Macerated Strawberries

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Sweeten up your next breakfast or dessert with syrupy macerated strawberries.

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Yield:
2 cups

Macerated strawberries might sound fancy, but the dish is delightfully simple. It’s also a hands-off recipe: Just toss strawberries with sugar and let time take care of the rest. The sugar will coax out the berries' juices, creating a thick and succulent syrup, while the strawberries will deepen in flavor and soften in texture. The result is a versatile, sweet-tart topping that’s hard to resist. 

Thanks to the bright flavor of this strawberry recipe, it pairs especially well with creamy dairy-based foods—think cheesecake, yogurt, ice cream, or ricotta. It's also excellent atop baked goods, such as pound cake or waffles. You can even enjoy macerated strawberries on its own with a dollop of whipped cream.

To avoid mushy macerated strawberries, keep the berries whole or cut them into halves or quarters. Thinly sliced strawberries are more likely to become too soft.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound strawberries, hulled (halved or quartered if large)

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

  1. Mix strawberries and sugar together:

    Stir together strawberries and sugar in a medium bowl.

  2. Let sit at room temperature:

    Let stand at room temperature until juices are released, at least 30 minutes.

How to Store Macerated Strawberries

Macerated strawberries can be refrigerated, covered, up to 1 day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you macerate frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can macerate frozen strawberries. Let them thaw in the refrigerator first, then discard the juices (or add it to an iced tea or smoothie). Macerate the thawed strawberries using the steps listed in the recipe.

Can you macerate strawberries without white sugar?

If you don't have white sugar, you can macerate strawberries with powdered sugar or brown sugar.

What ingredients can you add for even more flavor?

To elevate your macerated strawberries, add a pinch of salt or sprinkle of lemon juice to intensify the fruit's sweetness. You can also drizzle the strawberries with balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.

Try These Other Strawberry Recipes:

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart Living, June 2005
Updated by
Kirsten Nunez
Kirsten Nunez, Freelance Writer

Kirsten Nunez is a writer who focuses on food, health, nutrition, and DIY. She has a master's degree in nutrition, and has been writing professionally for nearly 10 years for digital and print publications, such as Martha Stewart, Shape, Real Simple, Healthline, and SELF. She also creates original recipes, which have appeared on product packaging in stores.

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