Easy Homemade Mulberry Sauce (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Name: Easy Homemade Mulberry Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 cups mulberries; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp water

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If you're lucky enough to have a mulberry tree nearby or you've just come home with a bowl full of fresh berries, this easy homemade mulberry sauce is one of the best ways to use them.

Made with just 3 simple ingredients in about 15 minutes, this sweet, jammy sauce is delicious spooned over pancakes, waffles, French toast, cheesecake, vanilla ice cream or yogurt. Whether you're making breakfast, dessert or an afternoon snack, it's an easy recipe that lets the naturally sweet flavor of fresh mulberries shine.

Every summer when our mulberry trees are loaded with ripe berries, this is one of the first recipes I make. It's my favorite way to let their naturally sweet flavor shine, and somehow a handful of fresh berries turns into something everyone gets excited about.

Made with fresh mulberries, sugar and cornstarch, this simple sauce cooks in minutes and is perfect for breakfast or dessert.

My favorite way to serve it is warm over pancakes, but honestly, it's just as good over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you love homemade fruit toppings, my Apple Topping is another favorite.

Spoonful of mulberry sauce hovering over saucepan.

Why I Love This Recipe

Every summer when our mulberry trees are loaded with ripe berries, this homemade mulberry sauce is one of the first things I make. It's almost impossible to believe something this simple can taste so good.

Warm, sweet and bursting with fresh mulberry flavor., it's the kind of recipe that makes you look for excuses to make another batch before mulberry season is over!

Here's why I think you'll love it, too:

Only 3 simple ingredients. Nothing fancy required.
Quick and easy. From fresh berries to homemade sauce in about 15 minutes.
The fresh mulberry flavor really shines. Just enough sugar to sweeten the berries without overpowering them.
It's delicious on just about everything. Spoon it over pancakes, waffles, French toast, cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal.
Perfect for making the most of mulberry season. If you're lucky enough to have access to fresh mulberries, this is one recipe you'll want to make every year.

If you've never cooked with fresh mulberries before, don't worry. They cook down much like blackberries, creating a naturally sweet sauce that's perfect for both breakfast and dessert.

Recipe Ingredients

Fresh mulberries – Fresh, ripe mulberries are the star of this recipe. Remove any stems, then rinse the berries well a couple of times to wash away dirt or tiny insects. Frozen mulberries work, too. Thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid before using.

Granulated sugar – This recipe lightly sweetens the berries while still letting their natural flavor shine. If your mulberries are especially tart, feel free to add another tablespoon or two of sugar to taste.

Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce into a glossy, spoonable consistency. If you'd like a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch slightly. For a thicker topping, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon mixed with a little cold water before stirring it into the saucepan.

How To Make Mulberry Sauce

Rinse the berries. Rinse the mulberries thoroughly, remove any stems and transfer them to a medium bowl.

Mulberries in a pan with granulated sugar sprinkled over the tops.

Sugar the berries. Sprinkle the sugar over the berries and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. This helps draw out their natural juices.

Mulberries in a saucepan after cooking down to a sauce.

Make the slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
Cook the sauce. Transfer the sugared berries to a medium saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Mulberry sauce in a glass bowl with a spoon inside.

Serve or store. Enjoy the sauce warm over pancakes, waffles, French toast, cheesecake or vanilla ice cream. Or let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating until ready to use.

Recipe Notes

Brighten the flavor (optional). Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice after removing the sauce from the heat. It adds a subtle brightness and helps preserve the vibrant color of the mulberries.
Add vanilla. A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet berries.
Adjust the consistency. If the sauce becomes thicker than you'd like after cooling, stir in a splash of water while gently reheating until it reaches your desired consistency.
Mulberries stain! Their deep purple juice can stain hands, clothing and countertops. Wear disposable gloves while handling the berries if you'd like to avoid purple fingers, and wipe up any spills as soon as possible.

Mulberry sauce is a simple fruit sauce made by cooking fresh mulberries with sugar until thick and spoonable.

Ways to Use Mulberry Sauce

This easy homemade mulberry sauce isn't just for pancakes! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Spoon it over pancakes, waffles or French toast for an easy breakfast upgrade.
Top cheesecake with a generous drizzle before serving.
Serve over vanilla ice cream for a quick summer dessert.
Swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of fresh berry flavor.
Use it as a filling for crepes or spoon it over blintzes.
Serve over pound cake, angel food cake or biscuits for an easy dessert.
Spread softened cream cheese on crackers and top with a spoonful of mulberry sauce for a sweet appetizer or snack.

Mulberry sauce on top of pancakes, sitting next to a bowl of the sauce.

How to Store Mulberry Sauce

Store cooled mulberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The sauce will thicken as it chills. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to thin it.

Can You Freeze Mulberries?

Absolutely! Freezing fresh mulberries is a great way to enjoy them long after they're out of season.

Spread the berries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour, or until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 4 months for the best flavor.

Frozen mulberries can be used straight from the freezer in smoothies, muffins, jams and this homemade mulberry sauce.

Mulberries vs. Blackberries

If you've never tasted a mulberry before, they're often compared to blackberries because of their similar appearance. While both are sweet berries, there are a few key differences.

Mulberries	Blackberries
Grow on trees	Grow on thorny bushes
Softer and juicier	Firmer texture
Mild, honey-like sweetness	Sweeter-tart flavor
Delicate and very perishable	Hold up better after picking

FAQs

How do you wash fresh mulberries?

Fresh mulberries are delicate, so wash them gently to avoid crushing the berries. Place them in a colander and rinse under cool running water, gently tossing them with your hands to remove any dirt, leaves or tiny insects. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels before using. Remove any stems as you go.

Do I need to remove the stems from mulberries?

It's a good idea to remove as many stems as possible before making the sauce. A few tiny stems won't hurt anything, but removing the larger ones creates a smoother, more enjoyable texture.

Can I use frozen mulberries?

Yes! Frozen mulberries work just as well as fresh. Thaw the berries first, drain off any excess liquid and proceed with the recipe as directed. Frozen berries are a great option if you stocked up during mulberry season.

Can I make mulberry sauce without cornstarch?

Yes. The cornstarch simply thickens the sauce. If you leave it out, you'll have a thinner sauce that's still delicious over pancakes, waffles or ice cream.

Are mulberries sweet or tart?

Most ripe mulberries are naturally very sweet with a mild, delicate berry flavor. If your berries are a little tart, simply add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar while cooking.

What does mulberry sauce taste like?

Mulberry sauce has a sweet, juicy berry flavor that's similar to blackberries but milder and less tart. It's rich, fruity and pairs well with breakfast foods and desserts alike.

How long does homemade mulberry sauce last?

Store cooled mulberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will thicken as it chills, so simply warm it gently and stir before serving.

Can I freeze mulberry sauce?

Yes! Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.

What can I serve with mulberry sauce?

Mulberry sauce is delicious spooned over pancakes, waffles, French toast, cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, pound cake and crepes. It's an easy way to add fresh berry flavor to both breakfast and dessert.

Can I make mulberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it's a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare the sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it. Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving, if desired.

More Mulberry Recipes

If your mulberry tree is producing more berries than you know what to do with, try one of these delicious recipes next:

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