Smoked Strawberry Sauce

This smoked strawberry sauce adds subtle wood fired depth to fresh strawberries, creating a rich, slightly sweet sauce with incredible complexity. It is easy to make on a smoker or grill and works beautifully on desserts, cocktails, and savory dishes.

Whether it’s the dead of summer or the middle of winter, fresh or frozen strawberries always have a place in my house. Because strawberries are naturally lower carb, I often find them to be a great pairing for many meals or as a snack.

Smoke infusion is nothing new to me, as an avid BBQ I have done my fair share of smoked meats over the years. I have even made smoked ice! So, making a sweet and smoky strawberry sauce topping seemed like a no-brainer.

This recipe pairs so well with a lot of keto recipes I already have here on my site. I love it with this rich keto marble pound cake and especially with this quick and easy no-churn keto ice cream. What I really think is unique about this treat is that it can go from being smeared on an almond flour biscuit to also pair with my crispy grilled chicken quarters.

What Is Smoked Strawberry Sauce?

Smoked strawberry sauce is a fruit-based sauce made by lightly smoking fresh strawberries before simmering them into a smooth, spoonable consistency. The smoke adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness and makes the sauce more versatile than a standard strawberry sauce.

It can be used for both sweet and savory applications, making it a great recipe to keep on hand.

Supplies:

• Medium/ Large size pot
• Knife & Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups/ Spoons
• Spoon/ Spatula for Stirring
• Potato Masher or Food Processor (optional if desired)

Should I use fresh or frozen strawberries?

The answer here is simply, yes. Either fresh or frozen berries work in this recipe, and may depend on a few factors for which one you choose. Fresh strawberries may be accessible year-round in the store, but there is a time when they are in season. Typically, strawberries are at their best in late spring and early summer.

Deciding to make this when berries aren’t seasonal? Frozen is definitely the way to go. Oftentimes, frozen strawberries are picked fresh during their growth season and flash frozen to lock in nutrients and flavor.

Either work with this recipe, and you may have to alter cooking times for frozen berries. Ultimately, the outcome is the same!

Best Wood for Smoking Strawberries

Mild woods work best when smoking fruit. Strong woods can easily overpower delicate flavors.

Good options include apple wood, cherry wood, and pecan. These woods complement the natural sweetness of strawberries without adding bitterness.

Avoid mesquite or hickory, which tend to be too aggressive for fruit.

What Temperature to Smoke Strawberries

Smoke strawberries at a low temperature between 200 and 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the berries to soften and absorb smoke without drying out or burning.

Indirect heat is key. The goal is gentle smoke, not roasting.

How Long Does It Take to Smoke Strawberries?

Strawberries typically take 45 to 60 minutes to smoke. They should be softened, slightly collapsed, and deeply fragrant but not dried or charred.

Stir or gently turn them once during smoking for even exposure.

Once cooked and smoky, let the sauce cool completely, and it will thicken. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a small slurry of water and xanthan gum (or sub cornstarch). A small amount is all you need (measurements in the recipe below). Whisk it in at the end and allow it to thicken slightly as needed.

How to Use Smoked Strawberry Sauce

This sauce is extremely versatile and works across sweet and savory dishes.

• Use it as a topping for these mini burnt basque cheesecakes, ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.
• Drizzle it over smoked pork loin roasts, smoked duck breast, or chicken for a sweet smoky contrast.
• Stir it into cocktails, mocktails, or lemonade for a smoked fruit note.
• Spoon it onto yogurt, oatmeal, or ricotta toast.

Variations and Additions

Here are some additional creative ways to switch this recipe up, depending on what you want to pair it with are as follows:

• Orange Zest and Juice
• Balsamic vinegar
• Grand Marnier
• Mix into my Smoky BBQ Sauce recipe

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

Smoked strawberry sauce is a great make ahead recipe and stores exceptionally well. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to seven days.

This sauce also freezes beautifully. Store it in a freezer safe container for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using to restore its smooth consistency.

Like many sauces, the flavor deepens slightly after chilling, making this smoked strawberry sauce even better the next day.

More Recipes

• Best Wood For Smoking Ribs
• Strawberry Jalapeno Guacamole
• How To Smoke Infuse Simple Syrup (Keto Optional)
• Easy Keto Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
• Italian Roasted Vegetables