Homemade Strawberry Coulis: The Ultimate 4-Ingredient Recipe for Desserts, Breakfasts & More!

Dive into the luscious world of homemade strawberry coulis – a vibrant, easy-to-make sauce requiring just four simple ingredients. This versatile topping is perfect for elevating everything from creamy cheesecakes and fluffy pancakes to refreshing ice cream and crispy waffles. It’s truly the best way to capture and savor the intense, sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries when they are at their seasonal peak. Forget artificial syrups; this coulis is a game-changer!

About This Strawberry Coulis Sauce

There’s an undeniable magic in a perfectly made strawberry coulis. Its vibrant red hue and an explosion of tart, bright, and intensely fruity strawberry flavor makes my mouth water just thinking about it! This isn’t just any sauce; it’s a celebration of summer, bottled up for year-round enjoyment.

Many of us grew up with the nostalgic taste of strawberry syrup gracing our breakfast plates. For me, it was a staple for pancakes and waffles – a sweet, comforting memory. While that artificial syrup held a special place in my childhood, this homemade strawberry coulis is a million times better. It’s a sophisticated upgrade that retains the joy of fresh strawberries without the overwhelming sweetness or artificial ingredients.

Our strawberry coulis strikes a perfect balance: slightly thick yet pourable, incredibly smooth, bursting with tartness, a hint of tang, and just the right touch of natural sweetness. It provides a gorgeous pop of color and a profound fresh flavor to any dish, transforming a simple dessert like a cheesecake slice or a morning breakfast into something extraordinary. Best of all, it takes a mere 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal recipe to whip up all summer long when strawberries are at their absolute peak ripeness and flavor.

What is a Coulis, Exactly?

A coulis (pronounced “koo-LEE”) is a culinary term for a smooth, often vibrant, sauce made from pureed and strained fruits or vegetables. Unlike a compote, which typically retains chunks of fruit, or a jam, which is much thicker and jelly-like, a coulis is characterized by its thin, smooth, and refined consistency. It’s designed to be drizzled, spooned, or swirled, providing a concentrated burst of flavor and a beautiful visual element to dishes.

Historically, coulis were savory, often made from meat juices or pureed vegetables. However, in modern cuisine, fruit coulis have become incredibly popular, especially in desserts. They are a fantastic way to capture the essence of seasonal fruits, offering a brighter, fresher taste than many cooked down sauces. This strawberry coulis, for instance, highlights the natural sweetness and acidity of strawberries, making it a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. Furthermore, it’s a naturally vegan sauce and can even make for a thoughtful, homemade gift when jarred beautifully.

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Coulis

Making this delightful strawberry coulis requires only four simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Strawberries: The star of our show! You have the flexibility to use either fresh or frozen strawberries for this recipe.

• Fresh Strawberries: When strawberries are in season, particularly during late spring and early summer, using fresh berries will yield the most vibrant flavor. Look for bright red, plump berries with fresh green caps. Remember, size doesn’t necessarily indicate flavor quality. Thoroughly wash and hull them before use.
• Frozen Strawberries: These are a fantastic option for making coulis year-round. They are often picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, locking in their flavor. However, it’s crucial to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This prevents the coulis from becoming too watery and helps achieve the desired thick consistency without extra cooking time.

Lemon: Just one fresh lemon is all you need, but its contribution is immense! This recipe calls for both the zest and the juice.

• Lemon Zest: The zest contains aromatic oils that provide a bright, fragrant lift to the coulis, enhancing the strawberry flavor without making it taste overtly lemony.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended. It provides essential acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the fruit, preventing the coulis from being cloyingly sweet. It also brightens the overall flavor profile. If you don’t have a fresh lemon, lime juice and zest can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly different, tangy flavor.

Sugar: Granulated sugar is typically used in this recipe.

• Granulated Sugar: It provides sweetness, but also helps to draw out the natural juices from the strawberries and contributes to the coulis’s smooth texture. The amount can be adjusted slightly to your preference, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
• Alternative Sweeteners: While granulated sugar is preferred for consistency and traditional flavor, you could experiment with alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Be mindful that these natural sweeteners can impart their own distinct tastes. However, artificial sweeteners like Stevia or Truvia are generally not recommended as they can alter the texture and flavor in undesirable ways in cooked sauces.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This simple recipe doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment, but a few essential tools will ensure your strawberry coulis comes out perfectly smooth and delicious every time.

First, for preparing the strawberries, you’ll need a good chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board. This allows for efficient and safe chopping of the berries.

To cook the sauce, a medium-sized saucepan is essential. A non-reactive pan (like stainless steel) is ideal to prevent any metallic flavors from interfering with the delicate fruit taste. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula will also be useful for stirring the mixture as it simmers, preventing it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

For blending the sauce to a smooth consistency, you have a few options:

• An immersion blender is incredibly convenient as it allows you to blend the mixture directly in the saucepan, minimizing clean-up.
• Alternatively, you can carefully pour the cooled (or slightly cooled) mixture into a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix, or a food processor. Be cautious when blending hot liquids in a regular blender; fill it no more than halfway, secure the lid, and start on a low speed, gradually increasing.

Finally, and arguably most crucial for that signature silky texture, is a fine mesh sieve. This tool is indispensable for straining out all the tiny strawberry seeds and any remaining pulp, leaving you with an exquisitely smooth coulis. For storage, airtight containers or mason jars are ideal to keep your coulis fresh in the refrigerator.

Here’s How to Make This Strawberry Coulis Recipe

Creating this delicious strawberry coulis is surprisingly simple and comes together in just a few easy steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly smooth and flavorful sauce.

Gently Simmer the Berries

Begin by combining your prepared strawberries (quartered, with green leaves removed), granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest in a medium-sized saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. As the mixture heats, the sugar will dissolve, and the strawberries will begin to release their juices. It’s important to let the mixture gently simmer, rather than boil vigorously. Boiling can sometimes lead to a less vibrant color and a slightly different flavor profile. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes, or until the strawberries have become very soft and easily mashable. Once softened, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Blend to Perfection

Once the strawberry mixture has slightly cooled from its simmer, it’s time to achieve that signature smooth consistency. You can use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan. This is often the easiest method, as it reduces the number of dishes to clean. Alternatively, carefully pour the mixture into a high-speed blender or a food processor. Blend until the sauce is completely pureed and as smooth as possible. Ensure there are no large chunks of fruit remaining. Take care when blending hot liquids; if using a regular blender, allow the mixture to cool slightly, and ensure the lid is properly vented to prevent pressure buildup.

Strain for Silkiness

For the ultimate silky-smooth coulis, straining is a crucial step that removes all the tiny seeds and any fibrous bits. Place a fine mesh sieve over a clean bowl. Pour the blended strawberry mixture into the sieve, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the puree through. This process ensures only the smooth, vibrant liquid passes through, leaving the seeds and pulp behind. Discard the strained solids. Your perfectly smooth strawberry coulis is now ready! You can use it immediately while warm, or refrigerate it until ready to use.

Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Coulis

Achieving a stellar strawberry coulis is easier than you think, especially with these helpful tips:

• Always Use a Fine Mesh Sieve: This step is non-negotiable for a truly professional, smooth coulis. A fine mesh sieve effectively strains out all the tiny strawberry seeds and any remaining fibrous bits, ensuring a luxuriously silky texture that’s a hallmark of a great coulis. Don’t skip it if you want that restaurant-quality finish.
• Adjusting Consistency if Too Thick: Sometimes, if the coulis simmers a little too long, it might become thicker than desired. Don’t worry, this is an easy fix! After straining, if your coulis seems too thick, simply add 1 tablespoon of water (or a very light simple syrup) at a time, stirring well after each addition, until it reaches your preferred drizzling consistency.
• Exploring Flavor Variations: The beauty of this basic recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to create other delicious berry coulis:
  • Raspberry Coulis: Simply swap the strawberries for fresh or thawed frozen raspberries. Raspberry seeds can be quite stubborn, so be extra diligent with the straining process.
  • Blueberry Coulis: Use blueberries instead of strawberries. Blueberries have less natural pectin than strawberries, so your coulis might be slightly thinner.
  • Mixed Berry Coulis: Combine your favorite berries for a complex flavor profile.
  • Herbal Infusions: For an elevated taste, consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a few basil leaves to the saucepan during the simmering stage. Remove them before blending.
  • Vanilla Boost: A tiny splash of pure vanilla extract added after cooking can deepen the sweetness and aroma.
  • A Dash of Balsamic: For a sophisticated twist, a very small amount of high-quality balsamic glaze (about 1/2 teaspoon) added at the end can enhance the strawberry’s natural sweetness and add complexity.
• Sweetness Adjustment: The sweetness of strawberries can vary greatly depending on their ripeness and variety. Taste your coulis after blending and straining. If you prefer it sweeter, you can stir in a small amount of powdered sugar or a touch of simple syrup until it meets your taste.
• Salt is Your Friend: A tiny pinch of salt (just a speck!) can actually enhance the sweetness and brightness of the fruit. It’s optional but can really make the flavors pop.

Desserts to try this coulis on: Raspberry Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake | Smashed Mixed Berry Pavlova | Double Chocolate Chip Waffles | Raspberry Nutella Brie Waffle Sandwiches

Can I Freeze Strawberry Coulis?

Absolutely, yes! Freezing strawberry coulis is an excellent way to preserve its fresh flavor and extend its shelf life, allowing you to enjoy the taste of peak-season strawberries long after summer has passed. This sauce will last beautifully for up to 2 months in the freezer, making it perfect for meal prep or simply having a delicious topping on hand whenever a craving strikes.

To freeze, once your coulis has completely cooled, pour it into ice cube trays. This method creates convenient, single-serving portions that are easy to defrost as needed. Freeze the trays until the coulis cubes are solid. Once frozen, pop them out of the trays and transfer them into a freezer-safe sealable bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track. When you’re ready to use them, simply defrost as many cubes as you need in the refrigerator overnight, or even at room temperature for a quicker thaw if you’re in a hurry.

Using Frozen Coulis Cubes

Indeed, you can! The beauty of freezing coulis into cubes is their versatility, even in their frozen state. While you’ll want to thaw them for drizzling over desserts, these frozen cubes offer exciting possibilities for other culinary adventures. I particularly love using them to add a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color to beverages and frozen treats. Toss a few cubes into your blender to make delicious, naturally flavored frozen cocktails, such as a strawberry daiquiri, or incorporate them into your morning smoothie for an extra dose of fruit. They can also be added to sparkling water for a refreshing and beautiful drink, slowly infusing the water with strawberry essence as they melt.

Need some more inspiration for dessert? Check out my desserts recipe page!

Creative Ways to Enjoy Strawberry Coulis

The deliciousness of strawberry coulis lies in its incredible versatility. Its bright, sweet-tart flavor and smooth texture make it a fantastic accompaniment to a wide array of dishes, from decadent desserts to wholesome breakfasts. Here’s an expanded list of my favorite ways to use this delightful sauce:

• Cheesecake: A classic pairing! Drizzle generously over a plain or vanilla cheesecake for a burst of fruity freshness that cuts through the richness.
• Waffles: Transform your morning waffles (especially our fluffy strawberry waffles!) into a gourmet experience.
• Pancakes: Move beyond maple syrup. Strawberry coulis adds a lighter, fruitier alternative to a stack of pancakes.
• Crepes: Fill crepes with whipped cream or cream cheese and top with a spoonful of coulis for an elegant dessert or breakfast.
• Ice Cream: Drizzle over vanilla bean, chocolate, or even strawberry ice cream for an extra layer of fruit flavor.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer with Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
• Chocolate Cake or Victoria Sponge Cake: Use it as a filling between cake layers or as a vibrant topping.
• Oatmeal & Overnight Oats: Stir into your morning oatmeal or swirl into overnight oats for natural sweetness and flavor.
• Panna Cotta: The smooth, light texture of panna cotta is perfectly complemented by the bright fruitiness of the coulis.
• French Toast: A gourmet topping that elevates ordinary French toast.
• Muffins & Scones: Serve alongside freshly baked muffins or scones instead of jam.
• Fruit Salad: Toss with a fresh fruit salad to enhance the berry flavors and add a glossy finish.
• Cocktails & Mocktails: Stir into sparkling wine, use as a base for margaritas, or mix with club soda for a refreshing mocktail.
• Savory Pairings: For adventurous palates, a tiny drizzle can beautifully complement roasted duck or pork dishes, offering a sweet-tart counterpoint.

If you find yourself with an abundance of strawberries and need another delicious way to use them, consider trying this fantastic strawberry filling, perfect for cakes and cupcakes!

How to Store Strawberry Coulis

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade strawberry coulis for as long as possible. Once the coulis has completely cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. We highly recommend using mason jars, as they are not only practical but also look lovely in the fridge and are great for gifting. This strawberry coulis will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring you have a delightful topping ready for your favorite meals and treats.

For longer storage, as mentioned earlier, you can easily make a double or triple batch and freeze the excess. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to use it. When it comes to serving, you have options: you can gently warm the coulis in the microwave or on the stove in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until heated through. Alternatively, this coulis is absolutely delicious served cold, directly from the fridge. I personally enjoy it both ways, depending on what I’m pairing it with – warm for pancakes, cold for yogurt parfaits!

Finally, if you make this easy strawberry coulis recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

Strawberry Coulis

Smooth and bright, you’ll want to put this sauce on everything!

Prep Time:

5 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

10 minutes
mins

Total Time:

15 minutes
mins

5 from
42 votes

cook mode

prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• saucepan
• Wooden Spoon & Scraper
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
• Fine Mesh Strainers

Ingredients

• 1
  lb
  strawberries
  fresh or frozen*, green leaves removed
• 1/2
  cup
  granulated sugar
• 1
  Tbsp
  lemon juice
• 1 1/2
  tsp
  lemon zest

Instructions

• Cut the strawberries into quarters and place in a saucepan.
• Add sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the strawberries are softened. This will take about 10 minutes.
• Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. You can also pour it into a blender and blend until smooth.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Refrigerate until ready to use, or use immediately.

Notes

*if using frozen, thaw and drain the berries before using them.

Cuisine:
Summer

Category:
Dessert