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Raspberry Dessert Sauce Recipe

4.8 from 63 reviews

This luscious raspberry dessert sauce is a simple, vibrant topping perfect for enhancing cakes, ice creams, pancakes, or other sweet dishes. Made from fresh or frozen raspberries, a touch of sugar, and a hint of lemon juice, the sauce is gently cooked and thickened with cornstarch to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Optional vanilla extract deepens the flavor for an extra special touch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Raspberry Sauce

  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 3 cups (about 12 ounces / 375g) fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: Whisk the cornstarch and water together thoroughly until all the cornstarch has dissolved. This ensures the sauce will thicken evenly without lumps.
  2. Cook the Sauce: Combine the cornstarch mixture, raspberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula, lightly mashing the raspberries as they warm to release their juices.
  3. Boil and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil gently for 3 full minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This activates the cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Vanilla (Optional): Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract if using. This will add a richer flavor to the sauce.
  5. Strain the Sauce: Press the warm sauce through a fine mesh strainer using the back of a spoon to remove raspberry seeds, creating a smooth texture. This process may take a couple of minutes to extract all the liquid.
  6. Cool and Serve: Serve the sauce warm or let it cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Cooling thickens the sauce slightly, making it perfect for drizzling over desserts.

Notes

  • Using fresh lemon juice is crucial for balancing sweetness and enhancing raspberry flavor.
  • Straining the sauce is optional but recommended for a silky texture without seeds.
  • The sauce can be served warm immediately or refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce water slightly or increase cornstarch by 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Frozen raspberries can be used directly without thawing.

Keywords: raspberry sauce, dessert sauce, raspberry dessert topping, easy fruit sauce, stovetop sauce, fresh raspberry sauce