How To Caramelize Strawberries

Start with firm strawberries for caramelizing, as it will soften them significantly.

Image Credit: ArtHdesign/iStock/Getty Images Caramelizing takes plain strawberries and intensifies their sweetness, covering them with a buttery sugar glaze ideal for strawberry-topped desserts. Caramelizing involves heating sugar until it it liquefies into a golden brown glaze, but can be done in different ways, depending on what you are preparing. When it comes to fruit such as strawberries, the basic process involves sauteing them with butter and brown sugar in a skillet, leaving them with a shiny, caramelized layer. You can also incorporate other ingredients to infuse the strawberries with other flavors. Enjoy them with desserts like ice cream or, for breakfast, French toast.

  Advertisement
 
Step 1

Wash the strawberries under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut off the stems of the strawberries and slice each one in half on a clean cutting board with a sharp knife.

  Video of the Day
  
Step 2

Add enough butter to a large skillet to fully coat the bottom. Melt it over medium-high heat on the stove.

Step 3

Add the strawberries in a single layer, tossing to coat them fully in the butter. Sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on top of the strawberries.

  Advertisement
 
  Advertisement
 
Step 4

Stir the strawberries occasionally as they cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they are softened and brown sugar has melted on the strawberries. Transfer them to a platter and enjoy as is or as topping for pancakes or French toast.

Things You'll Need

Paper towels Sharp knife Cutting board Skillet Butter Brown sugar Tip Add additional flavoring as you see fit when you add the butter, such cinnamon, nutmeg or a flavored liqueur.

  Advertisement
 
  Advertisement
  
  references
  
      Cook Think: What Does It Mean To Caramelize?
    
      The Art of Living Well: Caramelized Fruit as a Topping
    
      How Sweet It Is: Crunchy Quinoa Baked Oatmeal With Caramelized Strawberries and Toasted Coconut
    
      High Ground Organics: Caramelized Strawberries With Vanilla and Cinnamon
       




  references
  
      Cook Think: What Does It Mean To Caramelize?
    
      The Art of Living Well: Caramelized Fruit as a Topping
    
      How Sweet It Is: Crunchy Quinoa Baked Oatmeal With Caramelized Strawberries and Toasted Coconut
    
      High Ground Organics: Caramelized Strawberries With Vanilla and Cinnamon
    




Start with firm strawberries for caramelizing, as it will soften them significantly.

Image Credit: ArtHdesign/iStock/Getty Images

Image Credit: ArtHdesign/iStock/Getty Images

• Paper towels
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Skillet
• Butter
• Brown sugar

Add additional flavoring as you see fit when you add the butter, such cinnamon, nutmeg or a flavored liqueur.

      Cook Think: What Does It Mean To Caramelize?
    
      The Art of Living Well: Caramelized Fruit as a Topping
    
      How Sweet It Is: Crunchy Quinoa Baked Oatmeal With Caramelized Strawberries and Toasted Coconut
    
      High Ground Organics: Caramelized Strawberries With Vanilla and Cinnamon