Whipping up this delicious mixed fruit compote feels like crafting a decadent hug for my taste buds, blending the vibrant flavors of berries, apples, and peaches enhanced by a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether spooned over pancakes or enjoyed solo, it transforms any dish into a comforting feast that’s perfect for enjoying on a cozy weekend morning or as a delightful evening treat.
I love making a fresh fruit compote that is packed with flavor and nutrients. When I combine mixed berries with diced apples and peaches, I get an explosion of taste and colors that critics would call a “dissonance of flavors” in any other context.
These three fruits are perfect companions: the sweet, tart berries; the crisp, slightly sour apples; and the succulent peaches—all of them wreathed in the honeyed, orangey note that is the compote’s signature scent.
Fresh Fruit Compote Recipe Ingredients
- Mixed Berries: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, add natural sweetness.
- Diced Apples: High in fiber and vitamin C, contribute natural sweetness and crunch.
- Diced Peaches: Rich in vitamins A and C, offer juicy sweetness and subtle tartness.
- Orange Juice: Provides vitamin C and adds a refreshing citrusy note.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that enhance flavor and add richness.
- Lemon Juice: Offers a tangy balance and boosts vitamin C content.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Fresh Fruit Compote Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups of mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup of diced apples
- 1 cup of diced peaches
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
How to Make this Fresh Fruit Compote Recipe
1. The mixed berries should be rinsed and patted dry before being set aside.
2. In a big pan, put in the diced apples and peaches.
3. Combine the orange juice with the apples and peaches in the saucepan.
4. Mix in the honey or maple syrup, the lemon juice, and the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Sow the ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the fruit mixture.
6. Put the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a slow boil.
7. Lower the heat to low and allow the fruit to gently cook, stirring now and then, for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the apples and peaches have softened.
8. Place the assorted berries in the saucepan. Stir gently to incorporate the berries into the simmering compote.
9. Prepare for 5 minutes more, merely until the berries are warmed all the way through and a shade of soft.
10. Remove the heat from the saucepan and allow the compote to cool slightly before serving or placing in an airtight container for future use.
Fresh Fruit Compote Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Colander
2. Paper towels or clean kitchen towel
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Large pan or saucepan
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
FAQ
- Can I use frozen fruits for this compote?You can use frozen fruit in place of fresh fruit in any recipe. Just remember to thaw the fruit before cooking with it.
- How long will the fruit compote last?Kept in the refrigerator, in a container that is airtight, it will last as long as one week.
- Is there a substitute for orange juice?Apple juice or any other preferred fruit juice can be used as a substitute.
- How do I make the compote thicker?Simmering for a longer period allows more liquid to evaporate. A cornstarch slurry will thicken the sauce if you’d like it to be thicker.
- Can I use a different sweetener?You can substitute agave syrup or granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup.
- What can I serve with fruit compote?It goes nicely with pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or even as something to top ice cream.
- Can I make the compote ahead of time?Certainly! Preparing it a day in advance can deepen the flavors, and it can be warmed up gently before serving.
Fresh Fruit Compote Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Berries mixed: Use equal parts of other berries such as blackberries or cherries.
Chopped apples: Substitute pears or firm mangoes for a unique flavor.
Peaches, diced: Substitute with plums or apricots.
Pineapple juice or apple juice can be used as a substitute for orange juice.
Replace honey or maple syrup with:
– Agave nectar
– Brown sugar
Pro Tips
1. For enhanced flavor, consider roasting the diced apples and peaches in the oven with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon before adding them to the saucepan. This will caramelize the fruits and add depth to the compote.
2. To prevent the berries from becoming too mushy, add them to the saucepan just a couple of minutes before turning off the heat. This will keep their shape intact while still extracting their juices.
3. If you prefer a thicker compote, dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the compote during the final few minutes of cooking, simmering until the desired consistency is achieved.
4. For added texture and a nutty flavor, consider folding in a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, after the compote has cooled slightly.
5. To enhance the freshness, add some finely chopped fresh mint or basil just before serving. This will complement the flavors and add a pop of color.
Fresh Fruit Compote Recipe
My favorite Fresh Fruit Compote Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Colander
2. Paper towels or clean kitchen towel
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Large pan or saucepan
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup of diced apples
- 1 cup of diced peaches
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. The mixed berries should be rinsed and patted dry before being set aside.
2. In a big pan, put in the diced apples and peaches.
3. Combine the orange juice with the apples and peaches in the saucepan.
4. Mix in the honey or maple syrup, the lemon juice, and the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Sow the ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the fruit mixture.
6. Put the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a slow boil.
7. Lower the heat to low and allow the fruit to gently cook, stirring now and then, for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the apples and peaches have softened.
8. Place the assorted berries in the saucepan. Stir gently to incorporate the berries into the simmering compote.
9. Prepare for 5 minutes more, merely until the berries are warmed all the way through and a shade of soft.
10. Remove the heat from the saucepan and allow the compote to cool slightly before serving or placing in an airtight container for future use.