Macerated Berry Topping

Calling for only two simple ingredients—fresh berries and sugar—this macerated berry topping recipe is the perfect addition to ice cream, pancakes, shortcakes, yogurt, and more. It's particularly ideal for hot summer days as it requires zero time on the stove. You can use a mix of berries or just one type—whatever looks best or just what you have on hand. Leave smaller berries whole, but be sure to slice larger ones to encourage them to release as much juice as possible. Riper fruit will need less time to macerate, but at most, this recipe should take about 45 minutes (most of it hands-off!).

How Does Macerating Work?

Macerating is the process of soaking fruit in a liquid, which helps it to soften as it absorbs the liquid and its flavor. Both dried and fresh fruit can be macerated, and liquids can range from fruit juice and wine to liquor or vinegar. In this case, combining fresh berries with sugar causes the fruit to release its juices as it sits, which then forms a syrup in which the fruit soaks. Stirring the fruit frequently will help ensure all of the berries make contact with the sugar and syrup, resulting in the juiciest and most flavorful result.