops and chop the berries into smaller pieces. This will help them release their juices during cooking. As you chop, you can already smell that sweet berry aroma filling the air!
In a small pot, combine the chopped strawberries and water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it, watching the strawberries break down and the color of the water change to a bright red.
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and the water is bright red. The smell will be intoxicating! You’ll notice that the strawberries appear dull and mushy, signaling they’ve released their flavor.
Once done, remove the pot from heat and strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or another pot. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the strawberries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solid bits left in the strainer.
Now, wipe out the pot to get rid of any lingering bits, and return the strained juice to the pot. Add the granulated sugar to the juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely before turning the heat back on.
Simmer the mixture again, stirring occasionally for about 5 to 15 minutes until it thickens slightly. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; as it simmers, it may look a bit runny but trust that it will thicken as it cools.
When the syrup has reached your desired thickness (reduced to about ½ to ⅔ cup), take it off the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes in the pot. It will start to thicken further as it cools down, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin.
Once cooled, pour your Homemade Strawberry Syrup into a clean jar or bottle. For best results, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serve your syrup over waffles, pancakes, or even ice cream. Enjoy the burst of flavor that this homemade goodness brings to your meals!

Things Worth Knowing

Check for Thickness: As you simmer, keep a close eye on the syrup’s consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools!
Quality of Strawberries: The quality of your strawberries affects the syrup’s flavor immensely. Use ripe, juicy berries for a naturally sweet syrup. Avoid overripe or mushy ones.
Cleaning the Strainer: A fine mesh strainer can be a bit tricky to clean after straining the syrup. Soak it in hot water right after use to make cleaning easier.
Storage Tips: Store your syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within two weeks for the best flavor.

Recipe Tips about Homemade Strawberry Syrup

Making the perfect Homemade Strawberry Syrup involves a few extra tips to ensure you achieve the best results. Here are some useful insights:

Storage: After making your syrup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing: You can freeze the syrup if you have leftovers! Pour it into an ice cube tray for portioned servings. Thaw as needed for a quick topping.
Variations: Experiment with adding a splash of lemon juice or a hint of mint during the cooking process for unique flavor twists.
Serving Suggestions: Drizzle your syrup over cheesecakes, or use it as a topping for yogurt parfaits for added sweetness.
Best Strawberries: The best strawberries are those that are deep red and fragrant, as this ensures the syrup will be flavorful.

What to Pair With Homemade Strawberry Syrup

There are countless delicious ways to enjoy your Homemade Strawberry Syrup. Here are some ideas to consider:

Pancakes: A classic pairing! The syrup will soak into the fluffy pancakes, adding a burst of berry flavor.
Waffles: Drizzling warm syrup over crispy waffles creates a delightful breakfast experience.
Ice Cream: For a refreshing dessert, pour your syrup over vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a sweet treat.
Yogurt: A dollop of syrup on plain yogurt can enhance its flavor and make for a quick and healthy snack.
Cheesecakes: Use the syrup as a topping for cheesecakes to add a fresh, fruity flavor that complements the creaminess.
Seasonal Events: This syrup is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, whether it’s a brunch, picnic, or barbeque.
Storage Tips: Remember to store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for easy access to sweetness whenever you need.

FAQ

Once you’ve made your Homemade Strawberry Syrup, it can last in your refrigerator for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. To extend its freshness, make sure to keep it sealed tightly and check for any changes in color or smell before using it. If you notice any off-putting signs, it’s best to discard it.

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries are a great alternative if fresh ones are not available. They may release more liquid than fresh strawberries, so you might want to adjust the water and sugar quantities slightly. Just thaw them before using and follow the same steps in the recipe. The resulting syrup will still be delicious!

If you find that your syrup is not as thick as you’d like, you can return it to the stove for further simmering. Cook it on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Just remember that it will thicken more as it cools, so don’t overdo it!

The possibilities are endless! You can drizzle your Homemade Strawberry Syrup over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream for a sweet treat. It can also enhance yogurt, smoothies, or even be used as a topping for cheesecakes. Get creative and enjoy!

Conclusion

The beauty of Homemade Strawberry Syrup lies in its simplicity and the bright, fresh taste it brings to your meals. Every spoonful is a reminder of sunny days and sweet moments shared with loved ones. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s an easy way to elevate your breakfast or dessert game. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can create such delightful memories!