Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Pear compote is simple to make and can bring any meal to the next level! Add this to your regular recipe rotation!Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (1)

Have some ripe pears you need to use? This pear compote is a simple and delicious way to use pears when they’re in season. It’s so versatile and can be a part of your dinner or dessert!

What is a Compote?Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (2)

A compote is a fruit dish that can be served as either a side, topping, or dessert. It typically consists of whole or cut up fruit, sugar or sweetener, water or juice(depending on the fruit used), and spices.

The main difference between compote and jam is spreadability. Compote can be blended or left with a chunkier texture, but it’s typically not spreadable like jam. While compotes are typically sweetened, they often use much less sweetener than a jam would.\

Recipe Ingredients–What You Need

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (3)

This easy recipe is made with simple ingredients that are easy to find.

5 ripe pears

Pears are a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. They’re also a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as copper and potassium. Using ripe pears in this recipe will result in a sweeter compote that cooks more quickly and doesn’t need any water. If your fresh pears aren’t ripe, allow them to ripen on your counter for a few days before making this recipe.

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Brown sugar is often used to sweeten fruit compote recipes, but I opted to sweeten this without any refined sugar. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that’s lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar, meaning it won’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike quite as quickly. (It’s still sugar, of course, and should be eaten in moderation.) It’s also a good source of antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that’s rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. It also gives a warm, distinctive flavor to this pear compote recipe.

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Ginger is another spice with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been shown to be helpful in alleviating nausea and indigestion. The warming addition of ginger pairs perfectly with pear and I love the flavor it adds to this recipe!

1/4 teaspoon salt

Salt brings out the flavor of the pears.

1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Nutmeg adds more warm, spicy flavor to the compote. If you don’t have fresh nutmeg, use a dash of ground nutmeg.

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps boost the immune system. It also adds a bright, fresh flavor to this compote recipe.

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Lemon zest is a good source of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The zest also adds to the citrus flavor of this recipe.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is a good source of vanillin, which is an antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. It also gives a lovely flavor to this recipe.

Recipe Instructions: How to Make Pear Compote

Step 1Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (4)

Use a pairing knife to peel and cut your pear into small cubes.

Step 2Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (5)

Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low heat and allow to simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the pears have softened and the liquid reduces and thickens to a syrup.Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (6)

Cooking time will vary based on how ripe your pears are to begin with.

Step 3

Allow your pear compote to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. Serve warm or at room temperature. The compote can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. See notes below for all the different ways you can use this delicious pear compote!

Recipe VariationsPear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (7)

  • I love the chunky texture, but if you prefer a smoother compote, you can use an immersion blender to blend it, or transfer it to a regular blender or food processor and pulse it until it’s your desired texture.
  • For an apple-pear compote recipe, combine equal parts diced pears with diced apples and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
  • For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste in place of the pure vanilla extract.

How to Use Pear Compote

There are endless uses for your delicious compote. Here are some ideas to get you started!

  • For an easy dessert, serve it on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • This pear compote is great with breakfast! Serve it on top of waffles, French toast, or these Healthy Pancakes!
  • Pear compote is the perfect accompaniment for a number of dinner proteins. Serve it with pork chops, a mild white fish, or these Baked Bone-In Chicken Breasts.

If you make this pear compote recipe or any of my other healthy recipes,please let me know! I’d love to see a photo–share it onInstagramand I’ll feature you. Please leave a comment and star rating below. It really helps other readers know which recipes are tried and true!

Print

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (8)

Pear Compote

★★★★★4.8 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Maryea Flaherty of Happy Healthy Mama
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe
Print Recipe

Description

Pear Compote is a simple side dish or topping that is made with fresh, ripe pears and warming spices.

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 5 ripe pears
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Use a pairing knife to peel and cut your pear into small cubes.
  2. Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low heat and allow to simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the pears have softened and the liquid reduces and thickens to a syrup. Cooking time will vary based on how ripe your pears are to begin with.
  3. Allow your pear compote to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. The compote can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: recipes
  • Method: stove top
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 88
  • Sugar: 16.6 grams
  • Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 22 grams
  • Fiber: 2.9 grams
  • Protein: 0.4 grams

Keywords: pear compote

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the purpose of a compote? ›

Compotes are all-purpose serving dishes. These usually footed bowls -- with or without lids or covers -- held special desserts, fruits, candies or sauces, jellies and other foods. Blown or pressed glass compotes provided a culinary presentation method suitable to 19th-century middle-class households.

How do you thicken berry compote? ›

You can thicken up your berry compote by simmering it for longer to reduce it further. Alternatively, add a little cornstarch to the mixture. To do this, create a cornstarch slurry with cornstarch and water before adding it to the berry sauce in the pan. Stir constantly while the sauce thickens.

How long does homemade fruit compote last? ›

Compote is not as thick as jam or jelly, and it's meant to be consumed relatively soon after making (it will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator). It's not designed to be canned or preserved for the months or years ahead. Compote is so easy to make that you can throw together a batch at a moment's notice!

Can you eat compote on its own? ›

You can eat this warm, cold or at room temperature. Eat on its own or as a dessert with yoghurt, cream or ice cream. Spoon it on your breakfast cereal or spread it onto some crusty white buttered bread. The possibilities are endless.

Should compote be served warm or cold? ›

Compotes are delicious served all by themselves as a dessert at the end of a meal. They are usually served warm but are sometimes chilled.

What do you eat with compote? ›

I love to serve compote over crêpes, french toast or a fresh baked baguette. Compote served warm over ice cream is a true delight. Compote is also delicious over yogurt or granola for a quick mid-week breakfast. I also greatly recommend serving a savory apple compote with duck breast magret or pork tenderloin.

How healthy is fruit compote? ›

Abundant in Essential Vitamins and Antioxidants: Seven-fruit compote harnesses the nutritional goodness of multiple fruits, each contributing essential vitamins and antioxidants. Fruits like apples, berries, and oranges provide a rich source of vitamin C, while others such as plums and peaches offer an array of ...

What's the difference between jam and compote? ›

Jam is made from crushed or chopped fruit and sugar, and has a chunky texture. Jelly is made from fruit juice and sugar, and has a smooth, translucent texture. Compote is made from whole or large pieces of fruit that are cooked in a syrup made from sugar and water.

What is the difference between coulis and compote? ›

Coulis can be made by pureeing fruits or vegetables, whereas compote is prepared by cooking down fruits until soft. Coulis is basically a fruit in pureed form, but compote has additional ingredients like spices and dried fruits, which lend a complex flavor.

Can you freeze a compote? ›

To keep compotes for longer, freeze, in batches, in plastic containers so you can defrost only as much as you need. Spices Oriental flavours such as star anise, ginger and cardamom are fantastic for fruit with a rich flavour, such as plums and berries.

How long do mason jars keep fruit fresh? ›

Usually, when you wash and cut your produce, their shelf life is limited to a couple of days. But, when I put them in mason jars after prepping them, they last a week to a week and a half. Because mason jars are air tight, they keep the produce from spoiling as quickly.

How to thicken fruit compote without cornstarch? ›

5 Best Cornstarch Substitutes
  1. All-Purpose Flour. Yep, that's right — all-purpose flour is a very stable thickener. ...
  2. Arrowroot Powder. If you happen to have this starch on hand, you're in luck: It has the same thickening power as cornstarch, and it creates a beautiful, shiny sauce. ...
  3. Potato Starch. ...
  4. Rice Flour. ...
  5. Tapioca Starch.
Jun 23, 2023

What is the difference between stewed fruit and compote? ›

A compote is simply preserved or cooked fruit. Your mum probably called it stewed fruit, so compote is just a new name for an old favourite. Compote is French for 'mixture' and back in medieval Europe, it was a dessert of whole fruits cooked in water with sugar and spices.

What is a fun fact about fruit compote? ›

The word compote is French for “mixture.” A compote is a dessert originating in 17th century France. The French believed that fruit cooked in sugar syrup balanced the humidity's effects on the body and led them to invent compotes. Recipes called for whole or pieces of mixed fruit in sugar syrup.

What does compote mean in Spanish? ›

com·​pote ˈkäm-ˌpōt. 1. : a dessert of fruit cooked in syrup. 2. : a bowl of glass, porcelain, or metal usually with a base and stem from which compotes, fruits, nuts, or sweets are served.

What is comport used for? ›

A comport is often shaped like a big, flatter, bon bon dish, and they are also used for holding food. Sometimes comports can be quite flat, like a small, slightly rimmed plate situated on a pedestal base. A comport dish are a compote dish are often confused.

Is compote better than jam? ›

Compote and jam are relatively similar and you can substitute one for another with certain considerations. Compote is less spreadable. Most jam has a fairly uniform consistency, which makes it easy to spread. Compote, which may feature whole pieces of fruit, can be a bit harder to evenly spread.

What's the difference between compote and puree? ›

Coulis can be made by pureeing fruits or vegetables, whereas compote is prepared by cooking down fruits until soft. Coulis is basically a fruit in pureed form, but compote has additional ingredients like spices and dried fruits, which lend a complex flavor.

What's the difference between applesauce and compote? ›

Apple compote is what the French call applesauce. It is utterly simple to make, but freshly made it is several cuts above storebought. Serve it warm, for a comforting dessert, topped with a dollop of crème fraiche if you like. Or use it as a filling for crêpes.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 6163

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.