Strawberry Puree (No blender) Easty Step by Step Recipe for Cakes and Desserts

Strawberry puree is a delightful, vibrant ingredient that adds flavor and color to a variety of dishes. This sweet sauce is made by cooking strawberries with sugar, creating a thick, rich syrup that captures the essence of fresh strawberries. Whether you're looking to use up ripe strawberries or improve your favorite recipes, this guide will walk you through every step of making strawberry puree, along with tips on storage and creative ways to use it.

What Is Strawberry Puree?

Strawberry puree is a thick sauce made from strawberries and sugar. When you cook the strawberries, the heat dissolves the sugar into the fruit’s natural juices. This process also evaporates some of the water from the strawberries, resulting in a concentrated, flavorful puree. The final product is not only sweet and delicious but also boasts a beautiful, vibrant red color.

Why Make Strawberry Puree?

1. Versatility

Strawberry puree can be used in numerous ways:

In desserts: Cakes, cupcakes, frostings, and cheesecakes.

In drinks: Smoothies, milkshakes, and cocktails.

As a topping: Over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or ice cream.

1. Freshness

Homemade strawberry puree is fresher and tastier than store-bought varieties, which may contain preservatives or added sugars. You can also control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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1. Strawberries

Fresh or Frozen: Both work well! Fresh strawberries should be washed and hulled (removing the green tops). If you’re using frozen strawberries, there’s no need to thaw them first; they can go straight into the pot. Frozen strawberries are often less expensive and just as flavorful, especially when fresh ones are out of season.

1. Sugar

Types of Sugar: You can use white granulated sugar or brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a richer flavor because of the molasses content, while white sugar gives a cleaner sweetness. Both types will dissolve well in the puree.

1. Lemon Juice (Optional)

Adding lemon juice is optional, but it can increase the flavor and help maintain the bright red color of the puree. The citric acid in lemon juice complements the strawberries and can also help preserve the puree.

How to Make Strawberry Puree: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

• Fresh Strawberries: Start by washing them thoroughly under cold water. Remove the green tops with a knife or by using your fingers. Cut the strawberries into halves or quarters to help them cook down more easily.
• Frozen Strawberries: Simply measure out the desired amount; there’s no need to thaw them. They can go straight from the freezer to the saucepan.

Step 2: Cook the Strawberries

• Combine Ingredients: Place the prepared strawberries and sugar into a small saucepan. If you’re using lemon juice, add that as well.
• Heat: Cover the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat. This allows the strawberries to release their juices and the sugar to dissolve. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Watch for Juices: After a few minutes, you will see the strawberries start to soften and release their juices. This is an essential part of the cooking process.

Step 3: Mash the Strawberries

Once the strawberries are soft (about 5-7 minutes), use a fork or a potato masher to break them down further. This will help create a smoother texture. If you prefer a chunkier puree, you can skip this step or mash them just a little.

Step 4: Reduce the Mixture

• Uncover and Cook: Remove the cover and continue to cook the mixture over medium heat. This allows some of the water to evaporate, thickening the puree. Continue to stir regularly, making sure it doesn’t stick or burn. This step usually takes an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

After cooking, taste the puree. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar while it’s still warm, stirring until it dissolves. Remember, the sweetness can change once it cools, so don’t be afraid to adjust.

Step 6: Straining

If you desire a completely smooth puree, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds or leftover strawberry solids. However, many people enjoy the texture of the puree as is.

Step 7: Store the Puree

Once your puree is ready and has cooled slightly, pour it into a clean jar or container. Using a funnel can help avoid spills. Allow it to cool completely before sealing the container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks or freeze it in freezer-safe bags for long-term storage.

How Long Does Strawberry Puree Last?

• In the Refrigerator: When stored in an airtight container, strawberry puree can last for several weeks. The combination of heat and sugar helps inhibit spoilage, making it a safe choice for home cooking.
• In the Freezer: If you choose to freeze the puree, it can last for several months. Just be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.

Creative Ways to Use Strawberry Puree

1. In Cakes

Strawberry puree adds a burst of flavor to cakes. Here are two excellent methods:

• As a Filling: After baking your cake, slice it in half horizontally and spread the puree in between the layers. This adds moisture and a strong strawberry flavor without altering the cake’s structure.
• Swirled in the Batter: Pour your cake batter into a pan, drizzle some puree over the top, and use a skewer or toothpick to swirl it into the batter. This creates an eye-catching marbled effect that looks beautiful when sliced.

1. In Frostings

You can improve your buttercream frosting by mixing in strawberry puree. Start with a tablespoon and mix it in. This works best with Italian or Swiss buttercreams, which can handle added moisture better than American buttercream.

1. In Drinks

Strawberry puree is fantastic for beverages. Try it in:

• Strawberry Milk: Pour a few tablespoons of puree into a glass and fill it with milk. Stir well for a refreshing drink that kids love.
• Smoothies: Blend strawberry puree with yogurt, ice, and your choice of milk for a delicious smoothie.

1. As a Topping

Use strawberry puree as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. Drizzle it over desserts like ice cream or cheesecake for an extra burst of flavor.

1. In Cheesecakes

You can swirl strawberry puree into cheesecake batter before baking or drizzle it over the top of a cooled cheesecake for a beautiful and tasty finish.

Extra Tips for Making Strawberry Puree

• Measuring Ingredients: For the most accurate results, consider measuring ingredients by weight (grams) instead of volume. This ensures precision, especially with sugar.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients can help with mixing and achieving the desired texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix flavors! Strawberry pairs wonderfully with lemon, vanilla, and even herbs like basil or mint. Try adding lemon zest to your puree for a zingy twist.
• Storage Containers: When freezing, use freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers designed for long-term storage. Be sure to label them with the date for easy reference.

Conclusion

Making strawberry puree at home is fun and easy, and it opens up many cooking options. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a tasty sauce that makes your favorite recipes even better. Whether you’re baking a cake, making drinks, or adding a fruity touch to desserts, strawberry puree will make everything delicious.

If you want a quick option, try Jungle Pulp strawberry puree. It’s made from natural strawberries with cane sugar and has no chemicals added. It can be stored for months, so you’ll always have fresh strawberry flavor ready to use.