Are you looking for something sweet, simple, and versatile to jazz up your next meal? This homemade cherry compote is the answer! With just three ingredients, you can whip up a rich, fruity sauce that works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes.
What is a Compote?
If you’re new to compote, think of it as a fruit-forward sauce made whole fruit and sugar. It differs from jam or jelly due it’s thicker consistency, but is just as easy (if not easier) to make. Compote can be used in a variety of ways, and can be made with all sorts of different fruits. Today, we are going to make cherry compote and it’s utterly delicious
What You’ll Need for Cherry Compote
- Cherries
- Lemon juice
- Maple syrup (or your favorite sweetener)
For convenience, and to avoid pitting cherries, I like to use frozen cherries in this recipe. You can cook them straight from the freezer or thaw them first. To make the compote, just simmer the cherries with lemon juice and maple syrup for 15-20 minutes over low heat, mashing slightly as you go. The mixture will thicken into a luscious sauce.
Tip: If I use thawed cherries, I often give them a quick pulse in the food processor before cooking. This makes the compote smoother and stretches it further (especially when kids are scooping it by the spoonful!) And, depending on the sweetness of the cherries, you may not even need maple syrup.
How to Use Cherry Compote
This is where the fun begins! Homemade cherry compote is incredibly versatile:
- Spoon it warm over pork chops, chicken, or turkey
- Drizzle on pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or toast
- Swirl into yogurt, ice cream, or cheesecake
- Serve with goat cheese or brie for an easy appetizer
- Mix into homemade popsicles or parfaits
The possibilities are endless, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to keep a jar of cherry compote on hand at all times.
So grab those cherries and a saucepan – you’ll be amazed at how quickly this flavorful fruit sauce comes together.
Cherry Compote
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups frozen cherries thawed
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, bring the cherries, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a gentle simmer. Lightly mash periodically if desired.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until thickened into a sauce-like consistency.
- Serve immediately, or cool and store in an airtight jar. Will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days and 2-3 months in the freezer.
Jenny is a wife and stay at home mother of two. She loves good food, and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. When she’s not busy chasing kids, you can find her digging into a good book, enjoying the great outdoors, and trying not to kill her houseplants.
