✔ Updated · boil time fixed for a glaze that sets, clear glaze + storage
This fresh strawberry glaze is glossy, jammy and ready in 10 minutes, with just strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water and lemon. I spoon it over cheesecake, fold it into sliced berries for pie and sneak a little onto my morning waffles.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Let the glaze boil for a full 1 to 2 minutes while you stir. Cornstarch needs that boil to thicken and turn clear, and it's the moment to sneak a taste.
Why You'll Love This Glaze
- Five pantry ingredients and one small saucepan.
- Real strawberry flavor, brighter than any jar, with a squeeze of lemon.
- Smooth or chunky, clear for a glossy pie or rustic for cheesecake.
What Is Strawberry Glaze?
Strawberry glaze is a cooked strawberry sauce thickened with cornstarch until it's glossy and spoonable. It's the shiny red layer on fresh strawberry pie and the classic topping for cheesecake.
It's looser than jam and much quicker to make. I keep the sugar on the generous side so it sets with a shine, and the lemon keeps it from tasting flat.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Whisk the cornstarch into the sugar first. The sugar keeps the cornstarch from clumping, so you never get lumps. Add the water only after that.
- Boil it properly. A glaze that only simmers stays cloudy and runny. Once it bubbles, I count out a full minute while stirring, and it turns from milky pink to glossy ruby.
- Add lemon off the heat. A tablespoon of lemon juice wakes up the strawberry flavor. Stirring it in at the end keeps it bright.
- Strain for a clear glaze. For a glassy strawberry pie or glazed whole berries, press the glaze through a fine sieve. For cheesecake, I like the little bits of fruit.
- Mind the thickness. Too thick once cool? Stir in warm water a teaspoon at a time. Too thin? It needed a longer boil, so bring it back to a bubble for another minute.
Easy Fresh Strawberry Glaze
16
servings (2 tablespoons)5
minutes5
minutes57
kcal40
minutesA glossy fresh strawberry glaze made with mashed strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water and a squeeze of lemon, boiled for 1 to 2 minutes until thick and clear. Spoon it over cheesecake, fold it into sliced berries for strawberry pie, or drizzle it over shortcake, pancakes and ice cream.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed (about 6 oz whole berries)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
pinch of salt
1 to 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
Directions
- Hull the strawberries and mash them with a potato masher or fork until mostly broken down, with a few small pieces left. You need 1 cup.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk the sugar, cornstarch and salt together so the cornstarch has no lumps. Whisk in the cold water, then stir in the mashed strawberries.
- Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it bubble for 1 to 2 minutes, still stirring, until the glaze turns thick, glossy and no longer cloudy.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and food coloring, if using.
- For a smooth, clear glaze, press it through a fine-mesh sieve. Leave it as is for a chunky glaze.
- Cool for about 30 minutes, until warm or room temperature, before spooning it over cheesecake or folding it into sliced berries. It thickens more as it cools.
Notes
- You can use food coloring as an optional addition to the ingredients, however it’s not fully necessary.
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Ways to Use Strawberry Glaze
- Cheesecake: spoon the cooled glaze over the top and let it run down the sides.
- Fresh strawberry pie: fold 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries into the cooled, strained glaze, pile them into a baked pie shell and chill for 3 hours.
- Glazed strawberries: toss whole berries in a thin, strained glaze for a shiny tart topping.
- Shortcake: spoon it over our Bisquick strawberry shortcake with whipped cream.
- Breakfast: warm it slightly and pour it over Bisquick waffles or buttermilk pancakes.
- Ice cream and yogurt: a spoonful over vanilla ice cream is my favorite quick dessert.
Storing Strawberry Glaze
Cool the glaze, then keep it in a covered jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. It sets firmer when cold, so stir it or warm it for a few seconds before using.
A glazed cheesecake or strawberry pie is best eaten within 2 days, before the berries start to weep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make an easy strawberry glaze?
Whisk 1 cup sugar with 3 tablespoons cornstarch in a saucepan, stir in 3/4 cup water and 1 cup mashed strawberries, then boil for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring until thick and glossy. Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it cool.
How do you make a clear glaze for strawberries?
Make the glaze as written, then press it through a fine-mesh sieve while it's hot to remove the fruit pulp. Boiling for the full 1 to 2 minutes is what turns cornstarch from cloudy to clear, so don't cut that short.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them, then mash them with their juices and measure 1 cup. Frozen berries are a little softer and juicier, so the glaze may need an extra 30 seconds of boiling to thicken.
Why is my strawberry glaze runny?
It most likely didn't boil long enough. Cornstarch only thickens fully once it bubbles for about a minute. Return it to the pan and boil, stirring, for another minute. It also thickens a lot as it cools.
How long does strawberry glaze last?
Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. It firms up when cold, so stir it well or warm it gently before using. I don't freeze it, because cornstarch glazes turn watery once thawed.
This was the best sauce I have tried! The kids loved it. Recipe worked perfect and easy to follow. Thanks so much.
Looks easy enough to try. Sounds delicious
I have made this before it also works with other berries.
I can’t wait to try this recipe in the spring when we get fresh strawberries.
Looks so yummy!
This homemade Strawberry Glaze sounds amazing! What a great topping for a cheesecake! Thanks for sharing 🙂
The recipe for “Homemade Strawberry Glaze” seems easy to follow for a tasty dessert. I look forward to making the glaze this coming weekend. It will be a nice surprise for my family. YUMMY!
It looks delicious, I will make it tomorrow.
looks good, thanks for sharing.
I will make this again. It only lasted 2 days. It was delicious.
The homemade Strawberry Glaze is to die for. It is finger licking good. Every one simply loved it.
This looks delicious. Can’t wait to try it.
Nice quick and easy recipe. Yummy!
can’t wait to try it
This looks good and I don’t like cheese cake, But I like strawberries
This glaze recipe looks so easy and delicious. It would be a delectable treat.
Looks delicious now I have a sweet tooth 🙂
Looks so yummy ~ love strawberry shortcake! Thanks for sharing !
This recipe sounds delish!
This looks so easy and so delicious!
I have a get together soon and plan on making mini cheesecakes. This sauce will be the perfect topping.
I finally made this sauce and it’s delicious!
Yum yum yum! looks delicious!
Make this myself at home and it comes out great. Thanks for your awesome sweep.
Delicious
Looks so good!
this looks really great
This looks amazing
Yummy!
YUM!! I need to make some this weekend now that I have a craving! I’m making ice cream and this strawberry glaze will be so good on top!
My family loves strawberries so this recipe is added to my list!
I love Strawberries, so I’ll definitely have to try this.
Will make this for cheesecake .