Macerated Strawberries Recipe (for Shortcake, Pancakes, Waffles)

This simple tutorial shows how to macerate strawberries. All you need are 3 ingredients to make this easy recipe! They’re perfect for topping strawberry shortcake, serving over angel food cake, drizzling over ice cream and so much more! This process completely transforms strawberries to make any dessert extra special.

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Table of Contents

Why this recipe works

Macerated strawberries is one of those cooking terms that sounds scarier than it is. Macerated strawberries are strawberries that have been mixed with sugar, syrup, or some kind of liquid so that they sit, release their natural juices, and get sweeter. It results in tender, sweet strawberries with a luscious strawberry syrup. No cooking required!

Sweetened strawberries, sugared strawberries, dessert strawberries, macerated strawberries – they’re all the same thing! And incredibly easy to make, too! Just toss together all of your ingredients and then patiently wait while the strawberries and sugar meld together.

While technically you only need two ingredients to make this macerated strawberries recipe – strawberries and sugar – I love to add some lemon juice to add a bit of tang and citrus kick to my macerated strawberries. The brightness of the lemon juice pairs so well with the sweetness of the strawberries.

Ingredients

An overhead view of a bowl of sliced strawberries, a small bowl of lemon juice, and a measuring cup of granulated sugar with text overlays over each ingredient.

Ingredient Notes

Strawberries – Use 1 lb of strawberries for this recipe, which is 450g or about 4 cups of sliced strawberries. You can slice or quarter the strawberries, whichever you prefer.
Granulated sugar – Just a few tablespoons of granulated sugar is enough to sweeten the strawberries. You can also use brown sugar or powdered sugar if you like. I find that brown sugar changes the color a bit and powdered sugar makes a more syrupy sauce, but it is slightly cloudy. For the reddest and more clear syrup, opt for granulated sugar.
Lemon juice – You can omit the lemon juice if you prefer as all you really need is granulated sugar and strawberries to make macerated strawberries, but I like the flavor that fresh lemon juice brings. Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled, for best results.

Step-by-Step instructions

You won’t believe how easy it is to macerate strawberries with just a few simple ingredients. Follow these step-by-step images to help you make macerated strawberries perfectly every time.

For ingredient measurements, detailed steps, tips, tricks, and the printable recipe, please scroll down to the recipe card.

A glass mixing bowl with sliced strawberries in it. — Slice strawberries into thick pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.

A glass mixing bowl with sliced strawberries and granulated sugar on top that have not been mixed. — Add the granulated sugar on top of the strawberries.

A glass mixing bowl of sliced strawberries, granulated sugar and lemon juice that have not yet been mixed. — Add the lemon juice.

A glass mixing bowl with sliced strawberries that have been tossed with granulated sugar and lemon juice. — Stir to combine making sure that the sliced strawberries are well coated.

A spoon scooping out macerated strawberries from a larger bowl. — Let the strawberry mixture macerate for at least an hour.

A gluten-free strawberry shortcake on a plate topped with fresh whipped cream with whole strawberries in the background. — Use for strawberry shortcakes, pancakes, cheesecake, waffles, and more!

Expert Tips

Use fresh strawberries for best results.
Thick slices or quarters are best for macerating strawberries. If the strawberries are too thin they can get mushy quickly.
For best flavor, let the strawberries sit for at least an hour.

Recipe FAQs

Can you macerate frozen strawberries?

You can use frozen strawberries if fresh strawberries are not available to you or not in season. First, you’ll need to defrost the strawberries and then drain the juices from the defrosted strawberries as frozen strawberries have a lot of liquid. Then, proceed with the recipe as written.

How far in advance can you macerate strawberries?

I like to macerate my strawberries at least an hour and find after 24 hours there is not much benefit to macerating them. So for best results, I would macerate the strawberries up to a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use. Leftover macerated strawberries will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Can you macerate other fruits?

Yes, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, and marionberries are all great options for macerating.

An overhead view of a glass bowl of macerated strawberries with a spoon, a bowl of whole strawberries and a cooling rack with gluten-free biscuits peaking in.

Variations

Add alcohol

Make your easy macerated strawberries boozy. Add grand marnier or framboise to your strawberries instead of lemon juice.

Additional Flavors

Add more flavor to your strawberries with vanilla extract or vanilla beans. Grated lemon zest or whole black pepper can take your strawberries in a new direction.

No lemon juice? Try orange juice instead!

Fruit variations

Change up the flavor by substituting the strawberries for other fruits. This tutorial is a great way to learn how to macerate berries, such as blackberries or raspberries, or even stone fruits, like cherries or peaches.

Herbs

Add a touch of savory with fresh herbs, like fresh mint, rosemary, basil or thyme.

Balsamic

A dash of balsamic vinegar will add a deep flavor and sophistication to this simple recipe.

How to use macerated berries

Macerated strawberries are probably most well known for being used in strawberry shortcakes, but there are so many uses for them!

Make dessert that much sweeter by drizzling sweetened strawberries over vanilla ice cream, pound cake, gluten-free cheesecake or gluten-free angel food cake.

Macerated strawberries aren’t only for dessert, though. They’re perfect for breakfast, too! A scoop of sugared strawberries is the perfect accompaniment to gluten-free pancakes, waffles, crepes, french toast casserole, or even a bowl of greek yogurt. Don’t forget to drizzle the strawberry syrup on top!

Leftover syrup from your strawberries? Use it to sweeten and flavor cocktails or homemade soda. Just toss with some club soda and a few muddled macerated strawberries for a flavorful strawberry soda.

A closeup of a sliced gluten-free biscuit topped with whipped cream and sliced macerated strawberries.

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to know! Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also share your pictures and tag @adashofmegnut on Instagram.