Cherry Compote

5 from 4 votes

Sweet, tart, and bursting with stone fruit goodness, this slightly chunky simple Cherry Compote is the easy recipe you need during cherry season. My refreshingly easy cherry red compote recipe is perfect for adding colorful flair and finger-licking flavor to everything from your favorite breakfasts to desserts!

Prep Time2

Cook Time15

Total Time17

Course: Compote

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Calories: 53kcal

Author: Emily Laurae

Equipment

Ingredients

1.5 lbs Cherries frozen or fresh
½ cup Granulated Sugar
2 Tablespoons Water
2 Tablespoons Lime Juice about 1 a lime
Lime zest of one lime
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract optional

Instructions

Start by pitting your cherries and chopping them in quarters.
1.5 lbs Cherries
Place the frozen or fresh cherries in a saucepan or dutch oven with granulated sugar, lime zest, lime juice and water. Allow the fresh cherry juices to start to macerate and release for about half an hour.
½ cup Granulated Sugar, 2 Tablespoons Water, Lime zest, 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice
On medium heat, start cooking the cherries while pressing gently to break them down with a spatula.
Reduce the heat to low and continue reducing for about 15-20 minutes.
Remove from the heat, stir in vanilla extract and allow the compote to cool. Store in an airtight container and use as you please!
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Video

Notes

Storage Instructions

Once made, store the cherry 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 cherries. Heat can help cherries break down, releasing all their tasty juices. That said, overcooking can lead to the fresh cherries 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 lime 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 cherry compote, save yourself some time by dumping the frozen cherries directly into your saucepan.

Nutrition