This sweetly spiced and perfectly chunky homemade Pear Compote is the perfect way to add delicious fruity flavor to breakfast favorites, savory entrées, and decadent desserts. Made with just 10 ingredients in about 30 minutes, this simple fruit compote recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious!
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About This Recipe
When it comes to fall and winter flavors, there are few that I love as much as pears — especially when they’re warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and star anise and sweetened with maple syrup. This delightfully textured fruit compote is the amalgamation of all those cool-weather favorites in one tidy package.
Aside from being exceptionally tasty, this spiced pear compote recipe is also:
- Made With Only 10 Ingredients - I’d bet you already have at least half of what you need on hand in your pantry and spice cabinet for this delicious compote.
- Sweet & Wholesome - When you make your own homemade fruit preserves, you get full control over what goes into the pot. These tender pears are sweetened with just a touch of brown sugar and maple syrup; the rest of the sugars are naturally occurring in the fruit and fruit juices you’ll add.
- Versatile - Calvin and I have literally been using this pear compote for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! It’s equally delicious spooned over yogurt, oatmeal, pork chops, or cheesecake, just to name a few. Read on below for even more ideas on how to add big pear flavor to just about any meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
As promised, you only need 10 basic ingredients to make this delicious pear compote preserve. Here’s your list:
- Pears - Choose ripe, fresh pears that give slightly under a gentle squeeze. I prefer D’Anjou or Bosc varieties, but feel free to use whatever you prefer. If you choose a firm pear, know that it will likely take a bit longer to cook so that the pears fully soften.
- Orange - For a touch of brightness and acidity. I prefer the flavor of fresh orange juice, but you’re welcome to use about ½ cup of high-quality OJ from a carton. You can also use a tangerine, clementine, or blood orange if you prefer.
- Brown Sugar - For sweetness. Either light or dark brown sugar will work here. You’re also welcome to use less-processed sugars like muscovado, demerara, piloncillo, or jaggery.
- Maple Syrup - For sweet, fall-flavored vibes. You can also use maple sugar if you prefer! Agave syrup can also be used, but you may want to add about ¼ teaspoon of maple extract if you do.
- Apple Cider - For added sweetness and juicy flavor. Feel free to use either homemade or store-bought. You are welcome to use apple juice in a pinch!
- Cinnamon Stick & Ground Cinnamon - Doubling down on the warmth of cinnamon adds lots of dimension to this pear compote. Feel free to add an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon if you don’t have any cinnamon sticks on hand.
- Nutmeg - If possible, opt for freshly grated nutmeg. It’s far more pungent than the pre-ground kind, and it’ll last indefinitely in the spice cabinet.
- Star Anise - These gorgeous pods are vibrantly flavored and impart a touch of licorice complexity. You’re welcome to experiment with other warming spices like cardamom, clove, or ginger instead.
- Vanilla Extract - For richness. You can also use an equal amount of either vanilla paste or vanilla powder, or use half as much ground vanilla.
- Salt - To emphasize the flavors in your fruit preserves.
Equipment
Making this simple pear compote recipe is quite simple and requires just a few tools:
- Veggie Peeler - For removing the pear skins.
- Cutting Board & Knife - For coring and cubing the diced pears.
- Small Saucepan or Small Pot - Opt for one with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution and to prevent scorching.
- Silicone Spatula - To get all the goodness out of the pan when you’re through.
- Mason Jar - For storing your compote. Any clean, airtight container will work. Just make sure it’s freezer-safe if you decide on long-term storage.
- Potato Masher or Immersion Blender - These are totally optional, but are listed in case you prefer a smoother fruit spread. You can also use a regular blender or a food processor to process into a fruit sauce or smoother compote.
How To Make Pear Compote
If you’ve ever wondered how to make fruit compote, the answer is: easily! This snappy recipe for pear preserves comes together in just about 30 minutes. Here’s how:
Step 1: Add all ingredients into a small saucepan, stirring to combine.
Step 2: Simmer. Bring mixture to a boil in a medium saucepan, then reduce the heat to simmer the mixture on low heat. Stir the mixture often for about 20-30 minutes or until the pears have softened and a thick syrup coats them.
Step 3: Serve. Once your pears are tender, remove the cinnamon stick and enjoy.
Optional Step 4: Mash. If you prefer a smoother consistency to your compote, you are welcome to mash your pear compote with a potato masher or immersion blender.
Optional Variations
While I love this delightfully sweet and spicy pear compote just the way it is, there is always room for you to customize. Here are a few variations worth considering:
- Mix & Match Fruits - Consider adding extra fruit varieties to your compote for interest. Apple Pear Compote or Pear Cranberry Compote would both be lovely. You can also use dried fruits like raisins, currants, or sultanas to add a bit of texture and sweetness.
- Make It Boozy - Consider adding a splash of pear brandy or some bourbon to add a little extra oomph to your fruit preserves.
- Or Spicy - Add an extra hit of spicy warmth with about an inch of grated fresh ginger or a teaspoon of ground ginger.
Expert Tips
- The easiest way to peel a few pears is with a vegetable peeler. If you’re making a massive batch, you can make an “x” cut into the skin of the pears, then drop them into boiling water for about 30 seconds. When you remove them from the hot water, you should be able to peel the skins right off.
- Make sure to stir often! You don’t want the fruit to stick to the bottom of the pan and burn.
- Storage - Compote will keep well in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing - Pear compote can also be frozen for up to 6 months.
Serving Suggestions
Once you make a batch of this spiced pear compote, you’re going to want to put it on everything. Here are some of my personal favorite ways to use it:
- Spread on toast, pancakes, waffles, French toast or scones
- Dolloped over oatmeal, porridge, or yogurt
- Spooned over cheesecake or custards
- As an adornment to meat, particularly pork
- As a hostess gift, preferably with a loaf of homemade bread
Frequently Asked Questions
While the two types of fruit preserves are quite similar — they use many of the same ingredients and have similar instructions — the primary difference is that compotes are usually chunkier, whereas jams are puréed until spreadable.
The compote will continue to thicken as it cools. If you’d like it thicker still, feel free to continue to simmer it until more of the liquid evaporates. You can also mash or purée part of the batch to give the base more heft.
Either way! I suggest considering the meal to decide. For spooning on dairy products like cheesecake or yogurt, I usually keep it chilled. I prefer serving it hot next to pork tenderloin or when I’m adding it to oatmeal. For ice cream recipes, you can go either way!
More Sauces, Essentials & Preserves Recipes
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Spiced Pear Compote
Equipment
- Veggie Peeler
Ingredients
- 4 Pears, peeled, cored and cut into small ½ inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Apple Cider
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 Star Anise
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Juice of ½ an orange
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a small saucepan, stirring to combine.4 Pears, 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar, ¼ cup Apple Cider, 1 Cinnamon Stick, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, ½ teaspoon Nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt, 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup, 1 Star Anise, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, Juice of ½ an orange
- Bring to a boil then simmer the mixture low while stirring often for about 20-30 minutes or until the pears have softened and they are coated by a thick syrup. Make sure to stir often!
- Once your pears are tender, remove the cinnamon stick and enjoy.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency to your compote, you are welcome to mash your pear compote or add to a blender!
Notes
- The easiest way to peel a few pears is with a vegetable peeler. If you’re making a massive batch, you can make an “x” cut into the skin of the pears, then drop them into boiling water for about 30 seconds. When you remove them from the hot water, you should be able to peel the skins right off.
- Make sure to stir often! You don’t want the fruit to stick to the bottom of the pan and burn.
- Storage - Compote will keep well in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing - Pear compote can also be frozen for up to 6 months.
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