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The late spring is when our black raspberry canes start putting out dark, sweet berries. And while we love to eat them fresh, making this easy raspberry sauce, which can be done with any color raspberries, is a fun way to extend the harvest. 

Using simple ingredients, you can make this easy recipe for delicious raspberry sauce. Whip up this gluten-free, no cornstarch dessert sauce in less than 15 minutes and add it to your favorite desserts or just a bowl of ice cream!

Using Fresh Raspberries

Let's face it, raspberries aren't known for their longevity, even when stored in the fridge. When I buy them from the grocery store, I literally open the package to inspect them because they're so prone to mold. 

Using up the fresh raspberries you have on hand will keep you from being disappointed, because they don't last long. There's definitely the option of freezing raspberries to keep them from going bad (learn how to freeze raspberries here), and this recipe can easily be made with frozen raspberries. 

Interested in learning how to grow raspberries in your own backyard (or side yard or front yard) then check out my article on How to Grow Raspberries at Home.

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Raspberry Sauce Ingredients

I prefer to make sauces without the use of cornstarch, so you'll find in this recipe that I call for arrowroot powder, which is a fantastic substitute. I don't have any big issues with cornstarch, only that corn is literally in everything and I prefer the arrowroot. If you don't have arrowroot powder, cornstarch can be substituted.

• 2 cups fresh (or frozen) raspberries, any color
• ½ cup water (for a thick raspberry sauce that could be use as a cake filling, reduce the amount of water)
• ½ cup sugar (or equivalent sweetener of choice)
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (plus 1-2 tablespoons of water for mixing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (learn how to make your own vanilla extract!)

How to Make Fresh Raspberry Sauce

1. Begin by washing raspberries to remove any dirt or leaf matter. Check for any berries that are molding or beyond the ripe stage.
2. Place berries in a medium sized pot and add water and sugar. Use a masher to break up berries and mix in with the water and the sugar. 

3. Move pot to stove and set to medium heat. Bring raspberry mixture up to a low boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring with a rubber spatula occasionally. Remove from heat.

4. Optional Step: If you don't like raspberry seeds or simply want a very smooth sauce, use a fine mesh sieve or fine mesh strainer to press the sauce through. 
5. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. In a small ramekin, mix arrowroot powder and 1-2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Pour slurry into pot with berry sauce. Stir well.

7. Pour fresh raspberry sauce into a clean glass jar and let cool. Once cooled, store in the fridge for several weeks.

How to Store Raspberry Sauce

Not sure what to do with your extra raspberry sauce? Here are some easy ways to store it for use later:

• Place in an airtight container in the fridge. I personally like to use a mason jar with one of these plastic lids. They are perfect for being able to use those jars for general storing purposes. 
• Use a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer until ready to use. This is perfect if you know you'll need raspberry sauce later but have fresh berries now. 

Raspberry Sauce Substitutions

Consider these substitutions when making this easy raspberry sauce recipe:

• Swap out blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries for all or part of the raspberries (strawberries may need to be cooked a bit longer)
• Reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer.
• Use a stevia-based sweetener instead of sugar
• Use glucommanon as a sub for the arrowroot (only try this if you're familiar with this product)
• Don't have arrowroot? You could substitute cornstarch, or simply cook your sauce down longer to thicken it!

Uses for fresh fruit sauces

There are many ways to use this fresh raspberry sauce and other fruit sauces, and it's not just dessert!

• Use as a perfect topping for vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or angel food cake. Chocolate cake is also delicious with a bit of raspberry sauce.
• Top yogurt with sauce and add some granola. 
• Spread on pancakes or french toast in lieu of syrup.
• Top fresh homemade scones with raspberry sauce (and include clotted cream for an extra special treat).
• Give as a gift to friends and neighbors.

I hope you'll give this fresh raspberry sauce recipe made without cornstarch a try! It's a great way to use up fresh berries without getting very complicated.