Balsamic Strawberries with Vanilla Ice Cream

Balsamic strawberries with vanilla ice cream, an easy no bake dessert that’s perfect for summer barbecues. Strawberries are combined with balsamic vinegar and granulated sugar to create a sweet, sticky syrup that’s delicious served over vanilla ice cream. Strawberry season is here again! Imported strawberries are available almost year round in grocery stores, however there’s nothing like locally grown strawberries. These Quebec grown strawberries are usually available as of mid-June are tiny but oh so flavorful.Of course they are delicious served as they are. In fact, I have fond memories of my mother serving freshly sliced strawberries over vanilla ice cream as a child. She didn’t add any sugar to the strawberries either. It was one of our favorite summer treats.

A few years ago I sampled strawberries with balsamic vinegar and I was blown away. Sounds like a strange combination, right?

However, when balsamic vinegar is combined with granulated sugar it transforms into a sweet, sticky syrup. And these macerated strawberries with balsamic vinegar pair perfectally with vanilla ice cream.

Each time I serve this the reaction is always the same: surprise and amazement to discover how delicious this combination is. So, if it’s too hot to turn on the oven for baking and you’re looking for an easy dessert, this is for you! 

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• fresh strawberries, preferably locally grown;
• balsamic vinegar: your regular grocery store balsamic vinegar is fine, no fancy expensive brand necessary here;
• granulated sugar;
• and of course the best quality vanilla ice cream you can find for serving the strawberries with

Step by Step Instructions

Wash strawberries, hull and slice in half or quarters, depending on the size of the strawberries. Place in a bowl.

Add sugar and balsamic vinegar and toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature between 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Place ice cream in a bowl or a waffle cone cup, as shown. Spoon strawberries and some of the balsamic syrup over the ice cream and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Substitutions and Variations:

• For extra kick, add 3-4 turns of freshly ground black pepper to the strawberries.
• Try adding a tablespoon of fresh herbs such as basil or mint for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter balsamic syrup, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the mixture.

To serve:

• Other than ice cream, balsamic strawberries may also be spooned over a simple slice of cake such as Nonna’s Sponge Cake; Orange Ciambella or Lemon-Vanilla Snack Cake.

Storage

• Balsamic strawberries are best served the same day but they will keep well refrigerated until the following day.

Surprise your guests this summer with this beautiful dessert that takes minutes to prepare! If you try this recipe, please let me know how much you enjoyed it by rating it in the recipe card below.  Feel free to Pin it for later. Buon appetito!

Here are a few more easy, no bake dessert suggestions!

• Pistachio Tiramisu
• Chocolate Hazelnut and Mascarpone Lady Finger Bites
• Biancomangiare
• Biancomangiare with Cookies
• Gelo di Fragole
• Gelo di Caffè