Homemade strawberry filling and topping with fresh strawberries served with cheesecake

Strawberry Filling & Topping

This easy Strawberry Filling & Topping is made with fresh strawberries cooked into a sweet, thick, fruity sauce. Perfect for cheesecake, cakes, pies, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, and all your favorite desserts.

Cook Time

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Ingredients

Prepare the Strawberries
Hull and slice the strawberries until you have 3 cups.
Place the strawberries in a medium bowl.
Add the ¾ cup sugar, 2 TBSP lemon juice, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt.
Gently stir until the strawberries are evenly coated.
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices.
Cook the Strawberry Filling
Transfer the strawberries and all of the accumulated juices to a medium saucepan.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the strawberries begin to soften and break down, about 5–8 minutes.
Gently mash some of the strawberries with the back of your spoon as they cook, leaving plenty of small strawberry pieces for texture.
Thicken the Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 TBSP cornstarch and 3 TBSP cold water until completely smooth.
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the strawberries while stirring.
Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling becomes thick and glossy.
Remove from the heat. Do not overcook it—the strawberry filling will thicken considerably as it cools.
Cool & Serve
Allow the strawberry filling to cool before using.
For cake or pie filling, let it cool completely before assembling the dessert.
Spoon it over cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or other desserts as a strawberry topping.
Store leftover Strawberry Filling & Topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For a thicker cake or pie filling, let the strawberry mixture cool completely before using—it thickens quite a bit as it cools. For a softer topping for cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, or ice cream, warm it slightly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Filling & Topping?

Yes. Thaw the strawberries first and include their juices. The filling may take slightly longer to thicken because frozen berries usually release more liquid.
Can I use this strawberry filling for cake?

Yes. Let the filling cool completely before spreading it between cake layers. Cooling allows it to thicken so it stays in place better.
Is this strawberry topping good for cheesecake?

Absolutely. Spoon the cooled strawberry topping over cheesecake, or warm it slightly if you prefer a softer sauce.
Can I use Strawberry Filling & Topping on pancakes or waffles?

Yes. It's delicious over pancakes and waffles. Warm it gently before serving for a softer, more syrupy consistency.
How long does homemade strawberry filling last?

Store the cooled filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving and gently warm it if you'd like a thinner topping.