How to Make Strawberry Glaze

Ever had a piece of Junior’s Cheesecake and wanted to know how to make strawberry glaze? You’re not alone!

This easy glaze takes regular strawberries and transforms them into something magical. With a little extra sugar and a kiss of vanilla, it’s a must-try.

This strawberry glaze has endless uses, so it’s worth the effort… not that it requires a lot. It all comes together in just 20 minutes.

Once you’ve tried this strawberry glaze, you’ll never go back to store-bought syrup ever again.

Homemade Strawberry Glaze

Making strawberry glaze is so easy, you’ll want to always keep a batch in the fridge.

Fresh strawberries deliver a delicate sweetness, enhanced by a little sugar and vanilla.

It’s the perfect balance of flavors that allows the natural goodness of strawberries to shine through.

Seriously, this glaze is pretty addictive. While it goes great on cakes and toast, I’m guilty of eating it by the spoonful.

Ingredients

Since strawberries take center stage, you’ll only need a few other ingredients to enhance their flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need.

• Strawberries. Fresh is always best! Try and find strawberries at the peak of ripeness for the best flavor. Don’t worry, you can use frozen if you are in a pinch.

• White sugar. Adding extra sugar makes this glaze delightfully sweet. Plus, it helps draw out the natural sweetness from the strawberries.

• Vanilla. A pinch of vanilla adds a lovely warming note to the glaze. Be sure to reach for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Glaze

You don’t need to be a skilled baker to pull off this fantastic glaze. Check out how easy this recipe comes together!

1. Prepare. Rinse fresh strawberries under cool water, and pat them dry, Then, chop them into large chunks and set aside. 

2. Make the glaze. Add 2/3’s of the strawberries, sugar, and vanilla to a saucepan under medium-high heat. Stir frequently to release the juices from the strawberries. Once soft, mash the berries with a wooden spoon and cook for 15 minutes. 

3. Puree. Add the thickened sauce to a blender, and pulse until it achieves a smooth consistency. 

4. Add more strawberries. Add the remaining strawberries to the glaze. Serve, and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

This simple strawberry glaze is perfection. However, you can make it even better by following these quick tips and tricks below.

• Add butter. Give your strawberry glaze an irresistible richness by adding a tablespoon of salted butter once the sauce is cooked. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!

• Make it thicker. If you want a much thicker glaze, cornstarch is the key. Add a cornstarch-water mixture once the strawberry-sugar mix has come to a boil. Keep mixing until it thickens.

• Add color. A few drops of red food coloring will give you an even deeper, more luscious red hue.

• Try adding lemon juice. Enhance the flavor of the glaze by adding lemon juice. A tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is all you need to brighten your syrup.

• Use frozen strawberries. No fresh strawberries? No worries! While fresh is best, frozen strawberries will work well, too. Just make sure you thaw them first before adding them to the saucepan. 

• Swap out your berries. This recipe works with blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, as well! Or, try a mixture of different berries for a unique blend. 

• Make it boozy. Give your sauce a nice kick by adding a bit of liqueur, such as Chambord or Creme de Cassis. 

What to Serve with Strawberry Glaze 

Strawberry glaze is most commonly used as a sweet cheesecake topping. But it pairs wonderfully with other dishes, too!

Here are some mouth-watering uses for this strawberry glaze recipe.

• Waffles or pancakes
• Brownies
• Ice cream
• Biscuits
• Tarts, pies, and crepes
• Smoothies or milkshakes
• Oatmeal
• Cakes – like this Million Dollar Pound Cake
• Toast

Or, just eat it by the spoonful. I won’t judge.

How to Store

Want to make a big batch to keep in hand? Luckily, this glaze will stay fresh as long as you store it properly. Here’s everything you need to know about storing any leftovers. 

• To Store. Allow the glaze to cool completely, then transfer to an air-tight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. 

• To Freeze. Or, place the glaze in a freezer-safe container and pop it in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw on the countertop or fridge.

Recipes to Serve with Strawberry Glaze

White Chocolate Cheesecake
Sara Lee Pound Cake
Swedish Pancakes
Cheesecake Brownies