Easy Apple Compote Recipe with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar (2024)

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Apple Compote is a quick and easy fruit topping that tastes incredibly gourmet. Seasoned with aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, this compote is the perfect finishing tough on pancakes, gingerbread and vanilla ice cream.

Holidays and special occasions call for an amazing breakfast. Use this Compote on waffles, Oatmeal Pancakes or Banana Pancakes. Add in Homemade Sausage, a Crustless Quiche and a tasty Fall Punch for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Easy Apple Compote Recipe with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar (1)

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Easy Apple Compote Recipe with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar (2)

What is Apple Compote?

Apple Compote is an easy recipe that tastes like the ooey gooey wonderfulness of the inside of an apple pie but without all the work. In other words, it is a chunky sauce with the warm flavors of Autumn that is traditionally served with breakfast or on top of all kinds of desserts.

Ingredients Needed

Easy Apple Compote Recipe with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar (3)

  • Apples (4 total or about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • Water ( 1/2 cup *see Fun Variations section below)
  • Light or Dark Brown Sugar (1/2 cup packed)
  • Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons, the most amazing cinnamon) or 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Cloves (1/8 teaspoon)
  • Ground Ginger (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

Types of Apples to Use

During apple season there is nothing better than picking perfectly crisp Fuji or Honeycrisp apples fresh off of gorgeous apple trees. The best apples for making Apple Compote are always going to be the ones that have just been picked. However, if you do not have access to apple orchards, do not worry. I have found that using a combination of grocery store bought baking and eating apples to create an irresistible compote. Although, I have also had wonderful success with just using baking apples alone.

Baking Apple Varieties(Use at least 3-4 of these for this fruit compote)

  • Granny Smith Apples
  • Jonagold Apples
  • Honeycrisp Apples
  • Braeburn Apples
  • Pink Lady Apples

Eating Apple Varieties

  • McIntosh Apples
  • Large Golden Delicious Apples
  • Cameo Apples
  • Fuji Apples
  • Gala Apples

Easy Apple Compote Recipe with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar (4)

How to Make Apple Compote

Easy Apple Compote Recipe with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar (5)

  1. Peel, core and dice apples into 1/2- 3/4 inch pieces. Place apples in a medium sized stainless steel sauce pan or frying pan.
  2. To the apples add, brown sugar, spices, vanilla extract and water.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Lower to medium heat and simmer until apples are tender, about 10-12 minutes stirring occasionally.
  5. When the compote is done the apples slices will be tender with a rich luxurious sauce.

Fun Sweet Variations

  • Instead of water try using orange juice or apple cider.
  • Add in the zest of 1 lemon or orange to brighten up the compote.
  • Add 1/2 cup raisins for extra sweetness and a fun additional texture.
  • Leave the skin on the apples for more texture.
  • White sugar can replace the brown sugar. However, brown sugar adds an additional layer of flavor.
  • 1 star anise also adds wonderful flavor. Just make sure to remove before serving.
  • If using more eating apples, add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to help balance the sweetness of this type of apple.

Apple Compote For Pork Chops or Pork Roast

To make a savory compote that is a delicious companion with pork, replace the water with chicken broth or white wine. Eliminate the sugar or add in just 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar. The addittion of 2 cloves of thinly sliced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt and a 1/2 teaspoon of pepper helps to accentuate the savory flavors. Additionally, the spices can remain the same or eliminated and herbs (in1/2 teaspoon increments for dried and 2 teaspoon increments for fresh chopped) such as thyme, rosemary and sage may be added.

What to Use Apple Compote On

There are so many delicious way to enjoy Apple Compote and it tastes amazing either warm or cold. Honestly, I have raided the refrigerator late at night to enjoy a spoonful or two by itself because it is that good. However, most people put in on their pancakes, waffles, French toast, cheesecake or ice cream. Also, this compote tastes amazing on pound cake, scones, oatmeal, yogurt or toast with cream cheese. Additionally, during the holidays a few small bowls of the compote added to a Charcuterie Board makes for some very happy people.

Storage and Reheating

If you are fortunate to live near apple orchards, making Apple Compote is a wonderful way to utilize the large yields of fruit. Once made and cooled to room temperature, keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in an airtight container in the freezer for 2-3 months.

To defrost Apple Compote let in it sit in the refrigerator over night and then reheat in a sauce pan on low heat or in the microwave in 30 second increments on power level 8 until heated to desired temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should the apples be cut?

The size that at least three of the apples are cut should be large enough that the chunks hold their shape when cooked, or about 1/2- 3/4 of an inch in size. I like to cut one of apples in smaller chunks to help bring in a variety of textures. However, this is an optional step.

Can I add butter to this recipe?

Absolutely! The addittion 2-3 tablespoons of butter creates a caramel like sauce. It is important to note that the butter should be melted first over medium high heat before adding the rest of the ingredients.

How do I make Apple Compote without sugar?

To completely eliminate the sugar use a sweeter apple variety like Fuji apples and replace the water with apple cider. Additionally, maple syrup, honey or agave can replace the sugar in equal portions.

More Mouthwatering Apple Recipes

Apple Crisp

Apple Pecan Salad

Mom’s Old Fashioned Swedish Apple Cake

Gourmet Apple Cookies

Apple Sauce Spice Cake

Easy Apple Compote Recipe with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar (6)

Apple Compote

With tender apples, warm Autumn spices and a sweet luxurious sauce, this Apple Compote is an amazing topping on pancakes, cheesecake and all kinds of breakfasts and desserts.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast or Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple Cinnamon Compote, Apple Compote, Apple Compote for Pancakes

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 137kcal

Author: Heather

Ingredients

  • 4 medium apples *peeled, cored and roughly diced. See Note #1 below
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar *either light or dark
  • 1/2 cup water See Note #2 below
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon See Note #3 below
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger See Note #4 below
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Peel, core and dice apples into 1/2- 3/4 inch pieces. Add apple chunks to a medium sized stainless steel sauce pan.

  • To the apples add, brown sugar, spices, vanilla extract and water.

  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  • Lower heat to medium and simmer until apples are tender, about 10-12 minutes stirring occasionally.

  • When the compote is done the apples slices will be tender with a rich luxurious sauce.

Notes

Recipe Notes

Note #1- Using 3 baking apples (such as Granny Smith apples) and 1 eating apple (such as Fuji apples) will add different textures and the eating apple will add a little extra sweetness.

Note #2- Orange juice or apple cider can replace the water for extra sweetness.

Note #3- Ceylon cinnamon is considered to be "true cinnamon" and has the most amazing flavor.

Note #4- Ground ginger is an optional item. However, its addittion adds a pleasant warm undertone that makes this compote irresistible.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @thefedupfoodie or tag #thefedupfoodie!

Easy Apple Compote Recipe with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar (2024)

FAQs

How long will apple compote last in the fridge? ›

Advance preparation: The compote will keep for 5 days in the refrigerator.

What's the difference between applesauce and apple compote? ›

Is apple compote the same as apple sauce? Apple compote and applesauce are two different dishes. The shape and texture of the apples are retained in apple compote and no additional water should be added. In applesauce the apples are cooked with water, sugar, and seasonings and then pureed.

What is a compote prepared by using this method? ›

A compote is a preparation of fruit (whole or in pieces) simmered in a sugar syrup. Often different flavours are added as well as dried fruit and alcohol (see below). It's delicious served warm straight after cooking and is also a fantastic way of using up lots of different fruits and storing them.

What makes something a compote? ›

What is compote made of? Compote (or compôte) is French for “mixture.” It is basically a sweet, chunky fruit sauce made with whole or chopped fresh or frozen fruit and sugar.

Can compote go bad? ›

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!

Do apples go bad if not refrigerated? ›

At room temperature, apples will last about 5 to 7 days. Beyond that, they begin to degrade in quality and nutritional content. They begin to lose their flavor and freshness and either shrivel or get mushy. Once that happens, most people would rather toss them than eat them.

Which is healthier, apple or applesauce? ›

Because it's made from whole apples and just a few other basic ingredients, applesauce may offer many of the same health benefits as whole apples. It may contribute to a balanced diet and help protect against chronic disease.

Why use applesauce instead of eggs? ›

Applesauce. Use applesauce to add moisture. Replace one egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce in sweet desserts. If you want a lighter texture, add an extra 1/2 teaspoonful of baking powder, as fruit purées tend to make the final product denser than the original recipe.

What kind of apples make the best applesauce? ›

The best apples for applesauce are whatever apples you have on hand and need to use up. However, if you have a choice, we recommend using a combination of sweet and tangy varieties for the best flavor. Popular sweet varieties include Honeycrisp and Fuji, while popular tangy varieties include Granny Smith and Braeburn.

How can I thicken a compote? ›

For a thicker compote, you have two options.

You can choose to cook your strawberry compote down into a further reduction, or you can add a cornstarch slurry. To make a cornstarch slurry, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water.

What do you serve in a compote? ›

Serve a compote made with apricots, raisins, dried cherries, apples, pears and Marsala wine with a selection of cheeses for a luxurious dessert course. Spoon a red compote of cherries, red grapes and strawberries over black currant syrup and garnish with sweetened whipped cream. Layer compote with custard or yogurt.

Is compote good for you? ›

Compotes are very useful for health, because they contain different vitamins, pectin, minerals and fruit sugar – fructose. The health benefit of compotes is decided by the components of the drink. Apricot compotes are useful for the people who have problems in circulatory system, kidneys and liver.

What is an antique compote? ›

Antique glassware that features a bowl-shaped container on a pedestal with/or without a lid.

What is the meaning of apple compote? ›

And if you've got 20 minutes to spare, you should turn some of those apples into apple compote. A compote is simply a quickly-cooked sauce made of fruit. It's not as thick as jam and not as thin as syrup; it maintains some of the fruit's original texture and shape.

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.

How long does homemade apple puree last in the fridge? ›

Best Tips for Success. Refrigerate the apple puree for up to 5 days in airtight containers. Freeze, once cooled, in a silicone ice cube tray overnight. Transfer to a zip top storage bag and freeze for up to 6 months.

How long does stewed apple last in the fridge? ›

Cooking apples will really fall apart whereas eating apples will retain their shape. Taste the mixture and add more sugar if the apples are too sharp, or a dash of lemon juice if they are too sweet. Serve warm or leave to cool and store, covered in the fridge, for up to 5 days.

Can apples last 2 weeks in the fridge? ›

"They can last six to eight weeks stored in a refrigerator," says Wortz. Scheck notes that if your room temperature is on the warm side, the refrigerator is ideal for storing apples for any amount of time. The countertop is an option for shorter storage; apples can last one to two weeks there.

How long do caramelized apples last in the fridge? ›

Serve immediately (best), or let cool slightly if topping a cake. You can store leftover caramelized apples in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days, but any more than that and they start to degrade.

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