Easy Strawberry Sauce

This easy strawberry sauce is ready in minutes. Made with fresh berries, honey, and lime zest, it makes the perfect topping for pancakes, waffles, cheesecake, ice cream, and so much more.

Looking for more ways to use fresh strawberries? Check out these mini strawberry pies and these strawberry cheesecake milkshakes.

The post on honey strawberry sauce was first published in May 2017. It was updated and republished in January 2026.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Strawberry Fruit Sauce
• What You Need
• How To Make Strawberry Sauce
• Ways To Use a Fruit Sauce
• Storing and Freezing
• BruCrew Tips
• Sauce Variations
• More Recipes With Ripe Strawberries
• Recipe

Something about strawberries instantly takes me back to childhood. My mom always took us strawberry picking every spring, and I loved eating warm berries straight from the plants.

Years later, I did the same thing with our kids. They always had a bucket, but I did all the picking while they snacked their way down the row. Some things never change, and I guess that is all part of the strawberry experience.

I love coming home with boxes and boxes of fresh berries. Those farm-fresh berries make the best desserts and smoothies. This year, I transformed my blueberry sauce into an easy strawberry sauce with honey. A pinch of lime zest is my favorite way to add a brighter citrus flavor.

What You Need

You only need three ingredients to make this strawberry sauce with honey. Scroll down to the recipe card for the ingredient amounts and complete instructions.

• Fresh Strawberries: You will need 4 cups of fresh or frozen berries. The pectin from the cooked fruit allows the topping to thicken without cornstarch.
• Raw Honey: Sweetens and smooths the filling. Pure maple syrup or agave can be used, but it may be slightly thinner.
• Fruit Zest: Lime zest adds a fresh, bright flavor, but lemon zest works just as well.
• Optional: A splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt help to enhance the flavor.

How To Make Strawberry Sauce

This easy strawberry sauce recipe comes together in minutes. The simple topping makes everyday desserts feel a little more special.

1. Prep the berries. Wash and hull the fruit, then slice it. Add the strawberries and a little water or juice to a medium saucepan, then cook over medium heat.
2. Cook. As the mixture cooks, gently stir until the berries begin to soften and release their juices. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Also, keep in mind it will thicken as it cools.
3. Add the extras. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the honey and lime zest. Let the finished sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a jar and refrigerate.

Ways To Use a Fruit Sauce

There are so many ways to enjoy this homemade strawberry topping. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it.

• Spoon it over vanilla ice cream or mini cheesecakes.
• Drizzle it on French toast or strawberry waffles.
• Swirl it into yogurt parfaits or chia pudding.
• Use it as a topping for strawberry shortcake or vanilla pound cake.

Storing and Freezing

Store the homemade strawberry sauce in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

You can also spoon it into freezer-safe bags and freeze it for a few months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it.

Sauce Variations

• Frozen berries work well when fresh ones are not in season.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir two tablespoons of cornstarch into the berries before cooking. This also helps the sauce to thicken faster as it simmers.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract to add warmth and depth.
• Maple syrup can be used in place of honey, though it will have a different flavor.

More Recipes With Ripe Strawberries

• Strawberry Pie Filling
• Strawberry Slushie
• Strawberry Cobbler

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