Strawberry puree adds fresh strawberry flavor to desserts, drinks, and sauces. This easy strawberry puree recipe turns ripe berries into a smooth, vibrant sauce in minutes. You’ll use a blender or food processor to crush strawberries with lemon juice and sweetener. Then you strain seeds for a silky finish. I love how this simple strawberry puree brightens yogurt, drinks, and cake toppings. With just three core ingredients, you can make fresh strawberry puree for pancakes, no-bake cheesecake, or a quick cocktail mixer. Let’s explore why this versatile sauce belongs in your kitchen and how to master it at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Puree Recipe
- Bursting Strawberry Flavor: Ripe or frozen strawberries deliver a bright, fruity taste. Fresh strawberry puree captures every juicy note.
- Versatile Strawberry Puree: Use it for drinks, yogurt, pancakes, and more. A spoonful turns everyday dishes into special treats.
- Quick Homemade Puree: From prep to pour takes less than 10 minutes. No cooking or cooling needed.
- Healthy Fruit Puree: You control the sweetness and skip artificial colors. A natural strawberry sauce with vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Vibrant Sauce: The deep red color enhances any dessert or drink, from ice cream sundaes to strawberry lemonade.
Whether you want strawberry purée for cakes, a smoothie boost, or a simple drink mixer, this recipe fits your needs. I often keep leftover puree in an airtight container for topping pancakes at breakfast or swirling into vanilla ice cream at night. It’s a small step that adds big flavor.
Ingredients

- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (balances sweetness)
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave syrup)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (optional, for consistency)
Note: If you use frozen strawberries, thaw them briefly to blend easily. Adjust sweetness to taste.
How to Make Strawberry Puree: Step-by-Step Instruction

- Prep the strawberries.
- Remove stems and hull each berry.
- If berries are large, quarter them for even blending.
- Combine in blender.
- Add strawberries, lemon juice, and sweetener to a blender or food processor.
- Add a splash of water if berries look very dry.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pulse on low speed, then increase to high.
- Stop and scrape down the sides to ensure even pureeing.
- Strain seeds (optional).
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
- Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press puree through the sieve.
- Discard seeds left behind.
- Adjust consistency.
- If the puree is too thick, stir in a little water until you reach desired smoothness.
- If it’s too thin, return to the blender and add more berries or reduce by simmering briefly in a saucepan.
- Store or serve.
- Transfer puree to an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions of ice cubes.
With these steps, you get a smooth puree ready for any use. The simple process—puree strawberries, strain, and enjoy—makes this an easy strawberry puree recipe you’ll repeat again and again.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use frozen strawberries in winter for year-round berry flavor. No need to thaw fully; just blend a bit longer.
- Seed-free puree: Always strain for a silky sauce ideal for cocktails and fine desserts.
- Adjust sweetness: Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup. Try a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version.
- Flavor boosts: Add a small mint leaf or a drop of vanilla extract before blending. Stir in a pinch of salt to enhance the strawberry flavor.
- Spicy twist: Mix in a dash of freshly grated ginger or a sprinkle of black pepper for a spicy note.
- Leftover puree ideas:
- Ice cubes: Freeze puree in trays, then pop cubes into lemonade.
- Swirl: Stir into plain yogurt or oatmeal.
- Marinade: Combine with balsamic vinegar for a strawberry glaze over chicken.
These hacks help you make homemade strawberry puree that fits every season and every dish. Feel free to experiment with flavors and sweetness until you find your perfect mix.
Serving Suggestions

- Drinks:
- Cocktail mixer: Shake puree with vodka, lime juice, and ice for a refreshing cocktail.
- Strawberry lemonade: Stir puree into fresh lemonade for a pink, fruity twist.
- Strawberry milk: Blend puree with cold milk and a dash of vanilla for a kid-friendly drink.
- Breakfast:
- Pancakes and waffles: Drizzle fresh strawberry puree over warm stacks instead of syrup.
- Yogurt parfait: Layer puree with Greek yogurt and granola.
- Oatmeal topping: Spoon on hot oatmeal with a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Desserts:
- No-bake cheesecake: Pour puree over a cheesecake crust for a quick berry topping.
- Ice cream sundae: Swirl into vanilla ice cream with chopped fresh berries.
- Strawberry cupcakes: Fill piped icing with a spoonful of puree at the center.
- Savory:
- Glaze for meats: Brush onto grilled pork or chicken in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheese board: Serve alongside soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
This strawberry purée for cakes and drinks adds color, flavor, and freshness. Keep a jar ready so you can add a burst of berry to any meal or snack.

Strawberry Puree Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries hulled
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice balances sweetness
- 1 –2 tablespoons sweetener sugar, honey, or agave syrup
- 2 –3 tablespoons water optional, for consistency
Instructions
Prep the strawberries.
- Remove stems and hull each berry.
- If berries are large, quarter them for even blending.
Combine in blender.
- Add strawberries, lemon juice, and sweetener to a blender or food processor.
- Add a splash of water if berries look very dry.
Blend until smooth.
- Pulse on low speed, then increase to high.
- Stop and scrape down the sides to ensure even pureeing.
Strain seeds (optional).
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
- Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press puree through the sieve.
- Discard seeds left behind.
Adjust consistency.
- If the puree is too thick, stir in a little water until you reach desired smoothness.
- If it’s too thin, return to the blender and add more berries or reduce by simmering briefly in a saucepan.
Store or serve.
- Transfer puree to an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions of ice cubes.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugars | Protein | Sodium | Cholesterol |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50 kcal | 0 g | 12 g | 2 g | 10 g | 1 g | 1 mg | 0 mg |
FAQs
What is strawberry puree made of?
Strawberry puree is simply crushed strawberries mixed with a bit of lemon juice and sweetener. You blend until smooth, then strain out seeds for a silky finish.
What to make with strawberry puree?
Use strawberry puree for cocktails, smoothies, yogurt bowls, cakes, pancakes, ice cream sundaes, and no-bake cheesecakes. You can even stir it into oatmeal or use it as a glaze for grilled meats.
How do you make strawberry puree for cocktails?
To make cocktail-ready puree, blend strawberries with a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of water. Strain out seeds. Chill, then shake with spirits and fresh lime juice over ice.
How to make a puree?
Place chopped fruit in a blender or food processor. Add a small amount of liquid—water, juice, or lemon juice. Pulse until smooth. Strain if you want a seed-free texture.