Raspberry Coulis (Raspberry Dessert Sauce)
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Made with fresh raspberries, a splash of lemon, and a touch of sugar, this Raspberry Coulis is simple, versatile, and bursting with flavor. Drizzle it over ice cream, cheesecake, or fresh fruit for a vibrant pop of color and flavor that complements almost any dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Raspberries | Fresh raspberries give it that bright, tangy flavor and gorgeous, vibrant color.
- Lemon | Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a zesty kick and helps balance the sweetness.
- Sugar | Just a touch to sweeten the raspberries and bring out their natural flavor.
Tips for Recipe Success
How to Make Easy Raspberry Sauce Recipe
Here’s how to turn just three ingredients into a sweet, tangy raspberry treat!
STEP 1 | Rinse and dry raspberries
Start by placing the raspberries in a colander, carefully rinse them under a gentle stream of cool water, drain, and let dry.
STEP 2 | Add sugar, raspberries, and lemon
Next, add the raspberries and sugar to a medium saucepan. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze all the juice into the pan, stirring gently to combine.
STEP 3 | Cook the coulis
Then, cook the ingredients over medium heat until the berries break down and the mixture slightly thickens. This should take about 15 minutes.
STEP 4 | Strain and enjoy!
For a seedless sauce, pour the warm sauce through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the sides gently with the back of a spoon, then discard the pulp and seeds.
You can chill the coulis before serving, if desired, or serve fresh from the stovetop.
To take sweets to the next level, try these other dessert toppings: Blueberry Compote, made with fresh or frozen blueberries, and no-cook Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe — no hassle and low sugar!
Variations and Substitutions
- Mixed Berry Coulis. Swap out some or all of the raspberries for other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. This creates a colorful and delicious medley of flavors!
- Adjust Sweetness. If your raspberries are especially tart, feel free to add a little more sugar to taste. For a different twist, you can also try honey or maple syrup.
- Experiment with Flavors. Add a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of cinnamon for a fun flavor variation!
- Citrus Zing. Swap lemon for lime or orange for a different citrus twist that can give the sauce a unique tang.
Storage Tips
- This coulis is kept well in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. You can prepare it in advance for a quick dessert topping anytime or easily store leftovers for later.
- And yes, you can freeze raspberry coulis for storage! Just pour it into an airtight container or ice cube tray (for easy portioning) and freeze.
- Freezing won’t drastically change the flavor, but the texture may become slightly more watery once thawed due to the raspberries’ natural water content. To help with this, give it a good stir after thawing to recombine the liquids, or simmer it gently for a few minutes to thicken it back up if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
A purée sauce is made by blending fruits or vegetables into a smooth, thick paste, often with some texture. A coulis is a smoother, strained sauce, typically made from fruit or vegetables, with the pulp and seeds removed. Coulis is lighter and more refined, while purée sauces tend to have a heartier consistency.
A raspberry compote is a chunky, cooked fruit sauce with pieces of fruit, while a raspberry coulis is a smooth, strained sauce made by pureeing and removing seeds. Compote is textured, and coulis is silky and refined. For an example, check out my Apple Compote.
Not exactly. The raspberry sauce alone is too thin and runny, serving best as a topping. However, you can get a little creative by pairing or mixing it with frosting or cream to help hold it in place and prevent it from soaking the cake layers.
Fresh is best, but when it’s out of season or out of stock, you can use frozen berries. First, let them thaw completely, then continue with the recipe. The coulis may be a little extra runny because of the excess moisture.
Looking for More Fresh Raspberry Recipes?
Treat yourself to Raspberry Scones for a sweet, buttery treat, or bake a Raspberry Coffee Cake for a moist, flavorful breakfast or dessert. Craing a quick snack? Raspberry Crumble Bars are wholesome and delicious. And for a cozy breakfast, whip up Raspberry Pancakes — fluffy, hearty, and full of fresh raspberry goodness.
What to Serve With Raspberry Dessert Sauce
The best way to enjoy our fresh raspberry coulis is to serve it over ice cream, classic cheesecake, pudding, or chocolate mousse white. Or, try one of these other yummy ideas.
Swap the blueberry topping in my easy-as-pie No-Bake Cheesecake or add a fruity flair to Chocolate Pudding Cake with a drizzle of our freshly-made raspberry sauce.
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Raspberry Coulis (Dessert Sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1 medium lemon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Place the raspberries in a colander and carefully rinse under a gentle stream of cool water. Drain and let dry.
- Add the raspberries and sugar to a medium saucepan. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze all the juice into the pan. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook over medium heat until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 15 minutes.
- For a seedless sauce, pour the warm sauce through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the sides gently with the back of a spoon. Discard the pulp and seeds. Chill the coulis before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Mixed Berry Coulis. Swap out some or all of the raspberries for other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. This creates a colorful and delicious medley of flavors!
- Adjust Sweetness. If your raspberries are especially tart, feel free to add a little more sugar to taste. For a different twist, you can also try honey or maple syrup.
- This coulis is kept well in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. You can prepare it in advance for a quick dessert topping anytime or easily store leftovers for later.
- And yes, you can freeze raspberry coulis for storage! Just pour it into an airtight container or ice cube tray (for easy portioning) and freeze.
- Freezing won’t drastically change the flavor, but the texture may become slightly more watery once thawed due to the raspberries’ natural water content. To help with this, give it a good stir after thawing to recombine the liquids, or simmer it gently for a few minutes to thicken it back up if needed.
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
