Sweet, juicy strawberries infused with sugar and a splash of liqueur or balsamic — an effortlessly chic Italian treat perfect on its own or with creamy accompaniments.
Origin Italian Macerated Strawberries
In Italy, fragole macerate (macerated strawberries) is a classic way to enhance the natural sweetness of ripe berries, often served as a light dessert or topping for gelato.
What I Love About This Recipe
It takes just minutes to prepare, requires no cooking, and delivers pure strawberry flavor elevated by a gentle touch of sugar and acidity.
Also Read : Homemade Blueberry Pie
Italian Macerated Strawberries
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes120
kcalIngredients
1 pound (about 450 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1–2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar or 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper (optional, to taste)
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Place sliced strawberries in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with sugar and gently toss to coat.
- Add balsamic vinegar or orange liqueur if using, and toss again.
- Let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries release their juices and become glossy.
- Optionally, add a few grinds of black pepper for subtle complexity.
- Serve on their own, over gelato, whipped cream, panna cotta, or sponge cake. Garnish with mint if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries.Balsamic vinegar adds a lovely depth, while orange
- liqueur brightens the flavor
- Best enjoyed shortly after macerating.