Jun 13, 2023

Macerated Strawberries

Updated: Jul 1

One of the most beautiful and simple desserts. Simplicity at its best!

Serve this with a plain or vanilla yoghurt or on your favourite vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert !

It is strawberry season here in the UK, and I am over the moon. They are super sweet and easily available and can be enjoyed in so many ways. It is also the short period where one can find white strawberries. May I just point say, how beautiful are white strawberries?

SPECIAL MEMORIES

This reminds me of my wonderful mom. During strawberry season she would make macerated strawberries with the strawberries from their garden, which we would eat for dessert with vanilla cream or a splash of milk or cream. Delicious!

Always a quick and easy summer dessert.

WHAT DOES MACERATE MEAN

Macerating fruit, in this case strawberries and cherries, means marinating them in sugar. This will allow the juices to draw out of the fruit making a sweet, fruity syrup.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU MACERATE BERRIES

I would say a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature, but you can even let them sit overnight. They will loose their shape the longer they sit.

The longer they sit the juicier the result.

The strawberries in my photos I let sit for about 30 minutes, which is why they still have their plump shape.

If you do want them to sit overnight simply transfer to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.

LET'S TALK SWEETNESS

So, the amount of sugar added depends on the natural sweetness of the strawberries or berries.

Local, in-season strawberries are always the best to use as they are really sweet and taste like proper strawberries. Traditional recipes to macerate fruit call for 2 tbsp sugar per cup of fruit. In my personal opinion this is way too sweet, especially if the strawberries are already sweet.

I recommend starting with 1 tbsp sugar, taste after about 10 minutes and add more sugar if needed.

Also, if you do add something like elderflower cordial, do remember that the cordial will also add sweetness.

The bottom line, taste the strawberries and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.

SUGAR SUBSTITUTES

You can also substitute the coconut sugar with golden or castor sugar, honey or maple syrup.

WAYS TO ENJOY

Spoon over pancakes, waffles, french toast, scones, crumpets, brownies, blondies, yoghurt or ice cream.

I recommend you try them with this homemade vegan vanilla ice cream.

And for a breakfast or brunch, why not try vegan french toast recipe

ADDITIONAL ADD-IN OPTIONS

1 - 2 tbsp elderflower cordial. Elderflower cordials vary in strength, so adjust the amount as needed.
a splash of prosecco or champagne for a more grown-up version.
1/2 tsp vanilla paste
chopped, fresh mint leaves

COCKTAIL PLEASE

Roughly muddle a few spoonsful of the macerated strawberries. Spoon them into the bottom of a champagne glass. Top with prosecco or champagne (in my case a dry rose prosecco) and add a spring of thyme.

Enjoy!

MAKE THE MOST OF STRAWBERRY SEASON

Why not try some of these strawberry recipes:

Serve this with plain or vanilla yoghurt or on your favourite vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert !

Serves: 2 - 3

Time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 cup strawberries, washed, hulled and quartered
1/2 cup chopped cherries, or more strawberries
1 tbsp coconut sugar, or adjust as needed. See my notes above for more options

ADDITIONAL ADD-INS (Optional)

1 - 2 tbsp elderflower cordial
1/2 vanilla extract
or chopped, fresh mint leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix the strawberries, cherries and sugar, and if using any of the add-ins in a bowl.
Cover with cling film and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or in an airtight container in the fridge until needed.
Spoon over vanilla ice cream or yoghurt or as per serving suggestions above.

HAVE YOU MADE THIS?

If you made this, I would love to see your creations on Instagram.

Make sure to leave a review below and give it a rating.

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