This scrumptious and versatile fruit compote is super easy to make and great for all ages. Try swirling it into your morning oatmeal, using it as a delicious pancake topping or adding it to baked goods.
Fruit compote is made by cooking whole or pieces of fruit (fresh or frozen) in sugar syrup. Often different ingredients are added such as spices, citrus peel or dried fruit. The end result is a deliciously textured fruit sauce.
As this is a baby / toddler-friendly food site this version of fruit compote uses orange juice to replace sugar syrup. Cinnamon, ginger and orange zest are added for extra flavour.
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Reasons to love this recipe...
- Nutritious: Orange juice and cinnamon are used instead of sugar in this healthier compote, meaning the whole family can enjoy it. Orange zest also helps to elevate the flavours of the other berries.
- Easy: Ready in under 15 mins and if using frozen fruit there is no prep work needed.
- Versatile: Serve as a pancake topper, swirl into yogurt/oatmeal, use as a dip, spread or add to baked goods.
- Make ahead: Make a big batch and freeze in portions so you always have some available.
What Fruit Can You Use?
The great thing about compote is that it doesn't have to be limited to berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries). The recipe can be adapted to suit whatever fruit is in season. You can use fresh fruit, frozen fruit and even add dried fruit into the mix. Other fruits that you may also want to try include...
- Peaches
- Pears
- Mango
- Nectarine
- Plums
- Apple
Fresh or Frozen?
I tend to use frozen fruit as it doesn't require any prep work. It can be added to the pan frozen and produces the perfect texture when warmed up.
Of course, if you have a surplus of fresh fruit you can use that too.
How to Make Fruit Compote
It doesn't really get much easier than this compote recipe.
- Add all ingredients to a pan
- Bring to a boil
- Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 10 -12 mins. Stir and mash fruit during this time.
How to Thicken Compote
If you prefer a thicker compote then you can add some chia seeds or corn starch.
- CHIA SEEDS - Once the compote has been simmering for 10 mins, remove it from the stovetop and add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Stir and allow to thicken
- CORN STARCH - Dissolve 1 tablespoon of corn starch in 1.5 tablespoons of cold water. Add it to the compote as it is simmering.
Optional Flavour Ideas
Once you have the hang of making compote (not difficult) you can experiment with a range of flavours. Why not try adding
- SPICES: Cinnamon, Ginger, Star Anise, Cardamom, Vanilla
- CITRUS: Lemon/lime/orange juice, zest or rind.
- DRIED FRUIT: Intensify flavour and sweetness with some dried fruit e.g apricots, raisins, figs.
- FLAVOURED WATER /JUICE: Rosewater (a personal favourite), Orange Blossom Water or frut juices such as cranberry or pomegranate.
- HERBS: Mint, Basil, Rosemary (add after cooking)
Serving Suggestions
Compote can be served warm, straight after cooking, or chilled. It is delicious by the spoonful but you can enjoy it in a variety of ways.
- Stir through some yoghurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese or ice-cream
- Top pancakes, waffles, french toast or chia pudding
- Use in baking and desserts
- Use as a dip
- Use as a spread on toast
- Added to cheese platters
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: You can store this fruit compote in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to two days.
- Freeze: Transfer compote to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Alternatively, you can freeze the compote in ice cube trays and once frozen transfer the cubes to a ziplock bag and freeze for up to two months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fruit compote is great for babies 6 months plus. Mash the fruit to the consistency your baby is used to and serve with yoghurt or swirled in their oatmeal.
A coulis is made from fruit that is pureed and then strained, it is very smooth. Compote is made from whole fruit or chunks of fruit to produce a chunky sauce.
You can serve compote hot or cold, both ways are delicious!
More Fruit Spreads and Purees
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Fruit Compote
Ingredients
- 430g (3 cups) Mixed Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries etc)
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Orange Juice
- Zest of half an orange
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- teaspoon Ground Ginger
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally
- Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 mins, stirring occasionally. Mash fruit as it simmers, to desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator.
Jan
Hi, my wife is telling me that sweets aren’t good for toddlers. I’m used to making a strawberry compote with very similar ingredients to yours - I just add a tablespoon of stevia (for 750 g of fruit). Is it good for a two-year old toddler to add two tea spoons of this compote into a Greek yoghurt- as a desert after dinner? Thanks!
Amy
Hi Jan, this compote is just fruit and spices and delicious mixed through yogurt. I think it would be a lovely dessert 🙂
Rose Mosk
I made a compote of blueberries and peaches - they were frozen and all I had, Adding the bit of cinnamon and ginger gave it just the right “bite” and poured warm over my angel food cake was sheer bliss!
Amy
Sounds delicious 🙂
Alisha
I make this all the time, it is lovely in chia pudding
Cassie
Same.