Strawberry Balsamic Glaze for Vanilla Ice Cream

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your vanilla ice cream experience with this delightful Strawberry Balsamic Glaze. The sweet and tangy combination is perfect for drizzling over your favorite dessert.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-13T17:13:49.438Z

This Strawberry Balsamic Glaze is a simple yet sophisticated topping that transforms your vanilla ice cream into a gourmet dessert. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sauce that is both sweet and savory, perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet strawberries balanced with rich balsamic vinegar
  • Easy to make with just a few ingredients
  • Adds a gourmet touch to any dessert
  • Perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings

The Perfect Pairing for Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream is a classic dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or enhanced with a variety of toppings. One of the most delightful ways to elevate this timeless treat is by drizzling it with a homemade Strawberry Balsamic Glaze. The sweet, juicy strawberries combined with the tangy depth of balsamic vinegar create a complex flavor profile that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

This glaze not only adds a burst of flavor but also introduces a beautiful presentation element to your dessert. The vibrant red hue of the strawberries against the creamy white of the ice cream is visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for dinner parties, summer barbecues, or casual family gatherings. Your vanilla ice cream will never be the same!

A Simple Yet Elegant Dessert

Making the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze is an effortless process that requires just a few ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen. With fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water, you can whip up this gourmet sauce in under 15 minutes. This simplicity allows you to focus on enjoying your time with loved ones rather than stressing over complicated recipes.

The versatility of this glaze also means you can experiment with other fruits or adjust the sweetness to your liking. Feel free to add a dash of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice for a unique twist. This easy-to-make glaze is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this Strawberry Balsamic Glaze is the perfect accompaniment to your vanilla ice cream. Its sweet and tangy flavor makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to festive holiday celebrations. Guests will be impressed by your culinary creativity, and you may even inspire them to try making their own versions at home.

Additionally, this glaze pairs beautifully with other desserts, such as cheesecake, panna cotta, or yogurt parfaits. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile addition to your dessert arsenal. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can bring a gourmet touch to any sweet treat.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients for Strawberry Balsamic Glaze

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Combine the ingredients and let the glaze cool before serving over ice cream.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the strawberries start to soften and release their juices.

Thicken the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the saucepan while stirring. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the glaze thickens.

Cool and Serve

Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving over vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Storage Tips

Once you've made your Strawberry Balsamic Glaze, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Luckily, this glaze stores well, allowing you to enjoy it multiple times throughout the week. Store any unused glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week, making it a convenient option for quick dessert enhancements.

To use the glaze after refrigeration, simply warm it slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop. This will help restore its pourable consistency, making it just as delightful as when it was freshly made. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or even grilled meats for a savory twist.

Serving Suggestions Beyond Ice Cream

While this Strawberry Balsamic Glaze is a fantastic topping for vanilla ice cream, its uses extend far beyond dessert. Consider drizzling it over a fresh salad featuring mixed greens, goat cheese, and walnuts for a flavorful dressing that will brighten up your meal. The sweet-tart flavor of the glaze complements the richness of cheese and the crunch of nuts beautifully.

You can also use this glaze as a finishing touch for grilled meats, such as chicken or pork. The balsamic vinegar adds depth and complexity, enhancing the flavors of the dish. Just a few spoonfuls can transform your everyday meals into gourmet experiences.

Variations to Try

If you want to experiment, consider adding other fruits to the glaze. Raspberries or blueberries can be used interchangeably with strawberries for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same delightful texture. You might also try infusing the glaze with herbs like basil or mint to introduce an unexpected freshness that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory dishes.

For an adult twist, you could incorporate a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, into the glaze. This can add an additional layer of flavor that makes it even more special for gatherings or romantic dinners. The versatility of this glaze means the sky's the limit when it comes to variations!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but fresh strawberries yield a better texture and flavor.

→ How long can I store the glaze?

The glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I use this glaze on other desserts?

Absolutely! This glaze pairs well with pancakes, waffles, and cheesecake.

→ Is this glaze gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free.

Strawberry Balsamic Glaze for Vanilla Ice Cream

Elevate your vanilla ice cream experience with this delightful Strawberry Balsamic Glaze. The sweet and tangy combination is perfect for drizzling over your favorite dessert.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Strawberry Balsamic Glaze

  1. 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  2. 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  3. 1/4 cup sugar
  4. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  5. 1 tablespoon water

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the strawberries start to soften and release their juices.

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the saucepan while stirring. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the glaze thickens.

Step 03

Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving over vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 1g