Apple Compote

This Apple Compote recipe is a simple, delicious, and versatile fruit side dish made by gently simmering together fresh apples with sugar, apple pie spice, and a touch of lemon juice. Perfect as a topping for pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or ice cream, this homemade apple compote adds a burst of natural sweetness and warm spice to any dish.  

Ingredients to Make Easy Apple Compote Recipe

You might think apples are just a fall thing, but the truth is, they’re around all year long. While apple season usually peaks from late summer into fall (hello, apple picking!), thanks to tried and true storage methods, you can find fresh, tasty apples any time of year. Whether you’re craving a crisp snack in July or want to whip up a cozy apple compote in February, there’s always a good apple waiting for you.

Enter this apple compote recipe. I make this when I’m looking for a cozy fall recipe or a healthy alternative to syrup and jam for breakfast, since this apple compote is easy to make and full of flavor. You can use it in desserts, breakfast dishes, or enjoy it on its own, this recipe shows you just how easy it is to make with helpful tips and real ingredients. So go ahead and enjoy it year-round, since apple season never really ends!

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make this easy Apple Compote: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Apples – Four cups of Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Citrus – Fresh lemon juice provides the acidic flavor to balance the sweetness.
• Spices – Apple pie spice or cinnamon for a hint of spice.
• Salt – A dash of salt to enhance the taste.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract for creamy floral notes.  

 

How to Make the BEST Apple Compote Recipe

• Prep Apples – Peel, core and cube the apples.
• Add to a Pot – Add apples to a medium pot or saucepan.
• Add Sugar ad Spices – Add granulated sugar, apple pie spice or cinnamon, lemon juice and salt.
• Simmer Uncovered – Cook the apple mixture over medium-low heat per the recipe until tender. Add vanilla.
• Cornstarch Slurry – Thicken the juices with cornstarch dissolved in cold water, if needed. You may or may not need to do this, depending on the variety of apples used.
• Serve immediately or chill until serving

 

 Kitchen Equipment to Make Apple Compote

• Medium pot or saucepan to cook the apple.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Apple peeler and corer
• Sharp knife and chopping board.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Apples – You can use your favorite kind of apples or a combination of sweet apples. Fuji, macintosh, honeycrisp apples, pink lady, jonathan, braeburn and gala apples all work well.
• Pears – You could adapt this recipe using pears for a pear compote.
• Sugar – You can sweeten this apple compote with light brown sugar or dark brown sugar for a stronger molasses flavor.
• Spices – You could use pumpkin pie spice in place of apple pie spice. Pumpkin spice is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice and nutmeg that enhances apples beautifully. You can also use ground cinnamon along with a dash of ground cardamom and ground ginger and different spices to create your own spice blend.
• Lemon Zest – You can add fresh lemon zest to amp up the citrus flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – You can use vanilla bean paste or add a vanilla bean pod to the apples in place of vanilla extract.
• Maple Syrup – Drizzle the apples with a splash of maple syrup for breakfast or brunch.
• To Peel or Not to Peel? – You could leave the peel on the apples for more texture, this is completely up to you!
• Apple Sauce – You could puree this apple compote and turn it into applesauce.
• How to Serve Apple Compote – You can enjoy this compote with a variety of different dishes. Spoon it over pancakes, oatmeal, pound cake, crepes, ice cream, french toast, yogurt, waffles biscuits or enjoy it on its own. You could also enjoy it with savory dishes like pork chops and chicken.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover apple compote in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheating – You can reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or individual servings in the microwave. You may add a tablespoon or two, of water or apple juice to liquify.
• Freezer – You can freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat or enjoy chilled.

More Easy Apple Dessert Recipes to Make

• Crispy puff pastry wrapped Apple Rings.
• Apple Pie Bars are a tasty handheld treat perfect for tailgating and lunch boxes.
• Apple Cider Doughnut Cake has a tender crumb coated with cinnamon sugar.
• Treat yourself to a big bowl of Apple Crisp topped with vanilla ice cream.
• These easy Apple Pie Biscuits are a fan favorite!
• Simmer this Slow Cooker Applesauce and the house smells wonderful, too!
• Praline Apple Bread drizzled with a sweet caramel glaze.
• Apple Nachos from Barefeet in the Kitchen. 

 

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If  a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items: 

• Apple Peeler Corer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Saucepan