Every summer, as strawberries reached their peak in my grandmother’s garden, we’d gather them by the basketful. Sun-kissed and ruby-red, their scent perfumed the warm air. My nonna would wash them gently, humming softly, and transform them into the smoothest strawberry puree — no cooking, just pure fruit magic. It wasn’t just food; it was a celebration of summer itself.
This recipe for strawberry puree brings you that same experience in every spoonful — bright, fruity, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re blending up a cocktail, drizzling it over dessert, or preparing a gentle first food for your baby, this puree is a must-have in your summer recipe collection.
🍓 What is Strawberry Puree?
Strawberry puree is a smooth, blended sauce made from fresh or frozen strawberries. It’s typically sweetened with a little sugar and brightened with a splash of citrus, but it can also be made completely plain for baby food or minimalist recipes. No cooking required — just fresh berries and a blender.
This versatile puree works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes. Think of it as a strawberry syrup with extra body and natural flavor, ready to add sunshine to anything you serve.
🌟 Why This Recipe Works
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No-cook method: Keeps the vibrant color and fresh flavor intact.
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Customizable: Add sugar and lime to taste or leave it pure.
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Kid and baby-friendly: Skip the sugar and you’ve got a perfect fruit starter.
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Freezer-friendly: Store for smoothies or desserts all summer long.
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Perfect for summer: Light, fruity, and refreshing — a true seasonal essential.
🛒 Ingredients
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450g / 1 lb fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
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Optional (if not making for a baby):
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1 to 3 tablespoons sugar (based on sweetness of berries)
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1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (for brightness)
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Tip: Ripe, in-season strawberries are naturally sweet and may not need added sugar. If using off-season or frozen berries, sweetening is recommended.
🧑🍳 How to Make Strawberry Puree
1. Prepare the Strawberries
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Rinse thoroughly under cool running water.
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Hull them by slicing off the green tops.
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Halve or quarter if large, for easier blending.
2. Blend
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Place strawberries in a blender or food processor.
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Add optional sugar and lime juice to taste.
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Blend on high speed until completely smooth (about 30 seconds).
For babies or smoother texture: Pass the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and fibers.
3. Taste and Adjust
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Sample the puree. Add more sugar or lime juice if needed.
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If too thin, blend again or chill to thicken slightly.
4. Store or Serve
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Use immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight jar.
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Can be frozen in ice cube trays and stored for later use.
🕒 Recipe Timing
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: None
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Total time: 5 minutes
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Yield: ~2 cups of puree
🍽️ How to Use Strawberry Puree
Strawberry puree is incredibly flexible — here’s how you can incorporate it into meals:
🍨 Desserts
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Drizzle over cheesecake, ice cream, or panna cotta
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Layer into trifles or parfaits
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Swirl into cakes or use as filling for pastries
🥤 Drinks
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Stir into lemonades, iced teas, or smoothies
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Make a strawberry mojito or rosé spritzer
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Use in cocktail syrups or mocktails for kids
🍽️ Breakfast
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Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or french toast
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Mix into yogurt or overnight oats
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Spread on toast or swirl into cream cheese
👶 Baby Food
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Serve plain (no sugar/lime) for babies 6+ months
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Combine with other fruits like banana or pear
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Freeze in silicone trays for easy defrosting
🌱 Variations & Flavor Additions
Want to elevate your puree? Try these ideas:
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Mint or basil: Add a few leaves for a fresh twist
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Vanilla bean: Infuse with a subtle creamy sweetness
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Honey or maple syrup: A natural alternative to sugar
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Ginger or cardamom: Warm spices for a unique flair
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Mixed berries: Blend with raspberries or blueberries
🌍 Global Flair: Strawberry Puree Around the World
Strawberry puree is beloved in kitchens worldwide:
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France: Used in coulis for dessert plating
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Italy: Stirred into gelato or served with panna cotta
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Japan: Layered in delicate strawberry cakes
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Mexico: Added to agua fresca or paletas (fruit pops)
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USA: Classic topping for shortcake or layered parfaits
Its universal appeal makes it perfect for globally inspired dishes.
🧊 Storage Tips
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Refrigerator: Store in a clean jar for up to 4 days
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Freezer: Freeze in portions (ice cube trays work great) for up to 3 months
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Defrosting: Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently heat in a pan
💡 Expert Tips
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Use ripe berries for maximum flavor
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Skip sugar for kids or diet-friendly use
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Make ahead for events, brunches, or baby food prep
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Use chilled puree for summer drinks or popsicles
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Use in baking: Mix into frosting or cake batter
👶 Making It Baby-Friendly
For a nutritious baby puree:
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Use only fresh, ripe strawberries
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No sugar, no lime juice
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Strain for smoother texture
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Mix with banana or yogurt for variety
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Always introduce strawberries individually and check for allergies
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw them first for best texture.
Can I cook the puree?
You can simmer it gently to thicken for sauces or jams.
Can I use this for cocktails?
Absolutely! It’s a dream in mojitos, daiquiris, and bellinis.
