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Once you see how easy it is to make strawberry syrup at home, there’s no going back. It comes together in about 15 minutes and keeps in the fridge all week, ready to grab whenever you need a little something sweet. It’s a simple way to add a homemade touch to everyday favorites and turn even the most basic treat into something special. Why stop at pancakes when this syrup can do so much more?
why you’ll love this Strawberry Syrup Recipe
Living right here in the strawberry capital of the U.S., fresh strawberries are a big part of our kitchen life, and this simple syrup is one of those staples I make on repeat. It’s one of those little kitchen wins that feels extra special but comes together so easily. You’re starting with a handful of everyday ingredients and ending up with a sweet, homemade syrup that brings that fresh strawberry flavor front and center.
It’s also the kind of recipe that works for you. You can make it ahead, stash it in the fridge, and pull it out to dress up breakfast, desserts, or even a cold glass of sweet tea. It’s simple, versatile, and the kind of thing that makes everyday meals feel a little more memorable — without any extra stress.
What makes this Keeper?
❥ Real ingredients, real flavor: No syrups from a bottle here. Just fresh (or frozen!) strawberries, sugar, water, and a splash of lemon juice if you like. You know exactly what’s going in.
❥ Goes with everything: Pancakes, waffles, ice cream, cheesecake, iced tea, lemonade, or even stirred into yogurt — this syrup adds that homemade something special.
❥ Make once, enjoy all week – It keeps well in the fridge and can even be frozen, so you’ve got a little sweet shortcut ready whenever you need it.
NikkiStrawberry Syrup Recipe Ingredients
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are wonderful to use especially when it is berry season! Alternatively, you can also use frozen strawberries that have been thawed.
- Granulated Sugar: For the perfect hint of sweetness!
- Water: You need water to add moisture and help the strawberries cook down.
- Lemon Juice: This is optional, for an extra hint of bright flavor!
How To Make Strawberry Syrup
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Cook the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
Add in lemon juice if using and stir.
Step 2 | Strain & Store
Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible. (Save the leftover strawberry pulp for yogurt, toast, or desserts!)
Let it cool before storing.
Transfer to a sealed jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 1-2 weeks.
Strawberry Simple Syrup Tips
- Allow it to cook down! To really allow the strawberries to break down and lend maximum flavor, give the syrup plenty of time to simmer and break down. At least 8-10 minutes!
- Press firmly when straining. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the strawberry solids to get every bit of flavor into your syrup. Be sure to reserve those strawberries for toppings on toast or ice cream, too!
- Cool completely. Allow the syrup to cool fully before storing to prevent condensation inside your container. Plus, since this syrup contains sugar it will be very hot coming off of the stove! So don’t pour it into glass until it is just warm to the touch.
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Simple Strawberry Syrup Variations
- Berries: Try mixing strawberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry syrup.
- Natural sweeteners: Substitute honey or maple syrup for half the sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Spiced version: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise while simmering for a warming touch.
- Thickness: For a thicker syrup, add 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water during the last minute of cooking.
- Less sugar: Reduce the sugar to ½ cup for a more natural taste. It will be tangier and less sweet though!
What To Serve with Strawberry Simple Syrup
This versatile strawberry syrup recipe can be served in so many fun ways! Pour it over stacks of chocolate chip pancakes or crisp waffles for a weekend breakfast, or swirl it into strawberry yogurt parfaits for an extra layer of flavor.
For beverages, use it as a strawberry simple syrup by adding a splash to sparkling water for homemade strawberry soda, or mixing it into frozen lemonade for a pretty pink strawberry lemonade! It can also be added to iced tea, for the perfect sothern strawberry tea.
Use it to flavor homemade ice cream or drizzle over a scoop of strawberry cheesecake ice cream. The syrup also makes a beautiful topping for cheesecake, pound cake, or angel food cake, and can be brushed between cake layers for added moisture and flavor!
And for my coffee lovers out there, you can create a strawberry latte by adding a spoonful to your morning cup of coffee. The homemade quality means you get pure strawberry flavor without the artificial taste commonly found in store-bought versions!
Strawberry Syrup Recipe FAQs
Homemade syrup has no artificial colors, so the color comes purely from the berries. The ripeness and variety of your strawberries will affect the final color.
Yes! Frozen strawberries work just as well. Just let them thaw slightly before cooking, or add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time to ensure they release their juices.
Other Recipes to Try
- Lemon Cream Scones
- Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
- Berry Fruit Salad
- Mini Strawberry Tartlets
- Mixed Berry Yogurt Parfaits
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Strawberry Simple Syrup Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries - hulled and sliced (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice - optional, for brightness
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
- Add in lemon juice if using and stir.
- Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible. (Save the leftover strawberry pulp for yogurt, toast, ice cream sundaes, or desserts!)
- Let it cool before storing.
- Transfer to a sealed jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 1-2 weeks.
Notes
- For an even smoother texture, blend the mixture with an immersion blender or regular blender.
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