Name: Macerated Strawberries (quick and simple)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: makes 500 g (1.1 lb)
Cuisine: Slovenian
Ingredients: 450 g fresh strawberries (1 pound); 3 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Macerated Strawberries (quick and simple)

Strawberry season is finally here! In full season those beautiful treats are naturally sweet, juicy, fresh and soooooo good. Perfect for all the strawberry dessert recipes you want to try. Like the simplest macerated strawberries that can be simply served with some whipped cream (or greek yogurt or vanilla bean ice cream) or you can use them in other desserts, like cakes, pannacotta, waffles, pancakes, pudding. This recipe uses only four ingredients and it’s made in less than 30 minutes. You can, of course, enrich the flavor by adding a variety of additions like balsamic vinegar, basil, Limoncello and more. Read all the details and learn how to make this easy macerated strawberries recipe below.

How to macerate strawberries

Macerating strawberries is quick and simple:

wash and hull the strawberries
add sugar, lemon, and vanilla
stir to combine and let stand
serve

Making them at home is incredibly simple and very useful, especially because they are:

rich in flavor
have a vibrant red color
naturally sweet
can be served with whipped cream or
use it in other desserts like cakes, pancakes, waffles, pannacotta, french toast...
gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan
one portion (half of the recipe) has less than 150 calories

Possible additions and variations

There are only 4 simple ingredients in this recipe: strawberries, sugar, vanilla, and lemon. These few ingredients are all you need, but you can enrich the macerated strawberries and make them even more special. Here are some ideas:

Limoncello liqueur: Add 1 tablespoon of Limoncello liqueur to the bowl with the rest of the ingredients to get an amazing citrus aroma.
Balsamic vinegar: Add 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic to the bowl with the rest of the ingredients for macerated strawberries to add an amazing sweet & sour flavor. Balsamic vinegar and strawberries are best friends so this is one lovely combination.
Pepper: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper to the bowl with the rest of the ingredients for some extra spiciness.
Basil and olive oil: Add a handful of fresh basil and 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the bowl for summer vibes and freshness.
Elderflower: Add 2 - 3 elderflowers for an amazing floral and gentle aroma.

How to use macerated strawberries, where to serve

You can simply serve them with some whipped cream or greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream and some chopped almonds (this recipe serves two people) or you can serve them with:

Storing

It's best to use macerated strawberries as soon as possible, however, you can store them in an airtight container and keep them chill in a fridge for up to two days.

Ingredients

Macerated Strawberries

450 g fresh strawberries (1 pound)

3 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Tools and equipment

kitchen knife

large bowl

METHOD

Strawberries

Wash and hull the strawberries. Cut the small ones in half and quarter the large ones.
Macerate

Place the strawberries in a large bowl. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine and allow to stand at room temperature for 20 - 30 minutes for strawberries to release their natural juices, but not too long.
Serve

Serve macerated strawberries by dividing it between two serving bowls. Optionally add some whipped cream and chopped almonds or use the macerated strawberries in cakes, pudding, pannacotta, waffles, pancakes... Store in an airtight container in a fridge for up to two days.