Whip up a delicious peach compote with this simple recipe! Using fresh peaches, sugar, and a few other ingredients, you'll create an irresistibly sweet and tangy compote. Perfect for desserts, breakfasts, or adding a touch of sweetness to any dish!
Have WAY too many peaches on hand? Don't let them go to waste; make a batch of peach compote!
Making this peach compote recipe is a great way to preserve those juicy peaches and enjoy their flavor all year long. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes!
With this compote, you're not just enjoying a delightful treat but also cutting down on food waste - a win-win situation! Plus, this compote is incredibly versatile.
Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a breakfast upgrade, or spoon it over ice cream for a summer dessert that's sure to impress. You can even mix it into your yogurt or spread it on toast.
So why not give this peach compote recipe a try? It's simplicity and flavor at its finest!
Why you'll love this recipe for peach compote
- Sweet and tangy fruit flavors!
- A simple yet delicious dessert that can be made with just a few ingredients.
- The combination of fresh peach and cinnamon is pure perfection.
- The addition of bourbon gives it a subtle kick and adds depth to the flavor.
- Can be served on its own or used as a topping for other desserts and recipes!
Key ingredients and why we use them
This recipe for peach compote is made with just a few simple pantry staples! Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing out the delicious flavor of this sweet condiment.
Here's why we use them:
Peaches: Using fresh peaches ensures that you get the best possible flavor and texture in your compote. Make sure to choose extra ripe, juicy peaches for the best results.
Sugar: This is used to sweeten the compote and help it thicken as it cooks. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference.
Ground Cinnamon: Adding a touch of warm, spicy cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches and adds depth to the flavor profile.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a tangy brightness to the compote, balancing out the sweetness and giving it a refreshing zing.
Bourbon: This unexpected ingredient adds a subtle depth and richness to the compote. It pairs perfectly with the peaches and creates a well-balanced flavor profile.
Vanilla Extract: Just a little bit of vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet note to the compote, making it even more irresistible.
Now that you know why each ingredient is important, let's get into how to make this delicious peach compote!
Equipment
You'll need the following pieces of equipment to make this peach compote recipe:
- Peeler: Using a peeler makes it easy to remove the skin from the peaches. You can also use a sharp paring knife if you don't have a peeler.
- Sauce Pan: A medium-sized saucepan is perfect for making this peach compote. It allows the mixture to simmer and thicken without burning.
- Wooden Spoon: You'll need a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the compote as it cooks.
- Glass Jars: Once your peach compote is ready, you'll want to store it in glass jars. Make sure they are clean and sterilized before using them to store your compote.
Heather's helpful hints
If you can't find any ripe fresh peaches, you can use canned peaches for this recipe. Just make sure to drain them well before using.
Keep a close eye on the compote as it cooks, stirring occasionally. You want it to thicken and reduce but not burn or stick to the pan.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add in some fresh herbs like rosemary or mint while the compote is simmering. The savory notes will enhance the sweetness of the peaches and add a unique flavor profile.
For a fun twist, add two teaspoons of Grand Marnier liqueur instead of bourbon for a citrusy kick.
If you want a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the compote before storing it in jars.
Step-by-step instructions
Once you have all of your peach compote ingredients together, follow these simple steps to create your own batch of deliciousness:
Step 1) Start out by preparing the peaches by peeling and dicing them. Make sure to remove the pits.
Step 2) In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the diced peaches, sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Stir well.
Step 3) Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the peaches start to release their juices.
Step 4) Reduce the heat to low and let the compote simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken and reduce.
Step 5) Take the pan off the heat and stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract.
Step 6) Let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it into glass jars.
Ways to enjoy your peach compote
Peach compote is a versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways! Here are just a few suggestions:
- Serve it on its own as a sweet and tangy dessert.
- Use it as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.
- Add it as a spread to your peach cobbler pound cake.
- Mix it into oatmeal or chia pudding for a flavorful breakfast.
- Use it as a filling for pastries, cakes, or tarts.
Make ahead and storage tips
This peach compote is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later use. Here are a few tips to help you store your peach compote properly:
- Let the compote cool completely before transferring it into glass jars.
- Make sure the jars are clean and sterilized before using them to store your compote.
- Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- You can also freeze the compote in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Frequently asked questions
Compote can be made with a variety of fruits, such as berries, apples, pears, and even citrus fruits. The method remains the same - simply adjust the ingredients according to your chosen fruit's natural sweetness!
Check out this recipe for raspberry compote.
Peaches go well with a variety of fruits, especially berries like raspberries and blackberries. You can also try mixing peaches with mango for a deliciously sweet and tangy combo!
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to add a unique flavor profile to your peach compote. You can also try adding a pinch of salt for a more savory twist.
If your peaches aren't ripe enough, you can still make this compote recipe by adding a little extra sugar to balance out the tartness. You can also try cooking the compote for a longer time until the peaches have softened and released their juices.
Related recipes
Check out some of my other favorite dessert recipes that are sure to wow a crowd!
Recipe
Peach Compote
Equipment
- 1 heavy saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peaches peeled and diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon bourbon optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Prepare peaches by peeling and dicing.
- Add your peaches to a heavy saucepan with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
- Simmer the mixture for 8-12 minutes over medium-low heat. The sauce will begin to thicken.
- If adding optional ingredients (Bourbon or vanilla extract) add them once the pot is removed from the stove.
- Cool slightly and transfer to a glass jar for storage.
Notes and Tips
- Feel free to leave the peel on your peaches if you'd like some extra texture.
- Make sure that your peaches are extra ripe. Alternatively, you can use canned peaches if fresh are not in season.
- For a fun twist, add two teaspoons of Grand Marnier liqueur.
- If your peaches are not ripe, you may need to add more sugar. Add sugar one tablespoon at a time.
Dani
Heather, I've got some frozen peaches left over from summer harvest. Could I use these in your recipe?
Heather
Absolutely! Let your frozen peaches come to room temperature first. You can defrost them in the refrigerator overnight. Then you can follow the recipe as directed. You will probably need a little less time on the stove, since they will already be a little mushy after defrosting.