Add a burst of berrylicious goodness to your bread and desserts using this quick and easy 15-minute homemade Raspberry Compote recipe! It is sweet, tart, and packed with summery flavors! Plus, it is so easy to make using 5 simple ingredients you will never go back to buying it. Once you've tasted this delicious raspberry preserve, you will want to use it on everything!
Raspberry season is still in full swing, so take advantage of these fresh sun-kissed, juicy berries and turn them into a luscious compote. You can use it to instantly add a fruity flair to your fave breakfast, snack, and dessert treats! Here are several ways to use it!
- To make raspberry cakes or cupcakes
- Add flavor to plain ice cream, yogurts, oatmeal, and puddings
- Spread on toast, pancakes, and waffles
- Filling for cookies, pies, tarts, and candies
- A delicious topping on my raspberry chocolate crumble bars
Why you'll love this recipe
It's easy, tasty, and versatile! The question is, what's not to love?
- Quick and easy. It will only take you 5 minutes to get everything ready. Then, once the ingredients are in the pan, all you have to do is stir occasionally. Such a rewarding treat for something so easy, right?
- Uses natural ingredients. This compote does not use refined sugar, preservatives, or additives. Just natural ingredients that are better for you!
- Customizable. You can adjust the flavor depending on how sweet or tangy you want. For example, add a bit more honey for sweetness or a small squeeze of lemon to make it tangier!
- It can be made year-round. Since you can use frozen raspberries for this recipe, you can make it any time of the year! Now you can taste summer in the middle of winter.
- Perfect for gift-giving. It looks great on glass jars and keeps well, so you can make a batch and give them away as thoughtful holiday presents.
Key ingredients and why we use them
You will only need five ingredients to make this compote. If you peek in your fridge and pantry right now, I bet you have most, if not all, of these!
Raspberries: You can use fresh or frozen berries for this recipe. If you use fresh berries, ensure they are fully ripe to get the best result. Ripe raspberries have a deep red color and yield a bit when pressed but should still be firm and not mushy.
Honey: I prefer using this instead of refined sugar to make this recipe healthier and more natural!
Lemon Juice: Aside from adding a fruity tanginess to the compote, it also provides the right amount of acidity to give the compote a thicker texture.
Vanilla Extract: adds a pleasant aroma and flavor. Feel free to use any of these substitutes if you don't have any on hand.
Cinnamon: This spice adds a festive and earthy undertone to the sauce.
Equipment
There is no need to purchase any elaborate kitchen appliances for this recipe. All you need is your trusty stovetop, a saucepan, and a jar.
- Use a large, heavy saucepan. This will ensure that the raspberries cook evenly.
- Quickly sterilize your glass jars by submerging them in hot water, including the lids. Then, let them air dry instead of drying them with a kitchen towel. Cleaner jars mean less mold formation.
Frequently asked questions
They might look similar, but they are different from each other. For example, when making compote, the fruits or berries are cooked whole or in big chunks and are usually flavored with spices. On the other hand, jams use crushed fruits and veggies, making them more spreadable.
You can leave compote in the pan longer until you are satisfied with the consistency. Take note that it will thicken further as it cools. Another option is to add a bit of cornstarch.
Raspberries have high fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin content. This recipe is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made vegan by swapping the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup instead.
Heather's helpful hints
You'll be well on your way to recipe success with my top tips below!
- Give your raspberry compote a fun twist by adding a dash of Grand Marnier liqueur. Enjoy the orangey and woodsy nuances in every spoonful!
- If you dislike seeds in your compote, you can strain the berries to get rid of them. You will lose the chunky pieces, though.
- When using fresh raspberries, do a taste test first. Some may be on the sweet side, but you might get some sour ones. This will give you an idea if you need to add more honey to balance the flavors.
Step-by-step instructions
Making this raspberry compote is very easy, following the steps below.
1. Add ingredients to the saucepan. Add your fresh raspberries to a heavy saucepan with honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
2. Cook on the stovetop. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes over medium-low heat. The sauce will begin to thicken.
3. Cool and enjoy. Cool slightly and transfer to a glass jar for storage.
Make ahead and storage tips
This recipe is fridge and freezer-friendly, so you can definitely make it ahead of time! Once the mixture has cooled down, place it in a glass jar and seal tightly. It will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you are freezing it for more extended storage, place it in a freezer-friendly container and keep it for up to three months.
Try these other fruit-inspired recipes
If you are looking for more summer fruit-inspired recipes that instantly refresh and invigorate your tastebuds, try these too:
- Strawberry Lemonade Vodka- Made with fresh strawberries, this drink is perfect for chasing the heat away!
- Pig Pickin' Cake - Bring this refreshing dessert to your next BBQ, and you'll have everyone asking for seconds!
- Raspberry and White Chocolate Loaf Cake - a delicious summer treat for a picnic or BBQ featuring fresh raspberries!
Recipe variations
Aside from raspberries, you can use other berries and fruits to make your compote! Here are some ideas for you: strawberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, apples, rhubarb, mangoes, peaches, apricots, and plums.
The consistency of the compote depends on how juicy the fruits are or the amount of natural pectin they have. If your compote is on the runny side, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) to make them thicker.
Recipe
Raspberry Compote
Equipment
- 1 heavy saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups raspberries fresh or frozen
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Add your fresh raspberries to a heavy saucepan with honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes over medium-low heat. The sauce will begin to thicken.
- Cool slightly and transfer to a glass jar for storage.
Notes and Tips
- Add-Ins: For a fun twist, add in 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier liqueur.
- Straining: If you don't like seeds, feel free to strain the compote.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe? First, let me say THANK YOU for giving it a try! Please leave us a rating and leave any feedback in the comments section at the bottom of this post. I always love to hear your thoughts and ideas on what went well — and what didn't — with a recipe!
Happy Baking!
Heather
I answer all questions!