Simple Strawberry Syrup Recipe

Name: Simple Strawberry Syrup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 15
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 cup white sugar; 2 cups quartered strawberries

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Strawberry Syrup

This homemade strawberry syrup is perfect for adding to pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. Its easy to make, flavorful, and can be stored for later use!

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
2 cups quartered strawberries

Directions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 2: Add the quartered strawberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: After the syrup has boiled, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the strawberries simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are soft and the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Once the syrup has thickened, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bottle or jar. Discard the solid strawberry pieces or use them for another recipe.

Step 5: Allow the syrup to cool, then store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve over your favorite desserts, pancakes, or drinks!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 58
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 1mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 14g
Vitamin C: 12mg (13% of Daily Value)
Calcium: 4mg
Iron: 0mg
Potassium: 31mg

Servings Per Recipe: 15

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutritional information is based on available data and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands.

Recipe Author: Daniel Maynard

History of Strawberry Syrup

Strawberry syrup, like many fruit syrups, has its roots in the early methods of preserving fruit. In the past, farmers would create syrups to preserve their seasonal bounty and extend the enjoyment of fresh fruits long after the harvest. The use of strawberries in syrup form can be traced back to the 19th century, especially in Europe and North America. Strawberry syrup became popular during the rise of soda fountains in the early 20th century, where it was commonly used to flavor sodas, milk, and other beverages.

Regional Variations

In the United States, strawberry syrup is a popular topping for pancakes, waffles, and ice cream. However, different regions have their own variations of fruit syrups. For instance, in the southern U.S., strawberry syrup is often used as a sweetener for iced tea, while in Europe, it can be added to yogurt or desserts like panna cotta. In some Latin American countries, its combined with sparkling water to create a refreshing beverage.

What Sets This Syrup Apart?

Compared to other syrups, such as maple or chocolate, strawberry syrup is uniquely light and fruity. Unlike syrups made from heavier, more complex flavors like maple, strawberry syrup provides a fresh, natural sweetness that is often less overpowering. This particular recipe is especially simple, requiring only three ingredients: water, sugar, and strawberries. Many other recipes may call for artificial flavorings or preservatives, but this version keeps it natural and pure, making it a healthier and more authentic choice for those looking to enhance their breakfast dishes or beverages.

Common Uses and Where to Serve It

Strawberry syrup is incredibly versatile. Its most commonly served as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and ice cream. In addition to these classic uses, it can also be stirred into yogurt for a fruity twist or mixed into lemonade, iced tea, or even cocktails. Some adventurous cooks even use it as a base for salad dressings or marinades, adding a sweet and tangy note to savory dishes. Its not unusual to find strawberry syrup served in cafs and brunch spots, where its paired with fresh fruit dishes or used to sweeten beverages like iced tea or milkshakes.

Interesting Facts About Strawberry Syrup

Strawberries are actually not berries in botanical terms, but rather "aggregate fruits" because they form from a flower with multiple ovaries.
Making strawberry syrup at home allows you to control the sweetness and thickness, unlike store-bought versions that can contain high levels of added sugars and artificial flavorings.
Strawberry syrup is often considered a nostalgic ingredient, bringing back memories of summer and the joys of eating freshly picked strawberries.
The earliest recorded strawberry syrup recipes date back to the early 1900s, when it was first used in soda fountains and as a topping for desserts.
Strawberry syrup can also be used to create a refreshing homemade strawberry lemonade by mixing it with water and lemon juice.

Conclusion

This simple strawberry syrup is an easy and delightful way to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. Whether you use it to enhance your pancakes, top off your ice cream, or stir it into a refreshing drink, its sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its rich history, regional variations, and unique characteristics make it more than just a toppingits a versatile and fun ingredient that celebrates the sweetness of strawberries in a way that's perfect for any season.

FAQ about Simple Strawberry Syrup Recipe

Store the strawberry syrup in an airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to shake the bottle before using, as some separation may occur over time.

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure the syrup has the right consistency. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

To make the syrup thicker, you can simmer it for a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water) towards the end of cooking. Stir it in and cook for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your liking. For a less sweet syrup, reduce the sugar amount. Alternatively, you can substitute white sugar with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute, though the taste and texture may vary.

Strawberry syrup can be used in a variety of ways! It’s great on waffles, ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping for desserts like pound cake or cheesecake. You can also mix it with sparkling water for a refreshing soda or use it to flavor lemonade or iced tea.

Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted to other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. Just substitute the strawberries with your fruit of choice, and follow the same cooking steps.

If you prefer a chunkier syrup, you can skip the straining step. Simply blend the cooked fruit into the syrup for added texture and flavor. This is great if you want to use the syrup as a fruit topping.

You can use the leftover strawberry pulp in smoothies, yogurt, or even bake it into muffins or cakes for extra flavor. Alternatively, mix it into your syrup if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Yes, you can freeze the strawberry syrup. Pour it into an airtight container or ice cube tray, and freeze. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or heat it up gently on the stove.

Yes, this strawberry syrup makes an excellent homemade gift! Pour it into decorative bottles or jars, and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful present. Just be sure to include storage instructions so the recipient knows to refrigerate it.

Comments

Morning Star

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This recipe was really delicious and is an all time favorite for my Nana. Strawberries are really good, and ripe ones are simply divine for this recipe. I didn't strain it however. I left the strawberries in the syrup and used it immediatley since I made pancakes that morning. Simply mahvelouus!

VividYuzu5643

01/31/2024 07:09:31 PM

Instead of the full recipe, I used a half cup of strawberries and 1/4 cup of sugar and water. Perfect for single serving. It turned out amazing! The cook time was cut in half, so it was even quicker. I'm definitely using this with other fruits in the future

judy2304

02/19/2018 07:32:32 AM

I made this syrup tonight for Belgian waffles that I plan to make for tomorrow night. For the sugar, I used 1/2 white sugar and 1/2 coconut palm sugar which tastes the same as brown sugar, but is a bit healthier. This made the color of the syrup darker than if it had all been white sugar. I also added 1/8 tsp. All Spice, and 1/8 tsp. cinnamon as suggested by another reviewer. After the strawberries were mushy, I used an immersion blender to blend the strawberries into the syrup to add to the strawberry flavor. I also added a water/corn starch mix to thicken the syrup a bit. My husband and I did a taste test after the syrup was done, and we both agree this is an excellent syrup recipe and one I will make again. For our Belgian waffles, I plan to slice fresh strawberries to put on them, use this syrup over them, and top them off with a little whipped cream. Yummy!!

Ange Connolly

06/01/2018 10:18:08 PM

I took a chance on this recipe, partly because it looked too easy and too good to be true! But it's fantastic! I followed the recipe to the letter, only added a mixture of 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water at the end of cooking to thicken it up a bit. And I left the fruit pulp in - why throw out good fruit? It added texture to the syrup. Can't wait to try it on pancakes, ice cream, and over pound cake. This recipe is definitely a keeper and one that will be my go-to for our bountiful strawberry harvest!

DavidL

06/04/2017 04:32:34 PM

This syrup is awesome. Really easy to make. Only change I made was to add 1 tsp of corn starch after it had simmered for awhile--I wanted it a little thicker, and 1 tsp seemed to be just perfect. Served it hot, right out of the pan, over my fluffy pancakes, and it was divine. My family raved about it! My wife's description included the word Nirvana.

Kay

07/08/2018 03:47:03 PM

I adjusted it for one serving and didn’t use as much sugar as that adjustment called for. I did not make the strawberries get mushy as the recipe called for. I heated it enough to dissolve the sugar and let the strawberries soft and the liquid thickened, then poured it over my waffles. I topped it with whipped cream and yummmmm!

Elanor Freiheit

08/28/2016 01:21:47 AM

I made this with huckleberries and just halved the water. Thick, not too sweet syrup in under a half hour! I strained into a small glass maple syrup container I had and it filled it right up to the neck.

RubyLeek6396

06/27/2023 04:47:37 PM

Excellent strawberry syrup recipe! I didn’t NOT strain after cooking as I’m using for ice cream & pancake topper. OR….just eat as is cold! I used 3/4 cup of sugar which was enough sweetness for me!

leeann

05/30/2025 05:12:19 PM

I am recently trying to make my own instead of store bought items. I used a pound of crushed fresh strawberries which actually gave me 3 cups instead of the 2 cups of quartered as the recipe calls for. After cooling I put in the bullet and that took care of the small chunks of berries. I use this syrup in my unsweetened ice tea.

foodinmybelly

03/25/2017 05:02:42 PM

I subbed Xyla for the sugar and was nervous to see how it would turn out. Used half frozen strawberries and half frozen peaches. It was delicious!! Mashed the fruit up in stead of straining and enjoyed it with the Whole Wheat Coconut Oil Waffles on here. Thanks!

Sammy L

09/04/2021 05:03:32 AM

I made this to use as a syrup, rather than a sauce. Made a double quantity and added a tiny amount of vanilla bean paste before cooking. It was awesome. Add a slurp to Prosecco (or other sparkling wine) to gin and tonic, to cold milk. Freeze into ice cubes to add to all sorts of drinks. Great with a soda stream. Add a dash to yoghurt. I’m planning on gifting some at Christmas, in small decorative glass bottles.

Tammy

09/02/2025 07:07:37 PM

It's a simple recipe that's easy to follow and make changes to if necessary. I've been wanting to make a strawberry iced tea, and other recipes made the syrup seem so complicated to make. This recipe was a life-saver!

Gene

08/20/2025 06:31:42 AM

It worked perfectly thanks for sharing

Sharie

08/06/2025 09:02:59 PM

Super easy way to turn those strawberries that are close to turning into magic sauce:)

Rachel

07/28/2025 03:59:38 PM

Delicious and super easy. Can’t wait to make Strawberry Lemonade!

Neville

07/26/2025 06:53:32 PM

It's a great recipe, and it can be also used to make syrup from any other fruit (raspberries, apples, oranges, grapes, kiwi, pineapple, melon, mango.)

Tasha

07/05/2025 02:25:45 PM

I’m a trash chef and even I could make this and have it taste good! I used powdered sugar because that’s all I had and it still turned out great, I also didn’t use the ripest strawberries and the sugar cancelled that out

Kirsty

06/30/2025 09:59:50 AM

I added vanilla extract

France Cevallos

06/30/2025 02:33:44 AM

Can't go wrong with this recipe! Make all sorts of delicious summertime drinks with this - mocktails, seltzers, margaritas, you name it! Really good mixed in with champagne too. Or use sprite or flavored seltzer for the kiddos! Tip: I used the strained strawberries that were leftover to mix in with my yogurt.

Joshua Hernandez

05/03/2025 08:10:29 PM

This recipe is straight-up gold.

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