When fresh strawberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar combine, it’s truly a match made in heaven! Sugared Balsamic Strawberries are easy to make and perfectly balance sweet and savory flavors.
There’s nothing better than sweet strawberries spooned over Million Dollar Pound Cake, or Bread Pudding and ice cream!
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I’ve been making this easy recipe for years, and my family and friends go crazy over it. My Southern twist of adding just the right amount of sugar to the classic pairing of strawberries and balsamic makes this simple recipe truly something special.
Why You’ll Love These Berries
- Flavor Fusion: The delicious combination of juicy strawberries and the rich, complex flavor of balsamic vinegar, y’all, it’s like they were meant to be together!
- Easy Elegance: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
- Versatility: Balsamic sweet strawberries aren’t just for dessert! Try them as a topping for pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or even grilled meats.
Ingredients For Sugared Balsamic Strawberries
- Strawberries – Choose plump, ripe strawberries bursting with juicy sweetness. Opt for locally grown strawberries when possible, as they tend to be fresher and more flavorful.
- Granulated Sugar – A hint of sugar enhances the strawberries’ natural sweetness while balancing the balsamic vinegar’s acidity. You can use brown sugar, honey or maple syrup if needed.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Select a high-quality balsamic vinegar with a rich, syrupy texture.
- Water – A splash of water dissolves the sugar and creates a light syrup that coats the strawberries, intensifying their flavor.
Why Put Balsamic Vinegar On Strawberries?
I love macerated strawberries because the process effortlessly brings out the fruit’s natural flavors. Maceration means soaking fruit or vegetables in acid, sugar, salt, or a combination of all three to soften seasonal fruit and make a rich juice. Balsamic vinegar was made for strawberries!
How To Make Sugared Strawberries With Balsamic Vinegar
- Wash and hull the strawberries, cut each berry into quarters, and place them in a glass bowl. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the fruit, sprinkle with sugar, and add water.
- Gently stir to combine all the ingredients. Cover the bowl and let the strawberries marinate at room temperature for 1 hour (for a total time of not more than 3 hours,) allowing the flavors to come together.
Donya’s Recipe Tips
- Choose ripe, seasonal fruit for the best results.
- Don’t skip the step of letting the strawberries marinate. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Feel free to adjust the sugar and balsamic vinegar amount to suit your taste preferences.
- Want a pop of extra flavor? Add black pepper and lemon zest, or toss in fresh basil or mint.
Often Asked Questions With Answers
I recommend fresh for the best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely, and drain any excess liquid.
Balsamic vinegar offers a depth of flavor that really enhances the sweetness of the strawberries, but you can experiment with other vinegars if you prefer. Raspberry or red wine vinegar can be delicious alternatives.
I think it’s best to use the strawberries about an hour after macerating, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know that the strawberries may become softer as they sit.
What To Serve With Balsamic Strawberries
My favorite way to serve sugared strawberries is with vanilla ice cream or spooned over Southern Pound Cake with whipped cream. My family loves them with Ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole for breakfast or brunch.
But don’t limit yourself to dessert! Turn them into an appetizer with cheese and crunchy bread. For dinner, spoon over Roasted Pork Tenderloin or Air-Fried Whole Chicken.
More Easy Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you tried this Sugared Balsamic Strawberries Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a π star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 2 pints strawberries
- ΒΌ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Wash and hull strawberries. Cut each berry into quarters and place into a glass bowl.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the fruit and sprinkle with sugar and water. Stir gently.
- Cover and leave on counter until ready to serve – up to 3 hours.
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