Strawberry Coulis is a silky-smooth fruit sauce that adds vibrant flavor and color to desserts and breakfast dishes. Made with just four ingredients, this simple recipe highlights the natural sweetness of strawberries with a touch of tartness from lemon juice. Whether drizzled over cheesecake, swirled into yogurt, or spooned over pancakes, it’s a versatile sauce you’ll want to keep on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Only 4 ingredients and 15 minutes to make
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Works with fresh or frozen strawberries
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Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
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Smooth, vibrant, and versatile
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Can be used in desserts, drinks, or breakfast dishes
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Stores well in the fridge or freezer
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Easy to strain for a seed-free sauce
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Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
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Customizable with different sweeteners
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A great way to use up seasonal strawberries
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
500 g (1.1 lb) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
⅓ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 teaspoons cornflour (cornstarch, US)
directions
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Prep strawberries: If using frozen strawberries, thaw them first.
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Blend: Add strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornflour to a blender. Blend until smooth.
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Cook: Pour puree into a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring regularly until it begins to bubble.
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Simmer: Once thick bubbles form, cook 2–3 minutes more, until slightly thickened and deepened in color.
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Strain: Push mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds. Repeat if needed for extra smoothness.
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Adjust: If too thick, thin with a splash of water, especially if using fresh strawberries.
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Cool: Allow to cool before storing or serving.
Servings and timing
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Naturally Sweetened: Replace sugar with ¼ cup maple syrup or honey.
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Berry Blend: Use a mix of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
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Citrus Twist: Add orange zest or lime juice for a different flavor profile.
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Vanilla Infusion: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract after cooking.
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Boozy Version: Add a tablespoon of liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Chambord.
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Spiced Coulis: Simmer with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
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Low-Sugar: Reduce sugar slightly and let the natural fruit sweetness shine.
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Seed-Free Guarantee: Double-strain for a completely silky texture.
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Frozen Treats: Freeze in ice cube trays to add to smoothies or cocktails.
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Jammy Style: Cook longer for a thicker, spreadable consistency.
storage/reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays.
Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving, if desired.
FAQs
Can I make strawberry coulis with frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw them first before blending.
How do I keep the coulis smooth?
Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer once or twice to remove seeds.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, adjust to taste or use maple syrup, honey, or another sweetener.
How do I thicken coulis?
Cornflour thickens the sauce. If you prefer it thinner, add a splash of water.
What can I serve strawberry coulis with?
It’s great on cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, ice cream, or even in milkshakes and cocktails.
Can I make this without cornflour?
Yes, cook it longer to naturally reduce and thicken, or leave it thinner as a drizzle.
How long does strawberry coulis last?
It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for 2 months.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes, it’s perfect for prepping ahead. Make a batch and keep chilled until serving.
Is strawberry coulis the same as strawberry sauce?
They are similar, but coulis is smoother and more refined, often strained for a seed-free finish.
Can I add extra flavorings?
Yes, vanilla, citrus zest, or even a splash of liqueur can enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
Strawberry Coulis is a quick, versatile sauce that elevates everything from breakfast to dessert. With just four ingredients and a few minutes on the stove, you can create a smooth, sweet-tart sauce that’s bursting with strawberry flavor. Whether you drizzle it over cheesecake, stir it into yogurt, or spoon it on pancakes, this coulis is a simple yet luxurious addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Print
Strawberry Coulis Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Strawberry Coulis is a smooth, sweet-tart fruit sauce made with just strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a little cornstarch. Ready in only 15 minutes, this versatile sauce is perfect for drizzling over cheesecake, swirling into yogurt, spooning on pancakes, or even mixing into cocktails. It’s a simple yet elegant way to elevate desserts and breakfasts.
Ingredients
500 g (1.1 lb) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
⅓ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 teaspoons cornflour (cornstarch, US)
Instructions
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If using frozen strawberries, thaw first.
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Blend strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornflour until smooth.
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Pour into a saucepan and cook over medium heat until bubbling.
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Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened and deep red.
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Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Repeat if needed.
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Thin with a splash of water if too thick.
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Cool before storing or serving.
Notes
- Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Mix with other berries for a blended coulis.
- Add vanilla, citrus zest, or liqueur for extra flavor.
- For a seed-free finish, strain twice.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for smoothies or cocktails.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French