Strawberry Compote
Strawberry compote is a sweet, fruity and delicious way to enjoy those final batches of summer strawberries before the Autumn season sets in. With only three simple ingredients and a virtually unlimited amount of uses, this easy compote recipe will be your new favourite fruit topping.
If you want to treat a loved one to an extra special treat, whip up a batch of this compote to go alongside a box of decadent Chummys brownies. Strawberry compote can be used with all kinds of recipes: served warm over waffles, mixed with whipped cream, or even drizzled over an extra special dessert in need of a strawberry topping. Try a Chummys postal blondie topped with vanilla ice cream and a generous scoop of this delicious strawberry sauce!
Why You'll Love It
Fresh- This simple strawberry compote has a wonderfully fresh flavour thanks to the use of fresh strawberries. Whether the berries come from your local farmer's market or your own garden, this recipe is the perfect use for them.
Versatile- Strawberry compote is essentially a chunky fruit sauce that is cooked in its own syrup. Not only can it be used on everything from Greek yoghurt to angel food cake, but compote can be flavoured during the cooking process with creative additions like orange juice, maple syrup, and even balsamic vinegar.
Perfect for Gifts- A fruit compote is an excellent homemade gift to show that you care. Let your compote cool completely, and scoop it into a glass jar tied with a ribbon and a decorative gift tag.
Is compote the same as jam?
They're similar but not quite the same! Both are made from fresh fruit, but jam is more spreadable. Jam is made by cooking down crushed or pureed fruit with sugar and often adding pectin to promote a gel-like texture and smooth consistency.
Compote, however, is made from small chunks of fruit and sugar without the use of a gelling agent. It's less spreadable and characterized by its syrupy texture and small chunks of fruit pieces. Jam is often used in baking and holds up well to heat, whereas compote is best enjoyed as a topping.
Ingredients
Strawberries- You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries, but the fresh variety offers a brighter flavour, especially during the summer months, which is the peak strawberry season.
Granulated white sugar- Builds on the natural sweetness of strawberries and makes them even juicier. Brown sugar can also be used depending on your preferred flavour.
Lemon juice and lemon zest- Provides a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. The lemon offers a depth of flavour that elevates any sweet treat you enjoy with your delicious compote.
How to make strawberry compote
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup, 2 tablespoons per serving
Ingredients
453g strawberries, hulled and quartered
50g grams white granulated white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Stir gently, allowing the ingredients to combine. As the strawberries warm, they will begin to release juice.
- Once the mixture comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Occasionally, give it a gentle stir. The mixture will begin to thicken. Feel free to use a spoon to taste and adjust the sweetness level by adding an extra teaspoon of sugar at a time.
- If you would like a chunkier consistency, mash the pieces with a fork or potato masher until your desired texture. For a smoother compote, use an immersion blender.
- When done, the compote should be rich in colour and have begun to thicken. Place the saucepan onto a heat-safe cooling surface or scrape the compote into a bowl to cool. The compote will continue to thicken as it cools.
How to Store Leftover Compote
- Store it: Store leftover compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze it: Freeze compote by placing it into a sealed storage bag with excess air removed. Lay it flat in the freezer so that it freezes into a thin block. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Defrost it: Place the bag into the refrigerator overnight to thaw and enjoy warmed in a saucepan or as a chilled sauce. For a speedier method, place the storage bag into cool water for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! You can always use frozen berries to make this simple strawberry sauce. Frozen strawberries are often picked at their peak freshness, so using frozen fruit is a great way to enjoy fresh strawberry flavour even when your local produce selection is lacking.
To make compote with frozen fruit, simply defrost the fruit prior to cooking. Some packages may have instructions on how to do this, but leaving the fruit in a covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight is easiest.
Expert Tips
- Choose in-season fruit whenever possible. In season, fresh berries will be the juiciest and have a better taste. When choosing berries, look for blemish-free fruit with vibrant colours.
- Simmer, not boil the sauce. Gently simmering the strawberry compote will achieve the right texture and avoid the fruit completely breaking down.
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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. Add it into the pot near the end of the cooking time and gently stir it in until it begins to thicken.
Ways To Use This Strawberry Compote Recipe
There are so many great ways to use this compote, but here are a few of our favourites.
Chummys brownie sundae- Top off our decadent brownies with a couple of spoonfuls of fresh fruit flavour. You can even add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream to make it extra indulgent!
As a cheesecake topping- The creaminess of cheesecake pairs wonderfully with this fruit compote; strawberries and cheesecake is a classic combination, but feel free to switch up the fruit with your favourite flavour!
Make a cookie sandwich- Love chocolate-covered strawberries? Take two of our triple chocolate cookies and pipe a layer of frosting around the edge of one cookie. Place a few spoonfuls of strawberry compote in the centre and place the second cookie on top for a strawberry-stuffed chocolate cookie sandwich.
Layer a brownie trifle- A brownie trifle is a layered dessert that's easy and fun to whip up at a moment's notice. Simply place small pieces of our brownies or blondies in a dessert dish and add strawberry compote in layers. Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices with chocolate shavings for an elegant look.
Enjoy it with breakfast- Greek yoghurt, oatmeal and, of course, waffles all taste amazing topped with this compote.
Variations
Add fresh herbs- Fresh mint, basil, and rosemary all complement the strawberry flavour. You can add their whole leaves during cooking and remove them once you are finished for a lightly infused herb compote.
Switch up the citrus- You can swap the lemon for orange juice. It will still add a nice acidity to the compote but with less bold tartness.
Swap the fruit- Make this compote with any berries you enjoy. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries all taste delicious, and you can even use a blend of your favourites.
