Strawberry Extract Recipe: Easy Homemade Guide

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, aromatic burst of fresh strawberries to brighten up your culinary creations. If you love the idea of capturing that delightful essence in a versatile form, making your own strawberry extract at home is a fantastic way to elevate desserts, drinks, and even savory dishes.

Unlike artificial flavorings, homemade strawberry extract offers a pure, natural taste that’s rich and vibrant, bringing a touch of summer to your kitchen year-round. Whether you want to enhance cakes, pastries, smoothies, or cocktails, this simple recipe will become your secret weapon in the pantry.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through an easy-to-follow strawberry extract recipe that requires minimal ingredients and equipment. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to customize the flavor and suggest creative ways to use your homemade extract.

Ready to infuse your dishes with the fresh, fruity goodness of strawberries? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making your own strawberry extract is not only economical but also incredibly rewarding. Unlike store-bought versions that may contain artificial colors and preservatives, this homemade extract is all-natural.

You control the sweetness and intensity, so it suits your taste perfectly.

This recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients and a bit of patience for the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s also versatile—use it in baking, beverages, salad dressings, or even ice cream.

Plus, homemade strawberry extract makes a thoughtful, handmade gift for friends and family who appreciate unique culinary delights. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this fragrant, fruity boost in your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup vodka (or any neutral grain alcohol, 40% ABV)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, to deepen flavor)

Equipment

• Glass jar with airtight lid (at least 16 oz capacity)
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Funnel (for bottling the extract)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (optional, for macerating strawberries)

Instructions

1. Prepare the strawberries: Start by washing your fresh strawberries thoroughly. Remove the green stems and slice the berries into thin pieces to maximize surface area for extraction.
2. Macerate the fruit: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar if using. Let this mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes. This helps draw out the natural juices, enhancing the flavor.
3. Combine strawberries and vodka: Transfer the macerated strawberries and any accumulated juice into your glass jar. Pour in the vodka, making sure the berries are completely submerged. Add vanilla extract if you want a richer flavor profile.
4. Seal and store: Secure the lid tightly. Store the jar in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Give the jar a gentle shake every couple of days to help mix the flavors.
5. Let it infuse: Allow the mixture to infuse for at least 4-6 weeks. The longer you wait, the stronger and more flavorful your strawberry extract will become.
6. Strain the extract: After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the strawberry solids.
7. Bottle and store: Use a funnel to pour your clear, fragrant strawberry extract into a glass bottle or jar. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place. It will keep well for up to a year.

Tips & Variations

“For an even more intense flavor, consider using frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones—they release more juice during infusion!”

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute vodka with food-grade glycerin. Keep in mind that glycerin-based extracts are sweeter and thicker, so adjust recipes accordingly.

Try adding a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves during the infusion for a warm spice twist. Alternatively, experiment with different types of alcohol such as rum or bourbon for unique flavor profiles.

For a quicker version, you can blend strawberries with vodka and strain immediately, but the flavor won’t be as concentrated or lasting.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry extract is incredibly versatile. Add a teaspoon or two to your favorite cake or cupcake batter for a natural strawberry flavor without the extra moisture.

Mix into frosting, whipped cream, or homemade ice cream to impart a lovely strawberry aroma and taste. It also works wonderfully in beverages—try it in lemonade, cocktails, or mocktails for a burst of fruity freshness.

For something different, whisk a few drops into salad dressings, yogurt, or oatmeal. The subtle sweetness and aroma can enhance both sweet and savory dishes.

Conclusion

Creating your own strawberry extract at home is a delightful and simple way to capture the essence of fresh strawberries in a concentrated, easy-to-use form. With just a handful of ingredients and some patience, you can produce a natural, flavorful extract that enhances a wide array of recipes and beverages.

Not only does this homemade extract avoid artificial additives, but it also allows you to customize the flavor intensity and sweetness to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker, a creative cook, or someone who loves experimenting with flavors, this strawberry extract will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite homemade flavor recipes like Vanilla Bean Extract, Almond Extract, and Lemon Extract to keep your pantry stocked with natural, delicious flavor boosters!

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