Strawberry Puree for Topping (incl. 15+ recipes)

Warm strawberry puree recipe that is quick and easy. It is perfect to top your pudding, cheesecake, ice cream or any other dessert.  Works with any berries. 

If you have been here before you probably know that we love everything homemade. No store-bought strawberry sauce beats a homemade one. We love to top our Tapioca Pudding with it or to pour it on our Sweet Millet Balls. They are perfect on ice cream, on cheesecake and on any other dessert. If you are still in doubt, check out our collection of 15+ delicious recipes using warm strawberry puree as a topping or as a stuffing below.

Ingredients of our Favorite Strawberry Topping

There is only ONE obligatory ingredient, strawberries, anything else is optional.

• sweetener – if you have delicious ripe strawberries, then you don’t really need it
• water – only if you use frozen strawberries and you didn’t have time to thaw them
• lemon juice – it can reduce the sweetness of the strawberries if they are too syrupy sweet
• starch or agar agar – I only add a bit of tapioca or corn starch or agar agar if I want it to remain firmly in its place e.g. after cutting a cheesecake
• vanilla extract – depending on your taste
• spices like cinnamon or cardamon – if you want an extra zing
• herbs like basil or mint – if you prefer some pizzazz

Let us know in the comments, which is your favorite combination. Ours is in the recipe card. 🙂

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How to make strawberry puree for topping

Washing the strawberries

My mom always told me to wash the strawberries with the leaves on for two reasons. One, so that the dirt will not get into the strawberries. Two, if you take the leaves out the strawberries will taste watery 🙂 So I do it as she told me to do. First wash, then take the leaves out. Well, I am my mother’s daughter. This strawberry huller makes things extra easy.

Cutting the strawberries

To shorten cooking time, I recommend slicing the strawberries or cutting them at least to quarters.

Cooking the strawberries

Combine the washed strawberries and the sweetener of your choice in a saucepan. If you don’t have a non-stick pan, I recommend adding a bit of water so they don’t stick to the bottom before the strawberries start releasing juice. Place it on medium heat and then bring to boil while stirring occasionally. When strawberries are soft, you’re ready.

Strawberry puree or strawberry compote?

If you prefer to have some chunks and bites, then you can serve it as a strawberry compote. If you need it to be smooth, take an immersion blender or a regular one and puree it until desired consistency.

Adding spices and flavors

I prefer to add spices and flavors after the strawberry sauce is ready. I love to use vanilla extract or a bit of cinnamon or cardamom. Ground basil or mint leaves can really bring your sauce to the next level.

Recipes using strawberry puree as a topping

We collected more than 15 vegan and gluten-free recipes using strawberry puree as topping or stuffing.

Wants some strawberries for breakfast?

Pouring a warm strawberry sauce on one of these delicious breakfast meals is the best way to start your day. Am I right?

• Crispy Vegan Waffles from My Pure Plants
• Fluffy Vegan Pancakes from My Pure Plants
• Vegan Strawberry Stuffed French Toast from Strength & Sunshine
• Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars from Healthier Steps

Warm strawberry sauce for pudding topping

Puddings are so delicious and versatile. Not to mention that all of them is quick and easy. Imagine, this warm strawberry puree combined with a vanilla-flavored dessert. A bit of vanilla, cinnamon or mint will turn them into true deliciousness.

• Vegan Tapioca Pudding from My Pure Plants
• Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding from Vibrant Plate
• Vegan Coconut Panna Cotta from A Baking Journey
• Instant Pot Vegan Rice Pudding from Cinnamon and Coriander

Strawberry and chocolate is a match made in heaven

Are you more into chocolate desserts? No problem. Check out these beauties! You can top them or stuff them with this delicious strawberry puree.

• Vegan Chocolate Pudding from My Pure Plants
• Double Strawberry Vegan Brownies from Occasionally Eggs
• Chocolate Nice Cream from Leelalicious
• Vegan Strawberry Stuffed Chocolate from Lathi’s Kitchen

Strawberry topping for cakes

The list does not end here. Let’s bring out some unique and classic vegan desserts where you can add your freshly made strawberry puree.

• Raw Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake from Tess Schallis
• Cream Stuffed Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake from Strength & Sunshine
• Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts from Allergy Free Alaska
• Vegan Jam Tartlets from Rainbow Nourishments

FAQs and Substitutions

What kind of fruits you can substitute strawberries for?

I’ve made sauces like this one using blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, black currant, red currant and the combination of these. Check out our homemade mixed berries sauce recipe.

Can I use frozen berries?

You can absolutely use frozen strawberries even WITHOUT thawing. Just make sure to add some water.

Can I use different sweetener to make it low-carb?

Sure you can, although I only tested this recipe with cane sugar and coconut sugar (the same amount is needed). Therefore, I am not familiar with the measurements for other sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. If you do, please let us know in the comments.

This Strawberry Puree recipe is vegan, so dairy-free and egg-free. It is also suitable for WFPB, vegetarian, paleo and gluten-free diets.

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More dessert recipes

You can browse through our Vegan and Gluten-free Dessert Recipes or check out

• Vegan Snickers Cake
• Chocolate Peach Galette
• Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies
• Simple Plum Crumble with Crunchy Walnut Oat Topping
• Overnight Vegan Chia Pudding