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    Home » Recipes » Syrups, Sauces & Essentials

    Strawberry Compote Recipe

    Published: May 15, 2023 · Modified: Sep 26, 2023 by Emily Laurae · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Sweet, tart, and bursting with berry goodness, this slightly chunky Strawberry Compote is the simple recipe you need. Fresh strawberries are flavored with lemon juice, sugar and vanilla extract make a sweet topping for cakes, pancakes or ice cream.

    Container of strawberry compote in a glass jar on. a counter.
    Jump to:
    • ⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 
    • 🍴Ingredients
    • ⏲️ Substitutions & Variations
    • 📖 Step by Step Instructions
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • More Syrups, Sauces and Essentials Recipes 
    • How to Make Strawberry Compote
    • 💬 Comments

    ⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

    I’m not sure if you know this about me, but fruit-based condiments are my JAM. I have tons of recipes for purées, curds, strawberry jams, raspberry sauces, berry simple syrups, and compotes on the blog already, and you can definitely expect more out of me in the future. After all, who doesn’t love the pure, colorful, flavorful goodness of fruit?!? 

    Aside from being my newest addition to the berry lovers’ arsenal, this gorgeous ruby easy strawberry compote recipe is also:

    • Quick & Easy - You only need 1 pan and about 10 minutes of active time to make it.
    • Made With Only a few Ingredients - A short ingredient list makes things simple, but also lets the star ingredient shine through magnificently.
    • Super Versatile - Whether you use this strawberry compote for delicious topping on an angel food cake, cake, ice cream, pavlovas, oatmeal, yogurt, breakfast parfaits, or pancakes, one thing remains the same: you’re going to love it.
    • Allergen-Friendly - Unless strawberries are the allergy, this naturally gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan, and soy-free recipe is perfectly safe for sharing - the perfect simple strawberry sauce for your favorite desserts.
    • Budget-Friendly - Store-bought fruit preserves are often very expensive ($3+ for a tiny jar) and filled with strange preservatives and artificial ingredients. This simple homemade recipe will yield you a nice big jar of entirely natural fruity goodness, so your body and your budget will both be happy.

    🍴Ingredients

    Ingredients for making strawberry compote on the counter - strawberries, lemon, sugar and vanilla extract.

    As promised, you only need a few simple ingredients from the grocery store to make this easy recipe for delicious strawberry compote:

    • Strawberries - Either fresh or frozen berries will work beautifully here. You are also welcome to swap in the berry variety of your choice (e.g. blueberries, blackberries, black ripe strawberries, boysenberries) or use a mix. Have extra strawberries on hand? Make strawberry juice, strawberry coulis, strawberry vodka or strawberry compote!
    • Granulated Sugar - Plain white sugar has a neutral flavor, which allows the full flavor of the strawberries to shine through. Feel free to swap in organic cane sugar if you prefer.
    • Lemon Juice - Using the juice of about ½ of a fresh lemon will add extra brightness to the taste of your compote, plus it’ll help to preserve the gorgeous red color. You’re also welcome to use lime juice if you prefer a slightly more tropical flavor profile.
    • Water - If you want to cut down on the added sugar, feel free to swap in fruit juice (e.g. cherry or grape) instead.

    See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    ⏲️ Substitutions & Variations

    As much as I love the pure, bright simplicity of this easy fruit compote, you can easily put your own stamp on it. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

    • Swap in different ripe berries, or use a mixture of your favorite pieces of fruit - the perfect way to make your idea compote!
    • Add other fruits like chopped peaches or pineapples. You could also add orange juice or lemon extract for an extra kick! Mix and match to your heart’s content.
    • Add aromatics like a vanilla pod, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick to give it extra flavor.
    • Smooth Sauce - Strain out the strawberry seeds is a great way to have a smooth, thick strawberry sauce and seedless, smoother compote.

    📖 Step by Step Instructions

    This tasty compote recipe comes together in a few easy steps. Here’s how:

    Strawberries, sugar and water in a saucepan.

    Step 1: Combine strawberries in a medium saucepan with granulated sugar and water over medium heat, while pressing gently to break them down with a spatula.

    Simmering strawberries in a saucepan on the stove.

    Step 2: Simmer. Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil on the stove on medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 15 minutes. 

    Strawberry compote simmering on the stove, nearly completed.

    Step 3: Test the Reduction. Chill a small plate in the freezer for about 15 minutes, then place a spoonful of warm compote on the plate. If your compote has reduced to your liking on the cold plate you’re finished cooking! If not, you’ll need to continue cooking a bit longer.

    Compote in a glass jar, cooling on the counter.

    Step 4: Add Lemon & Store. Remove from the heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, and allow the chunky sauce to cool. Store in an airtight container and use as you please!

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

    • Don’t overcook the berries. Heat can help berries break down, releasing all their tasty juices. That said, overcooking can lead to the fresh strawberries breaking down entirely (like they would in a purée), which would prohibit the slight chunkiness we’re after and degrade the flavor of the fruit.
    • Wait to add the lemon juice. For the best result, you want all the active compounds to remain intact to keep your compote looking nice and vibrant.
    • Don’t bother defrosting. If you’re making a frozen berry compote, save yourself some time by dumping the frozen strawberries directly into your saucepan.
    Finished strawberry compote on the counter with fresh strawberries.

    🍽️ Serving Suggestions

    Once made, this delectably fruit-forward berry compote can be used in dozens of different ways. Here are some of my favorite ways to use this perfect sauce:

    • Using strawberry compote for cheesecake or cake garnish is as simple as swirling a bit on the dessert plate underneath, or spooning it over the top of your favorites as a strawberry topping. 
    • Try drizzling some as a topping on top of ice cream like chocolate or passion fruit ice cream.
    • Swirl it into a “fool” or layer it into a “mess” using sweetened whipped cream and meringues. You can also use it as a topping on pavlovas (large-format meringues), preferably with chantilly cream and extra fresh berries.
    • Add some to your morning smoothies or chia pudding for extra sweet-tart pizazz.
    • Drizzle some on your oatmeal, porridge, pancakes, french toast, waffles, or other sweet breakfast favorites with a touch of peanut butter, maple syrup or lemon zest as a perfect topping. 
    • Use it on cheese plates or add it to grilled cheese sandwiches. (Fresh sourdough + brie + cream cheese + strawberry compote + dark chocolate = insanely delicious sandwich)

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    How long does compote take to thicken?  

    It depends on how much sugar you add and how powerful your stove is. Mine was the perfect consistency after about 15 minutes of simmering.

      How long does fresh fruit compote last?  

    In our house, not long at all! All jokes aside, it should keep well for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer. Then use for cake filling, vanilla ice cream, lemon pound cake or chocolate cake!

      Can you overcook compote? 

    Yes, and no. If you overcook this strawberry-flavored compote, the berries will break down more significantly, leaving you with more of a purée consistency than a chunky compote.

      Is berry compote healthy? 

    “Healthy” is a pretty loaded term, and I’m not a dietician. That said, this compote is made with just fruit and a little bit of sugar, so I’d classify it as wholesome if not “healthy.”

    Storage Instructions

    Once made, store the simple strawberry compote in a clean, airtight container (like a mason jar, glass jar). It should keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer.

    More Syrups, Sauces and Essentials Recipes 

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    • Almond cream in a bowl with a spatula on the counter.
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    • Cinnamon cream cheese frosting in a bowl.
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    • Blueberry Preserves in a glass container near toast and butter.
      Easy Blueberry Preserves without Pectin

    If you try this recipe for Strawberry Compote, please leave a 🌟 review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! 📧 

    How to Make Strawberry Compote.

    How to Make Strawberry Compote

    Bursting with berry goodness, this slightly chunky Strawberry Compote is the simple, 3-ingredient recipe you need. My refreshingly delicious strawberry sauce is perfect for adding colorful flair and finger-licking flavor to everything from your favorite breakfasts to desserts this strawberry season!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Course: Compote
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 17 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Calories: 53kcal
    Author: Emily Laurae

    Equipment

    • Small Saucepan
    • Mesh Sieve or Chinoise optional
    • Spatula
    • Storing Container/Jar

    Ingredients

    • 12 oz. Strawberries, frozen or fresh
    • 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
    • 2 Tablespoons Water
    • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, about ½ a lemon
    • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract, optional

    Instructions

    • Place the frozen or fresh strawberries in a saucepan with granulated sugar and water. On medium heat, start cooking the strawberries while pressing gently to break them down with a spatula.
      12 oz. Strawberries, 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar, 2 Tablespoons Water
    • Bring the strawberries to a boil on the stove on medium high heat, stirring constantly until the strawberries have started to fully break down and the juices have started to reduce. Reduce the heat to low and continue reducing for about 15 minutes.
    • You can also test whether your compote is the texture of your liking by using a cold plate! To do this, add a small plate to the freezer and place a spoonful of compote on the plate. If your compote has reduced to your liking on the cold plate you’re finished cooking! If not, you’ll need to continue cooking a bit longer.
    • Remove from the heat, stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract and allow the compote to cool. Store in an airtight container and use as you please!
      1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

    Notes

    Storage Instructions
    Once made, store the berry compote in a clean, airtight container (like a mason jar). It should keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer.
    Expert Tips & Serving Suggestions
    • Don’t overcook the berries. Heat can help berries break down, releasing all their tasty juices. That said, overcooking can lead to the strawberries breaking down entirely (like they would in a purée), which would prohibit the slight chunkiness we’re after.
    • Wait to add the lemon juice. You want all the active compounds to remain intact to keep your compote looking nice and vibrant.
    • Don’t bother defrosting. If you’re making a frozen berry compote, save yourself some time by dumping the frozen strawberries directly into your saucepan.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Enjoyed this recipe?Mention @emilylaurae or tag #emilylaurae!

    More Syrups Sauces and Essentials To Try

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    • Jar of honey syrup on the counter with a bowl of honey.
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    • Caramel whipped cream in a pastry bag with a tip.
      Two-Ingredient Caramel Whipped Cream Recipe
    • Blueberry cream cheese frosting in a bowl.
      5 Minute Easy Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting

    About Emily Laurae

    Emily is the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Emily Laurae. After finishing Pastry School and working as a chef in the restaurant industry, she created this blog to share those skills with home bakers and creators all over the world!

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