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Strawberry topping for cheesecake in a white bowl.

Strawberry Topping For Cheesecake

This easy strawberry topping for cheesecake can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries, uses simple pantry staples, and takes just 20 minutes to make.
5 from 46 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 2 jars
Calories 207 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Strawberry topping

  • 1 pound Strawberries fresh or frozen strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Freshly juiced!
  • ⅓ cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon Lemon zest Freshly grated!

Instructions
 

Combine and Simmer

  • In a medium saucepan, add the halved strawberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine over medium-high heat.
  • Once the mixture starts to bubble, turn the heat down to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally as the strawberries soften and break down.

Thicken the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a splash of cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering strawberry sauce while stirring constantly.
  • Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Cool and Store

  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon zest. Let the sauce cool completely to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight mason jar and store in the fridge.

Notes

  • Fresh vs. Frozen Berries: Frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh ones. You do not need to thaw them first, but keep in mind they release extra liquid, so they might need 2 to 3 extra minutes on the stove.
  • Always Use Cold Water for the Slurry: Never pour dry cornstarch straight into the warm sauce. Whisk it with cold water in a small bowl first so it dissolves completely without leaving white clumps.
  • Let It Cool Completely: Never spoon warm sauce onto a chilled cheesecake or whipped cream, or it will melt your dessert. Let it come to room temperature first before using.
  • It Thickens as It Chills: The sauce will look a little looser while it is hot on the stove. Avoid adding extra cornstarch while cooking because it firms up significantly once it cools down in the fridge.
  • Taste Your Berries: Berry sweetness changes throughout the year. Taste a strawberry before starting so you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar if they are tart, or use slightly less if they are already super sweet.

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 356mgFiber: 5gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 29IUVitamin C: 137mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
Keyword strawberry sauce, Strawberry Topping For Cheesecake
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