You just need 10 minutes and three ingredients to make Italian Strawberries with Sugar and Lemon! These dessert strawberries are so delicious. They're perfect by themselves or as a topping for angel food cake, cheesecake, shortcake or pancakes!
Here's a three-ingredient recipe that'll knock your socks off. I give you Italian Strawberries with Sugar and Lemon.
Have you heard of this dish before? It's common in Naples, where my family is from, but I've read it originated in Rome.
Who knows?
I've eaten these dessert strawberries my entire life. I thought everyone else did too.
But, then I realized I've never seen these strawberries anywhere in America, outside of our family gatherings. Hmmm.
So I googled it. I didn't come up with anything quite the same in English.
The closest thing would be "macerated strawberries," which involves adding sugar to the berries and letting them sit until juicy. Those get really soft, though.
Mom's Italian Strawberries with Sugar and Lemon are nice and firm. More like a strawberry salad.
And that sweet syrup with a lemony tang just begs to be slurped from the bottom of your bowl.
You have to make these! They're one of the best healthy summer desserts.
Recipe ingredients
Strawberries. Sugar. Lemon.
I wasn't kidding when I said three ingredients. This is definitely easier than strawberry pie.
How to cut strawberries
- Cut out and discard the green stems.
- Cut the strawberries in half the long way. I love using this type of cutting board (affiliate link).
- Cut the berries in half again the long way. Now you have quartered strawberries.
Recipe tips
- You can quarter the strawberries up to one hour ahead of time.
- Don't add the sugar and lemon until you're ready to serve these strawberries. Otherwise, they'll get soft and mushy.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of your strawberries. If they're not sweet enough, add more sugar.
How to serve strawberries with sugar and lemon
We enjoy this dish on Easter and at Sunday dinners throughout strawberry season. You can serve it as a stand-alone, lighter dessert or as a topping for:
- Sour Cream Pound Cake
- Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes
- Chocolate Cheesecake
- Creamy Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping
This also is a great way to prepare strawberries for strawberry shortcake.
Frequently asked questions
"Fragole con Zucchero e Limone." Fragole means strawberries in Italian. Zucchero is Italian for sugar. Limone means lemon in Italian.
These sugared strawberries are best eaten immediately, while still firm. They will soften after an hour or so, and become mushy the next day.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and eat them within one or two days.
Friends, I hope you try these sweetened strawberries. My kids go nuts for them!
Whenever Mom (their Nonna) says, "Do you want me to fix the strawberries?" their answer is always, "Yes!!"
Because one of life's greatest pleasures is having your Nonna fawn over you, cut up your fruit, stir in sugar and lemon, and toss it all together until an irresistible strawberry syrup coats each berry.
What's not to love?
More dessert recipes
- Pizzicati Cookies with Strawberry Jam
- Lemon Pizzelle
- 15 Cheesecake Toppings from Scratch
- Easy Grape Salad!
Enjoy!
Italian Strawberries with Sugar and Lemon
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup sugar (plus more if needed)
- juice of ½ a large lemon
Instructions
- Rinse the strawberries. Cut out and discard the green stems.
- Dry the strawberries by placing them on paper towels and patting them dry with another paper towel.
- Quarter the strawberries (cut them in half, then in half again.) They can sit in a bowl for up to an hour before you prepare them with the sugar and lemon.
- Add the sugar and lemon to your strawberries. Stir to combine. Taste to see if any extra sugar is needed. (It will depend on the ripeness of your strawberries.)
- Serve immediately and store leftovers in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. The leftover berries will soften as time goes by.
Notes
- These are not macerated strawberries. These are served firm, like a strawberry salad.
- You can quarter the strawberries up to one hour ahead of time.
- Don't add the sugar and lemon until you're ready to serve these strawberries. Otherwise, they'll get soft and mushy.
Nutrition
(Recipe Source: My Mom, who doesn't use a measuring cup but grabs a regular tablespoon from the drawer. Originally published on April 6, 2017 and updated now with additional information.)
Linda Wells says
Thank you, thank you, for posting this "simple" dessert! I have been looking for a good, easy, dessert to take to our "International Dish" night at church. I found the main dish and side right away, could not find a dessert that would work for me and my busy schedule. I am beyond excited to be making these Strawberries. They are going to be such a big hit. 🙂
Mamma C says
I hope everyone enjoys them, Linda!
Sandie says
I had saved this on Pinterest and tried it today. Delish!
Mamma C says
I just made them today too! I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Sandie.
Beverly Phares says
Would this be good as a side for an egg/ham breakfast casserole?
Mamma C says
Hi Beverly - Are you serving anything else with the eggs, like toast and potatoes? If so, I think it would be fine. The strawberries would be great as part of a brunch menu. They definitely have a sweet, dessert vibe.
Beverly Phares says
Yes, the casserole has potatoes and broccoli and I will also be making toast. I think this will be great for brunch. Thank you!
Mamma C says
Sounds great! Enjoy.
Baeli says
Just made these and they are AMAZING! Definately a new favorite treat in our house
Mamma C says
I'm so happy to hear that, Baeli! Thanks for letting me know.
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser says
Love, Love Strawberry and Lemon-My Mother makes them all the time. Florida strawberries are year round here! Woot-Hoot! She uses a bit of honey! I love them anyway I can eat them.
Mamma C says
I bet the strawberries are delicious in Florida. I'll have to try them with honey!
Luci's Morsels says
I am glad you shared this recipe because it is not common enough that I have tried it before! What a simple and refreshing treat. Thank you for sharing! Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Mamma C says
I knew there had to be people who've never tried this! Thanks, Luci.
Prasanna Hede says
I can imagine how superb flavor combo it is going to be! Love your pics.
Mamma C says
I'm glad you like the photos, Prasanna! Thank you.
Brandi Crawford says
Yum! These strawberries look sweet and perfect!
Mamma C says
They really are perfectly sweet and very addictive! Thanks, Brandi.
Sarah says
Looks great. I love macerated strawberries and that it is a light dessert. Although it would be good with ice cream or whipped cream as well!
Mamma C says
Ice cream or whipped cream would be delicious with these strawberries! Thanks, Sarah.
Patty @ Spoonabilities says
These fresh strawberries with lemon looks so refreshing. I love serving strawberries on pound cake!
Mamma C says
It's refreshing and sweet, and really hits the spot! Thanks, Patty.