Though you can enjoy them year-round, there’s nothing like fresh summer strawberries! All you need to do to macerate them is add sugar, and they’ll soften and sweeten in a few hours. Enjoy them with fresh cream, whipped cream, or spoon them over pound cake, ice cream, or biscuits.
How to Macerate Strawberries
Prep the berries
Wash the strawberries in a colander and hull them with the point of a sharp knife or a strawberry hulling tool (Amazon link).
Combine with sugar
Slice the strawberries and put them in a bowl with granulated sugar.
Serve
Enjoy macerated strawberries in a strawberry shortcake, over pound cake or biscuits, spooned over ice cream, or in a bowl with a dollop of whipped cream.
What does maceration do?
Maceration intensifies the natural flavor and sweetness of the strawberries. It also tenderizes the berries and draws out their juices, making them perfect for spooning over biscuits, cake, pancakes, or ice cream.
Recipe Variations
- Vanilla: For a warm, aromatic flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or the seeds from 1/2 a vanilla bean.
- Citrus: To brighten and balance the flavor, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of orange or lemon juice and a little zest.
- Boozy Berries: For depth and a touch of elegance, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of a flavored liqueur. TryCointreau, Chambord, or Grand Marnier.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: You can replace all or part of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup. This gives the berries a more natural sweetness and a different flavor profile.
How to Store Macerated Strawberries
The strawberries are best refrigerated and used within 1 day, but they’ll be fine for 2 to 3 days.
PrintMacerated Strawberries
Macerated strawberries make your desserts shine. With just two ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Chill
- Cuisine: Summer
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries
- 2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (or to taste)
- 1 or 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the berries: Wash, drain, and hull the strawberries with the point of a small knife or a strawberry hulling tool. Or you can cut the top off but you will lose a bit more of the berry that way.
- Combine with sugar: Put the strawberries in a bowl with the granulated sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like; gently stir and let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Or cover and refrigerate them if you plan to let them macerate for more than an hour or two.
