Berry Sauce Recipe Using Fresh or Frozen Berries

Berry season is a special time of year, but the beauty of this berry sauce recipe is that it works just as well with fresh or frozen berries!

Whether you’re looking for the perfect topping to sweeten up a breakfast, or add a tart twist to a sweet treat, this easy berry sauce is versatile, quick to make, and absolutely delicious.

A sourdough crepe topped with berry sauce and homemade whipped cream on a white plate.

Let’s dive into how to make this simple berry sauce using fresh or frozen berries with just a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Berry Sauce Recipe

This simple berry sauce is:

  • Versatile: Use it as a topping for a breakfast dish like sourdough crepes, buttery waffles, raw milk yogurt, or enjoy with raw milk ice cream or funnel cakes for dessert.
  • Quick to Make: Ready in under 15 minutes with only a few simple ingredients.
  • Customizable: Any kind of berries work great with this recipe! You can choose your favorite sweetener or swap flavors like almond extract or lemon zest.

Whether it’s strawberry sauce, blueberry sauce, or a combination of berries, this recipe is a perfect way to enjoy juicy berries year-round.

What You’ll Need to Make This Berry Sauce

The ingredients needed to make this berry sauce recipe, labeled: berries, vanilla extract, sugar, and butter.

Helpful Tools

  • Small sauce pan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • (optional) Fine mesh strainer: this is helpful if you’re concerned about texture in your berry sauce, especially for berries with larger seeds like blackberries or raspberries.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (mixed berries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, or other berries of your choosing)
  • 1/4 cup of sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your berries or your preferences)
  • 2 tablespoons of water
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon butter
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest or orange zest

How to Make this Berry Sauce Recipe

1. Combine Ingredients

A spoon full of sugar being added to a small sauce pan of frozen berries to make berry sauce.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the berries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix. If using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them first. and the water you add will help keep things from burning as you stir.

2. Cook the Berries

Berries being cooked in a small sauce pan with a scoop of berries being lifted out of the sauce on a wooden spoon.

Once mixed, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low heat.

Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and release their juices.

For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or potato masher to purée the fruit to your desired consistency.

3. Thicken the Sauce

A small sauce pan of berry sauce after it is finished being cooked down.

For a thicker sauce, continue simmering until the mixture reaches your preferred consistency. If you prefer a smoother sauce, press the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or fine sieve into a large bowl to remove seeds.

When the sauce is to your liking, add the vanilla extract and butter if using.

A teaspoon of butter being added to a small sauce pan of berries.

I find the butter helps to cut down some of the acidity without extra sweetener and makes the sauce even silkier!

5. Cool and Store

A finished crystal glass of berry sauce with a pour spout for serving.

Remove from heat and let the berry sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Berry Sauce

  • Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it cooks and add more sugar if needed. For a lower-sugar option, use maple syrup or honey as the sweetener.
  • Enhance the Flavor: A touch of almond extract or citrus zest can elevate the flavor of your sauce.
  • Use a Splash of Water: Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick during cooking.
  • Try Mixed Berries: A combination of in-season berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries creates a delicious berry compote with more complex flavors!

Serving Suggestions for this Berry Sauce

This berry sauce is a great way to add flavor to your favorite dishes! Here are some ideas:

FAQs About Berry Sauce

Can I use frozen berries

Yes! Frozen berries are perfect for this recipe and eliminate the need for washing or prepping fresh fruit. Just toss them into the pan straight from the freezer.

How do I store this berry sauce recipe?

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions and thaw as needed.

Can I use this recipe using other fruits?

Absolutely! This fruit sauce works with other fresh fruit like peaches, cherries, or even apples. Adjust the sugar and cooking time based on the fruit’s sweetness and texture. For example, peaches might need less sweetener, whereas a more tart apple might require more sugar or honey.

a crystal glass with a pour spout of berry sauce made with frozen berries.

Berry Sauce Recipe Using Fresh or Frozen Berries

Berry season is a special time of year, but the beauty of this berry sauce recipe is that it works just as well with fresh or frozen berries! Whether you’re looking for the perfect topping to sweeten up a breakfast, or add a tart twist to a sweet treat, this easy berry sauce is versatile, quick to make, and absolutely delicious.
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Serving Size 2 .5 Cups

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen berries mixed berries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, or other berries of your choosing
  • 1/4 cup Sugar adjust based on the sweetness of your berries or your preferences
  • 2 tablespoons Water
  • optional 1 teaspoon butter
  • optional 1 teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice
  • optional 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest or, orange zest

Instructions

  • Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the berries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix. If using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them first. and the water you add will help keep things from burning as you stir.
  • Cook the Berries: Once mixed, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low heat.
  • Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and release their juices.
  • Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, continue simmering until the mixture reaches your preferred consistency.
  • When the mixture is to your liking, add the vanilla extract and butter if using.
  • Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let the berry sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • For a consistent textured sauce, use an immersion blender or potato masher to purée the fruit to your desired consistency.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, press the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or fine sieve into a large bowl to remove seeds.

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