Olive Garden Raspberry Sauce
This Olive Garden Raspberry Sauce recipe is a sweet and tangy creation that perfectly captures the vibrant flavor of the restaurant’s signature sauce. Ideal for drizzling over desserts like cheesecake, pancakes, or ice cream, or even glazing meats for a sweet-savory twist, this homemade sauce is quick and easy to prepare. Made with fresh or frozen raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a thickening agent like cornstarch, this sauce adds a delicious burst of fruity flavor to any dish!
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 fine mesh sieve (optional for straining)
- 1 Spoon (for stirring)
- 1 Airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Optional:
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Prepare the Raspberries:
- If using fresh raspberries, rinse them under cold water and pat dry. If using frozen, thaw them slightly before use.
Cook the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat, allowing the raspberries to break down and release their juices. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to form a slurry. Slowly pour it into the raspberry mixture while stirring continuously. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Strain (Optional):
- For a smooth, seedless sauce, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract all the juice.
Cool and Store:
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness: If your raspberries are tart, feel free to add more sugar or honey to balance the flavor.
- Consistency: For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch; for a thinner sauce, add more water or fruit juice.
- Freezing: This sauce freezes very well in small portions. Simply store in ice cube trays and pop out individual servings when needed.
- Additional flavorings: For a richer taste, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest for extra brightness.