Easy Lemon Macerated Blueberries
Blueberry and lemon is a winning flavor combination. These easy lemon macerated blueberries take it up a notch, making the fresh berries even sweeter and juicier. By macerating fresh fruit in lemon juice and powdered sugar you’ll have versatile fruit topping ready to add to a variety of summer desserts, breakfast, and even use as an easy filling.
Why you’ll love macerated fruit
Macerating fresh fruit such as blueberries in sugar, citrus juice, or other flavorings increases the fruit’s natural sweetness and makes it even juicier. Here are three other reasons why you should this easy culinary technique a go:
- Quick and easy: Macerated berries make an easy summer dessert that only takes minutes to prepare – perfect for lazy summer days.
- Versatile: Delicious as a topping for desserts and breakfasts, or as an easy filling for pastries. I love adding them to Greek yogurt as an instant snack and on top of my no-bake cheesecake.
- Slightly sweetened: With minimal added sugar, macerated berries offer a great alternative to other sweet treats, jams, syrups, and compotes.
Ingredients
Blueberries: You’ll need 2 cups of washed and dried fresh blueberries.
Sugar: Powdered sugar works best as it quickly dissolves. You can also use natural sweeteners such as date syrup, honey, or maple syrup. I don’t recommend using granulated sugar as it won’t easily dissolve.
Lemon: I use fresh lemon juice but you can also use packaged versions. Add lemon zest to add extra citrus flavors. You can also use lime for a tropical twist.
Variations
- Balsamic vinegar: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Alcohol infusion: Replace the lemon juice with Grand Marnier or limoncello for a liqueur infusion. You can also macerate fruit in wine including Rosé.
- Berry blend: Combine strawberries, raspberries, or other fresh berries for a colorful and flavorful mix. Add fresh mint or lemon balm for some freshness.
Tips
- Fresh blueberries: Fresh, ripe blueberries will provide the best results but you can use frozen blueberries as well, just make sure you’ve thawed and drained off any excess juices before macerating them.
- Room temperature: Allowing the blueberries to macerate at room temperature for a minimum of 15 minutes helps develop their flavor and juiciness.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture before serving and adjust the sweetness level according to your personal preference by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
Serving
- Serve macerated blueberries as a topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream, fluffy pancakes, German waffles, or whipped cream.
- Incorporate them into breakfast dishes like Greek yogurt parfaits or as a topping for hot oatmeal.
- Use them as a filling for pies and pastries or toppings for simple fruit cakes such as my blueberry torte.
- Macerated berries make a simple sweet sauce for savory dishes like grilled chicken or venison.
FAQ
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can macerate blueberries for up to 4 hours at room temperature. Just be sure to cover them with plastic foil or a tea towel and give them a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the juices.
Related recipes
For more easy topping ideas, check out the following recipes:
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Easy Lemon Macerated Blueberries
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice.2 cups fresh blueberries, 1 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Gently toss the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and coats the blueberries evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow the natural juices to release and the flavors to meld.
- Use as needed or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Fresh blueberries: Fresh, ripe blueberries will provide the best results but you can use frozen blueberries as well, just make sure you’ve thawed and drained off any excess juices before macerating them.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture before serving and adjust the sweetness level according to your taste.
