Mixed Berry Sauce
A vibrant, sweet-tart sauce bursting with the flavor of fresh or frozen berries. This versatile topping is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or yogurt and is ready in just 15 minutes. A simple way to elevate any breakfast or dessert.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine Berries and Sugar
- b.In a medium saucepan, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- c.Stir gently to coat the berries with the sugar.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Sauce
- b.Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- c.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The berries will start to burst and release their juices, and the sauce will begin to thicken slightly.
- d.For a chunkier texture, use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the berries against the side of the pan.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Thicken with Cornstarch (Optional)
- b.If you desire a thicker sauce, prepare a slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until completely smooth.
- c.While the berry sauce is simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
- d.Continue to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce has noticeably thickened.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Cool
- b.Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- c.Stir in the vanilla extract (if using) and the pinch of salt. This brightens all the flavors.
- d.Allow the sauce to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools down.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a perfectly smooth sauce (coulis), blend the cooled mixture with an immersion or countertop blender, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- 2Don't thaw frozen berries before use; they will break down perfectly as they cook.
- 3The amount of sugar can be adjusted. If your berries are very sweet, start with less sugar and add more to taste.
- 4A pinch of salt is a secret weapon; it doesn't make the sauce salty but enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced Berry Sauce
Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground nutmeg to the saucepan along with the berries for a warm, spiced flavor.
Citrus Burst SauceCitrus Burst Sauce
Replace the lemon juice with orange juice and add 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a brighter, citrus-forward taste.
Maple Berry SauceMaple Berry Sauce
Substitute the granulated sugar with an equal amount of pure maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
Chia Seed ThickenerChia Seed Thickener
For a natural, fiber-rich thickener, skip the cornstarch and stir in 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds after removing the sauce from the heat. Let it sit for 15 minutes to thicken.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Mixed berries are a powerhouse of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation.
High in Dietary Fiber
Berries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements and supporting gut health.
Boosts Vitamin C
This sauce provides a significant amount of Vitamin C from both the berries and the lemon juice, which is crucial for a strong immune system and healthy skin.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this sauce (approximately 1/4 cup) contains about 70 calories, making it a light and flavorful topping.