There’s something magical about strawberries. The way they burst with sweetness, the vibrant red color, and the unmistakable fragrance. Whether you’re using them for a simple topping, a base for desserts, or a refreshing drink, strawberry puree is the secret ingredient that brings a fresh, luscious flavor to any recipe. If you’re new to making strawberry puree, don’t worry. I’m here to walk you through a simple, foolproof strawberry puree recipe that you’ll love using in cakes, drinks, cocktails, and even for babies.
Table of Contents
What Is Strawberry Puree?
Before we dive into the strawberry puree recipe, let’s first talk about what strawberry puree is and why it’s so versatile. A strawberry puree is essentially a smooth, blended version of fresh or frozen strawberries. It’s typically made by removing the stems, then blending the fruit into a thick liquid. Unlike juices, which can be more diluted, strawberry puree retains the pulp and texture of the fruit, making it rich, concentrated, and perfect for adding bold strawberry flavor to your dishes.
This puree is the base for a variety of delicious recipes, whether you’re looking to make a strawberry puree recipe for cake or adding a fruity twist to a strawberry puree recipe for cocktails. It’s simple to make and can be used in a variety of ways.
How to Make Strawberry Puree: The Basics
Making your own strawberry puree recipe is incredibly easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can turn fresh strawberries into a silky-smooth puree.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh strawberries (about 2 cups of whole)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional, to enhance the flavor)
Instructions:
- Wash and Prep: Start by washing your strawberries thoroughly. Remove the green stems and hulls (the white part at the top). You can use a small knife to easily trim them off.
- Blend: Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the blender a few times instead of blending continuously.
- Sweeten: If you want a sweeter puree, add 2 tablespoons of sugar. You can adjust the sweetness based on the ripeness of the strawberries. For a little extra zing, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Strain (Optional): If you like your puree extra smooth, you can strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining seeds. This step is entirely optional, but it helps achieve a velvety texture if that’s your preference.
- Store: Pour the strawberry puree into a container or jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months if you want to keep some on hand for future recipes.
That’s it! You’ve now got fresh, homemade strawberry puree ready for use in all your favorite recipes.
Strawberry Puree Recipe for Cake: A Sweet and Flavorful Twist
One of my favorite ways to use strawberry puree is in cakes. Whether you’re making a strawberry puree recipe for cake or using it as a topping or filling, it brings a whole new level of flavor to your desserts.
Simple Strawberry Puree Cake Recipe:
This cake uses strawberry puree in both the batter and the frosting, ensuring that every bite is packed with that fresh strawberry flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry puree (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Mix in the strawberry puree and then gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost it with whipped cream or a simple strawberry puree recipe for frosting.
This cake is perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or just whenever you want to indulge in a sweet, fruity treat!
Strawberry Puree Recipe for Cocktails: A Refreshing Twist
If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness and color to your cocktails, strawberry puree is the way to go. It’s a simple ingredient that transforms a regular drink into something special. Whether you’re serving up a strawberry puree recipe for cocktails or a strawberry puree recipe for drinks, this versatile puree adds the perfect fresh flavor.
Strawberry Puree Margarita Recipe:
Here’s a refreshing and easy way to enjoy strawberry puree in a cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz strawberry puree
- ½ oz triple sec
- Salt (for rimming the glass)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into salt to coat the edges.
- Mix the Drink: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, strawberry puree, triple sec, and ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Serve: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice and garnish with a slice of lime or a fresh strawberry.
This strawberry puree margarita is perfect for summer evenings, parties, or anytime you’re in the mood for something fruity and fun!
Strawberry Puree Recipe for Baby: A Healthy First Food
Strawberry puree isn’t just for cocktails and cakes – it’s also a fantastic option for babies who are just starting on solids. The natural sweetness of strawberries makes them an ideal first food. For babies under 6 months, it’s important to serve only smooth, pureed foods. Here’s a simple strawberry puree recipe for baby.
Baby Strawberry Puree Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and chopped)
Instructions:
- Steam or Blanch Strawberries: You can steam the strawberries for about 5 minutes to soften them or blanch them by placing them in hot water for 1-2 minutes, followed by an ice water bath.
- Puree the Strawberries: Once softened, blend the strawberries in a food processor or blender until smooth. If needed, you can add a small amount of water or breast milk to reach a thinner consistency.
- Serve: Let the puree cool before serving to your baby. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This simple strawberry puree recipe for baby is full of natural sweetness and can be an exciting introduction to solid foods.
FAQ’s
1. How do I make strawberry puree at home?
Making strawberry puree is simple. Blend fresh or frozen strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Sweeten with sugar if needed, and strain to remove seeds if you prefer a smoother texture.
2. Can I use strawberry puree in cake recipes?
Yes! Strawberry puree can be used in cake batter to add flavor and moisture. You can also use it as a filling or frosting for cakes, cupcakes, or cheesecakes.
3. Can I freeze strawberry puree?
Yes, strawberry puree can be frozen. Simply place it in an airtight container or ice cube tray, and it will last for up to 6 months. It’s perfect for future use in smoothies, desserts, or drinks.
4. Is strawberry puree safe for babies?
Yes, strawberry puree is safe for babies 6 months and older when made fresh. It’s a nutritious, naturally sweet option for introducing solid foods.
5. Can I use strawberry puree in cocktails?
Absolutely! Strawberry puree is a fantastic addition to cocktails, especially fruity drinks like margaritas, mojitos, or daiquiris.
Conclusion
A strawberry puree recipe is one of the most versatile and delicious things you can have in your kitchen. From cakes to cocktails to baby food, it adds a fresh, fruity punch to any dish. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make your own puree and use it in countless ways. So, whether you’re baking a cake, mixing a drink, or introducing strawberries to your baby, strawberry puree is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.