Fruit Compote: A Sweet Classic for Every Season

• 10 Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Adopted from the Garden Juju Kitchen & Cookie & Kate

The more you make fruit compote the more ways you can find to enjoy it. This very simple and versatile sauce is the perfect way to use and preserve fresh seasonal fruits and rhubarb. There is always a batch in the fridge of the Garden Juju Kitchen ready to top for our home made granola breakfasts or bowls of ice cream and yogurt in the evening. This post we will share the base recipe for making fruit compote and 10 ways to use it in meals.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh or frozen fruit

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (Add more or less based on the type of fruit used and your preference)

• 1/4 - 1cup water

• Spices and flavoring - ideas below

• Dash of salt

Instructions

1. To prepare the fruit: If you’re using fresh rhubarb, apples, pears, strawberries or peaches, etc cut them into thin slices or small chunks. If you’re using small berries like blueberries or raspberries, you can use them whole. If you’re using frozen fruit, no need to defrost or slice them before using.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine your fruit of choice, sweetener of choice, water, spices and dash of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5 minutes for fresh fruit or 10 minutes for frozen fruit.

3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. If you’re using chunky fruit or prefer a smoother consistency, mash the fruit with a potato masher or emersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency. Continue simmering, stirring often, until the compote has condensed to about half of its original volume, about 5 minutes.

4. Remove the compote from the heat. I’m generally satisfied with my compote at this point, but if the compote isn’t sweet enough for your liking, you can stir in a more sweetener, to taste. If you’d like it to be more smooth, mash it some more.

5. Let the compote cool for a few minutes before serving. Allow leftover compote to cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 10 days.

Compote fruit options

You can use just one type of fruit or a combination of as many as you like

• Rhubarb

• Apples

• Pears

• Peaches

• Cherries

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Raspberries

• Blackberries

• Gooseberries

• Elderberries

• Currants

• Quince

• Cranberries

• Grapes

Optional extra flavoring ideas

This fruit compote is so good in its most basic form, truly. If you want to add some extra complexity, though, try any of the following. The list gets a little crazier as it goes on.

• Add 1/4teaspoon or more to taste of

  • Lemon zest or orange zest

  • Ground cinnamon

  • Ginger

  • Nutmeg

  • Allspice

  • Cardamon

  • Clove

• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon added after cooking)

• Balsamic vinegar (1 to 2 teaspoons added after cooking)

• Lemon juice or orange juice (1 to 2 tablespoons added after cooking)

• Fresh mint or basil leaves (add after cooking)

• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste, add after cooking)

It’s about the flavors you love

• Strawberry, Apple & Rhubarb with Vanilla & Ginger

• Blueberry & Apple with Cardamon

• Rhubarb & Red Currant with Cinnamon, Cardomin & Clove

• Raspberry & Apple with Vanilla & Lemon

• Gooseberry & Pear with Nutmeg & Vanilla

• See what’s in the Farm Stand and play with it!

10 Delicious Ways to Use Fruit Compote

If you’ve ever made a fruit compote—or been gifted a jar—you know it's a sweet little luxury. Juicy, syrupy, and full of flavor, a fruit compote is essentially fruit cooked down with sweetner, sometimes with spices or citrus for a little kick. But once you’ve made it, what do you do with it?

Spoiler: You don’t need to let it sit in your fridge until it becomes a science experiment. Fruit compote is incredibly versatile, and here are 10 delicious ways to use it:

1. Top Your Morning Pancakes or Waffles

Forget store-bought syrup. Warm up your compote and pour it over pancakes or waffles. Add a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt for extra indulgence.

2. Stir It Into Yogurt, Granola or Oatmeal

A scoop of fruit compote can transform plain yogurt, granola or oatmeal into something special. Bonus: It’s a great way to add natural sweetness without refined sugar.

3. Use It as a Cake or Cheesecake Topping

Vanilla cheesecake? Sponge cake? A layer of rich compote on top (or in between layers) adds a fresh, fruity punch that balances out the richness.

4. Layer It in Parfaits

Add layers of granola, yogurt, and fruit compote in a glass for a pretty and satisfying breakfast or dessert. Great for entertaining or just treating yourself.

5. Spoon It Over Ice Cream

This is a classic. Warm compote + cold vanilla ice cream = instant fancy dessert. Try it with berry, cherry, or stone fruit compotes for the best results.

6. Spread It on Toast or Scones

Think of compote like a chunky jam. It’s perfect on toast, biscuits, or scones with a smear of butter or cream cheese.

7. Mix It Into Cocktails or Mocktails

A spoonful of compote can be muddled into a cocktail shaker with gin, vodka, or even sparkling water and lemon for a fruity twist on your favorite drink.

8. Serve It With Roast Meats

Fruit and meat are a classic combo—think pork with apple or duck with cherry. A slightly savory fruit compote can be a fantastic sauce for pork chops, roast chicken, or turkey.

9. Bake It Into Muffins or Quick Breads

Swirl compote into muffin or quick bread batter before baking. It adds both flavor and moisture—and looks beautiful too.

10. Use It as a Filling for Crepes or Pastries

Spoon compote into crepes or puff pastry before baking. Dust with powdered sugar and you’ve got a simple but elegant dessert.

Final Thoughts

Fruit compote might be humble, but it’s a kitchen hero in disguise. Whether you're using up overripe fruit or jazzing up a dish, it brings both flavor and flexibility. So go ahead—make a batch, keep it in your fridge, and enjoy it a many different ways.