This quick and easy recipe is the perfect topping for everything from desserts to breakfast dishes!

Fresh strawberry smoothie in a glass jar with strawberries around it.

When you’re a parent, you’re always trying to get your kids to eat fruits and vegetables. I’ve found that sometimes it’s best to be a little sneaky about it. For example, puréed vegetables in pasta sauce. Or, like this recipe offers, puréed fruits that can be used in a variety of delicious ways.

Strawberries are my eldest child’s favorite—for the moment, of course. Children are fickle creatures. But since he loves strawberries now, I’m finding ways to make use of them beyond simply giving him a plate of fresh fruit. Making strawberry purée opens up a world of desserts and toppings that any strawberry lover will enjoy.

What you’re going to love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility, as well as its sweet taste. In about 15 minutes, you’ll have a drizzle for breakfast pancakes, a popsicle ingredient, yogurt topping, pie topping, and so many other delicious things. You’ll love it, your kids will love it, and anyone else you decide to serve it to will love it!

Tasty tweaks

Strawberries are the star of the show, of course, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t add other ingredients to make this purée even tastier. In the summer, for example, I love adding a dash of good-quality lavender syrup to the purée for a beautiful aromatic touch. This makes the purée especially delightful over desserts such as panna cotta or angel food cake. Mint and strawberries are another match made in culinary heaven, so if you’d like a refreshing accent, go ahead and add a few fresh mint leaves (finely chopped) to the recipe. Vanilla (use the seeds from a pod) also gives this purée a delectable flavor boost.

Fresh strawberries in a white bowl with lemon halves and sugar on a white textured surface.

How do I store leftovers?

You can store your strawberry purée in any airtight container in your fridge for about 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it in a freezer bag or airtight container for around 3 months. If you’re putting it in the fridge, I recommend using mason jars. But if you’re freezing it, consider using small freezer-safe bags so that you have individual portion sizes that are easy to defrost. You can even use ice cube trays for this purpose.

Fresh strawberry smoothie being poured into a glass, highlighting healthy breakfast recipes.

Serving suggestions

There are so many wonderful ways to use your strawberry purée! The easiest will be to pop it into popsicle molds and freeze for a cool summer treat, but my favorite use is definitely as a breakfast topping. You can drizzle strawberry purée on top of Yogurt Parfaits, Puffed Pancakes, or a Healthy Baked Oatmeal. If you’re looking to use it with a dessert, you can try it on top of a Strawberry Cobbler, a Whipped Cream Pound Cake, or even Chocolate Cheesecake. Finish off with a bit of Sweetened Whipped Cream, and your dessert will be the talk of the town!