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

What are the best apples for compote? ›

Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this homemade apple compote recipe: Apples - The best apples to use are firm, fresh apples such as Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp apples, Pink Lady, Pippins, Fuji, and Macintosh. You can use a variety of apples; I used Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.

How long can you keep apple compote in the fridge? ›

Add a squeeze of lemon juice and stir to combine. Serve warm or allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for longer storage in the refrigerator. The compote will last for about 1 week in the fridge. Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).

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

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? ›

The recipe or methodology hasn't changed much over the centuries… a compote is simply cooked fruit preserved in a sugar syrup. Compote can be made from fresh or dried fruit, left whole or cut into chunks (although more commonly the latter), and cooked in a sugar syrup with or without spices.

Which apples make the best sauce? ›

The following apples are great choices for your next batch of homemade applesauce.
  • Cortland.
  • Golden Delicious.
  • Gala.
  • McIntosh.
  • Granny Smith.
Nov 18, 2022

Which apple makes the best apple sauce? ›

(You can also go for classic, if that's your style!) In each, I recommend using either Golden Delicious or Fuji apples. They are naturally sweet, necessitating less additional sugar. To help you decide which you'd like to use if you don't already have a favorite, we can cover a couple of the basic facts of each.

How many apples is 3 lbs? ›

This recipe calls for three pounds of crisp apples, which we now know are about eight medium-sized apples. Choose from Gala, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or your favorite variety.

Should compote be 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. They can also be used as the star ingredient in other dishes.

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.

What makes something a compote? ›

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.

What is a coulis vs compote? ›

Key Differences

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.

How do you thicken homemade compote? ›

Whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the compote after it has broken down and simmer 1-2 minutes, or until thickened to your desired texture.

How long does homemade compote last? ›

Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. 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.

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.

What apples are best for boiling? ›

Granny Smith

They're a good all-purpose cooking apple, and their flavor is enhanced when paired with sweeter, spicier apples in pies and crisps.

Which apples get soft when cooked? ›

While great for snacking, Gala, Fuji and Red Delicious are the most common apples that won't hold up in the oven and will give you a watery-mushy pie, tart or cake.

What are the best apples for apple puree? ›

The best apples for puree are those with a flesh that breaks down easily. McIntosh and Cortland are two great choices. Golden Delicious and Gala are idea for getting all the natural sugars you can in the puree. You'll be cooking the apples down so sweetness and softness are key.

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