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Fruit compote deserves a better name, because I don’t think the current one is doing it justice. This easy fruit topping requires very little effort, but instantly elevates everything it touches.
Making overnight oats? Add fruit compote, and it will taste like it came from a 5-star restaurant. Serving ice cream? Spoon some fruit compote over the top, and again, you’ll look like the best chef in the world. Just baked some pork chops? Don’t forget the compote.
Every time you make fruit compote, your meals will take a step up.
But it’s also incredibly easy to make! If you’ve ever tried my chia seed jam, making compote is quite similar. My version is simmered in maple syrup, so it’s refined-sugar-free, yet just as delicious as the traditional version.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review
“I made this with peaches, and absolutely love it! I’ve been making plain overnight oats and adding the peach compote as the sweetener/flavor, and it is fantastic.” – Teresa
Fruit Compote Ingredients
- Fresh or Frozen Fruit. You’ll need approximately one pound of fruit to get started, and you can use fresh fruit if you need to use it up, or start with a bag of frozen fruit to save yourself some prep work. There’s no chopping or peeling required when you start with frozen.
- Maple Syrup. Just a little bit of this natural sweetener will bring out the fruit’s natural flavors. You can use honey as a swap if you prefer.
- Lemon Juice. This is added to boost the overall flavor. If your fruit compote tastes bland, it likely needs a little acid!
How to Make Compote
Step 1:
If using fresh fruit, slice it into 1-inch chunks so it cooks down faster. There’s no need to peel fruit like peaches unless you want to, but be sure to remove any seeds or pits.
When using frozen fruit, the prep work is already done for you! Just open the bag of frozen fruit and pour it into the pot.
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Step 2:
Place the fruit in a medium saucepan, and add in the maple syrup and lemon juice, if using. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, and stir often. It will take roughly 4 to 5 minutes for the juices to start releasing from the fruit, and then you’ll see more liquid bubbling in the pot.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and continue stirring the mixture, breaking up the fruit as you go. It will start to break down as it softens, becoming more jam-like.
Note: It typically takes berries, such as strawberries or blackberries, about 10 minutes to fully break down. More firm fruit, like peaches, may need 15 minutes of cooking to soften.
Serving Tips
Remove the pan from the heat, and let the fruit compote cool for at least 10 minutes. This will let the sauce thicken up slightly. Feel free to adjust any flavoring to taste, adding a little more maple syrup if a sweeter flavor is desired.
Serve the compote over vanilla ice cream for delicious sundaes, or serve it over pancakes for an impressive brunch!
Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them a perfect topping for meal-prep breakfasts, like overnight oats or chia pudding.
Fruit Compote Recipe (Fresh or Frozen Fruit!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound fruit (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the fruit into small pieces, about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. The smaller you cut the fruit, the faster it will cook. There's no need to peel fruits like peaches or apples, unless you prefer to, but do make sure to remove any pits or large seeds. When using frozen fruit, it should already be cut and peeled for you, so you can skip this step!
- Place the fruit in a saucepan over medium-high heat, and add in the maple syrup and lemon juice, if using. (The juice isn't necessary for tart fruit, like raspberries.) Bring the liquid to a boil, which will take about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir often so the fruit doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the juices are boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir often, until the fruit starts to soften and break down. This takes about 5 more minutes of cooking for berries, and it can take up to 10 more minutes of cooking for peaches or apples. Use a spatula or spoon to press on the fruit and break it up as you stir.
- When the fruit has softened, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. It will thicken up slightly as it cools. Serve warm over chocolate cake, cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, and more. Leftover compote can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It's a great topping for overnight oats or chia pudding, if you'd like to meal prep ahead of time, too.
Notes
Nutrition
More Recipes to Try
If you try this fruit compote recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below, letting me know how you like it!
I made this with peaches, and absolutely love it! So far, my family and I have tried it on pancakes and overnight oats. For the latter, I’ve just been making plain overnight oats and adding the peach compote as the sweetener/flavor, and it is fantastic. Thank you, Megan!
Is there an Instant Pot version? 🙂