Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (2024)

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Pear compote is simple to make and can bring any meal to the next level! Add this to your regular recipe rotation!Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (1)

Have some ripe pears you need to use? This pear compote is a simple and delicious way to use pears when they’re in season. It’s so versatile and can be a part of your dinner or dessert!

What is a Compote?Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (2)

A compote is a fruit dish that can be served as either a side, topping, or dessert. It typically consists of whole or cut up fruit, sugar or sweetener, water or juice(depending on the fruit used), and spices.

The main difference between compote and jam is spreadability. Compote can be blended or left with a chunkier texture, but it’s typically not spreadable like jam. While compotes are typically sweetened, they often use much less sweetener than a jam would.\

Recipe Ingredients–What You Need

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (3)

This easy recipe is made with simple ingredients that are easy to find.

5 ripe pears

Pears are a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. They’re also a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as copper and potassium. Using ripe pears in this recipe will result in a sweeter compote that cooks more quickly and doesn’t need any water. If your fresh pears aren’t ripe, allow them to ripen on your counter for a few days before making this recipe.

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Brown sugar is often used to sweeten fruit compote recipes, but I opted to sweeten this without any refined sugar. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that’s lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar, meaning it won’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike quite as quickly. (It’s still sugar, of course, and should be eaten in moderation.) It’s also a good source of antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that’s rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. It also gives a warm, distinctive flavor to this pear compote recipe.

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Ginger is another spice with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been shown to be helpful in alleviating nausea and indigestion. The warming addition of ginger pairs perfectly with pear and I love the flavor it adds to this recipe!

1/4 teaspoon salt

Salt brings out the flavor of the pears.

1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Nutmeg adds more warm, spicy flavor to the compote. If you don’t have fresh nutmeg, use a dash of ground nutmeg.

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps boost the immune system. It also adds a bright, fresh flavor to this compote recipe.

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Lemon zest is a good source of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The zest also adds to the citrus flavor of this recipe.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is a good source of vanillin, which is an antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. It also gives a lovely flavor to this recipe.

Recipe Instructions: How to Make Pear Compote

Step 1Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (4)

Use a pairing knife to peel and cut your pear into small cubes.

Step 2Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (5)

Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low heat and allow to simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the pears have softened and the liquid reduces and thickens to a syrup.Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (6)

Cooking time will vary based on how ripe your pears are to begin with.

Step 3

Allow your pear compote to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. Serve warm or at room temperature. The compote can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. See notes below for all the different ways you can use this delicious pear compote!

Recipe VariationsPear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (7)

  • I love the chunky texture, but if you prefer a smoother compote, you can use an immersion blender to blend it, or transfer it to a regular blender or food processor and pulse it until it’s your desired texture.
  • For an apple-pear compote recipe, combine equal parts diced pears with diced apples and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
  • For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste in place of the pure vanilla extract.

How to Use Pear Compote

There are endless uses for your delicious compote. Here are some ideas to get you started!

  • For an easy dessert, serve it on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • This pear compote is great with breakfast! Serve it on top of waffles, French toast, or these Healthy Pancakes!
  • Pear compote is the perfect accompaniment for a number of dinner proteins. Serve it with pork chops, a mild white fish, or these Baked Bone-In Chicken Breasts.

If you make this pear compote recipe or any of my other healthy recipes,please let me know! I’d love to see a photo–share it onInstagramand I’ll feature you. Please leave a comment and star rating below. It really helps other readers know which recipes are tried and true!

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Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (8)

Pear Compote

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4.8 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Maryea Flaherty of Happy Healthy Mama
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Pear Compote is a simple side dish or topping that is made with fresh, ripe pears and warming spices.

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 5 ripe pears
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Use a pairing knife to peel and cut your pear into small cubes.
  2. Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low heat and allow to simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the pears have softened and the liquid reduces and thickens to a syrup. Cooking time will vary based on how ripe your pears are to begin with.
  3. Allow your pear compote to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. The compote can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: recipes
  • Method: stove top
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 88
  • Sugar: 16.6 grams
  • Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 22 grams
  • Fiber: 2.9 grams
  • Protein: 0.4 grams
Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade fruit compote last? ›

Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To keep compotes for longer, freeze, in batches, in plastic containers so you can defrost only as much as you need. Spices Oriental flavours such as star anise, ginger and cardamom are fantastic for fruit with a rich flavour, such as plums and berries.

What is the purpose of a compote? ›

Compotes are all-purpose serving dishes. These usually footed bowls -- with or without lids or covers -- held special desserts, fruits, candies or sauces, jellies and other foods. Blown or pressed glass compotes provided a culinary presentation method suitable to 19th-century middle-class households.

How long does it take for compote to thicken? ›

Combine fruit, sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Optional: Add cornstarch mixture to saucepan. Continue to boil until the berries break down and the compote has thickened to desired consistency, or about 2 to 3 minutes.

What do you use a compote for? ›

I love to serve compote over crêpes, french toast or a fresh baked baguette. Compote served warm over ice cream is a true delight. Compote is also delicious over yogurt or granola for a quick mid-week breakfast. I also greatly recommend serving a savory apple compote with duck breast magret or pork tenderloin.

How do you thicken a compote? ›

Whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the compote after it has broken down and simmer 1-2 minutes, or until thickened to your desired texture.

Is compote just jam? ›

Jam is made from crushed or chopped fruit and sugar, and has a chunky texture. Jelly is made from fruit juice and sugar, and has a smooth, translucent texture. Compote is made from whole or large pieces of fruit that are cooked in a syrup made from sugar and water. It has a thicker texture than jelly.

What is a fun fact about fruit compote? ›

The dish was originally served by itself in 17th century France as a dessert item. Interestingly enough, the dessert was originally created for its supposed health benefits. The idea was that this dessert, or fruits cooked in any syrup, balanced out the effects of humidity in the body.

What is a coulis vs compote? ›

Key Differences

Coulis can be made by pureeing fruits or vegetables, whereas compote is prepared by cooking down fruits until soft. Coulis is basically a fruit in pureed form, but compote has additional ingredients like spices and dried fruits, which lend a complex flavor.

Is compote better than jam? ›

Compote and jam are relatively similar and you can substitute one for another with certain considerations. Compote is less spreadable. Most jam has a fairly uniform consistency, which makes it easy to spread. Compote, which may feature whole pieces of fruit, can be a bit harder to evenly spread.

Is fruit compote good for you? ›

Compotes are very useful for health, because they contain different vitamins, pectin, minerals and fruit sugar – fructose. The health benefit of compotes is decided by the components of the drink. Apricot compotes are useful for the people who have problems in circulatory system, kidneys and liver.

Will my compote thicken as it cools? ›

The compote will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

When should you eat compote? ›

Compote is fresh, saucy and sweet, and ready in as little as 15 minutes. You can make compote ahead of time and warm it up or throw it onto the stove after dinner. Serve it on ice cream for dessert, yogurt or toast the next morning, or anything else that could use some fruity flavor. You really can't go wrong.

What is a vintage compote? ›

The easiest way to describe a compote is a dish, bowl or vessel that is on a pedestal or some kind of footed stand. They can be used for a candy dish, a centerpiece, to hold a collection. Simply put, they can be used in lieu of a standard bowl where you want to add visual interest and height!

What is an antique compote? ›

Antique glassware that features a bowl-shaped container on a pedestal with/or without a lid.

Should compote be served warm or cold? ›

Compotes are delicious served all by themselves as a dessert at the end of a meal. They are usually served warm but are sometimes chilled. They can also be used as the star ingredient in other dishes.

How long will homemade compote last in the fridge? ›

Compote is not as thick as jam or jelly, and it's meant to be consumed relatively soon after making (it will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator). It's not designed to be canned or preserved for the months or years ahead.

How long does homemade fruit sauce last in the fridge? ›

Homemade sauce is worlds better than anything you can buy from the store and comes together in just a few minutes. You can make the berry sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge so it's ready to go anytime you need it. This sauce will keep well in the fridge for up to a couple of weeks.

How long does prepared fruit last in fridge? ›

Most fruits will last about five days after being sliced (some vegetables a few days longer) as long as you follow a few rules: store them in an airtight container and always refrigerate cut produce. Fruits like apples, pears, bananas and avocados are not the best candidates for slicing ahead of time since they brown ...

How long does it take for fresh fruit to spoil? ›

Recommended fruit storage times in the fridge:
Apples3-4 weeks
Raspberries2-3 days
Rhubarb5-7 days
Strawberries3-5 days
Watermelon2 weeks
20 more rows
Jun 10, 2020

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