Strawberry Coulis Recipe (Easy, Fresh & Perfect Every Time)

If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant sauce that instantly elevates desserts, breakfasts, and drinks, this Strawberry Coulis Recipe is exactly what you need. Made with fresh or frozen strawberries, a touch of sugar, and a splash of lemon juice, this classic French fruit sauce delivers bright, bold berry flavor in just minutes.

Whether you’re drizzling it over cheesecake, spooning it on pancakes, layering it in parfaits, or using it in cocktails, strawberry coulis is one of the most versatile sauces you can make. And the best part? It tastes like pure summer in a jar.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make strawberry coulis, how to store it, how to use it, and pro tips to get restaurant-quality results every time.

⭐ What Is Strawberry Coulis?

A coulis (pronounced “koo-LEE”) is a smooth fruit or vegetable sauce made by simmering the ingredients and blending them until silky. Unlike jams or preserves, coulis is thinner and more pourable, with a fresh, concentrated flavor that comes from simple ingredients.

A Strawberry Coulis is a sweet, vibrant red sauce made from strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. It can be left slightly chunky or strained for a perfectly smooth finish.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Coulis Recipe

This is the BEST Strawberry Coulis Recipe because:

✔ Uses only 3 ingredients
✔ Works with fresh or frozen strawberries
✔ Ready in less than 15 minutes
✔ Perfect for dessert toppings and breakfast dishes
✔ Naturally gluten-free & vegan
✔ Stores beautifully and freezes well

If you love simple recipes with big flavor, this one’s a keeper.

🍓 Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Coulis Recipe

You only need three basic ingredients:

Strawberries

Fresh or frozen both work perfectly
Hull and slice if using fresh
No need to thaw frozen berries

Sugar

Regular granulated sugar
Adjust to taste depending on berry sweetness

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is best
Adds brightness and enhances the natural strawberry flavor

Optional add-ins:

Vanilla extract
Orange zest
Splash of balsamic vinegar (for richness)
Mint leaves

🍓 Easy Strawberry Coulis Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Simmer the Strawberries

Place strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice into a saucepan.
Heat over medium heat until berries release their juices and start to soften, about 5–7 minutes.

2. Blend Until Smooth

You can use:

An immersion blender (easiest), or
A regular blender, letting the mixture cool slightly first

Blend until the mixture is as smooth as you like.

3. Strain for Silkiness (Optional)

If you prefer a perfectly smooth coulis, pour the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.

4. Cool and Serve

Let the coulis cool before serving. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

🍓 Strawberry Coulis Recipe Tips

Choose Sweet, Ripe Strawberries

The better your strawberries taste, the better your coulis will be. If berries are tart, simply add a bit more sugar.

Adjust Thickness

Too thick? Add 1–2 tablespoons of water.
Too thin? Simmer longer until reduced.

Don’t Skip the Lemon

It enhances the berry flavor and preserves the bright color.

Strain for a Gourmet Finish

If you’re using coulis for cheesecake or plated desserts, straining makes it look ultra-smooth and professional.

🍓 How to Use Strawberry Coulis

Strawberry coulis is incredibly versatile. Try using it on:

Desserts

Cheesecake
Ice cream
Panna cotta
Pavlova
Brownies
Lemon bars
Chocolate cake

Breakfast Dishes

Pancakes
Waffles
French toast
Yogurt bowls
Oatmeal
Smoothie bowls

Drinks

Lemonade
Cocktails & mocktails
Milkshakes
Strawberry lattes

Savory Pairings

Grilled chicken
Brie or goat cheese
Salads with balsamic vinaigrette

🧊 How to Store Strawberry Coulis

In the Refrigerator

Store in an airtight jar for up to 1 week.

In the Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Make-Ahead Tip

This Strawberry Coulis Recipe is ideal for meal prep. Make a double batch and freeze small portions for quick desserts anytime.

🍓 Variations

1. Sugar-Free Strawberry Coulis

Replace sugar with:

Honey
Maple syrup
Stevia or monk fruit

Adjust amount to taste.

2. Strawberry Vanilla Coulis

Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean.

3. Strawberry Balsamic Coulis

Add 1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar for depth and richness.

4. Mixed Berry Coulis

Use a blend of:

Strawberries
Raspberries
Blueberries
Blackberries

5. Chunky Strawberry Sauce

Only lightly mash the berries instead of blending fully.

🍰 Strawberry Coulis vs. Strawberry Sauce

Feature	Strawberry Coulis	Strawberry Sauce
Texture	Smooth (often strained)	Chunkier
Flavor	Pure, concentrated fruit	Sweeter, jam-like
Uses	Fancy desserts, plating	Pancakes, waffles
Cooking Time	Short	Slightly longer

Both are delicious—just use whichever suits your recipe.

🍓 Strawberry Coulis Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work beautifully. No need to thaw them.

My coulis is too thin—what do I do?

Return it to the saucepan and simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens.

Is coulis served hot or cold?

Either works!

Cold for cheesecakes and ice cream
Warm for pancakes and waffles

Can I can strawberry coulis?

It’s best stored in the fridge or freezer, but you can water-bath can it if you follow safe canning guidelines.

⭐ Final Thoughts: The Perfect Strawberry Coulis Recipe

This Strawberry Coulis Recipe is one of those simple yet magical recipes every home cook should know. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of cooking, you get a bright, silky, restaurant-quality sauce that pairs with almost anything.

Whether you’re dressing up a plain dessert or adding fruity flair to a breakfast dish, this coulis brings color, flavor, and freshness every time.

If you’d like a printable recipe card, Pinterest description, or step-by-step image guide, I can create that too!