How to Make Blackberry Compote

Blackberry compote is incredibly simple to make, uses few ingredients, and highlights the flavor essence of the berries.

Compote is a fantastic addition to pancakes and oatmeal, amongst other food items. I am sure you have heard the term compote in one fashion or another, but, what is it exactly?

What is Compote?

Compote is fruit cooked in sugar syrup or sugar water. Compote originated back in medieval times. It was widely used throughout Europe. Most often associated with French cuisine, the term compote is French for mixture.

In short, compote is a simple fruit sauce made with pieces of fruit (fresh or frozen) and sugar. Often, some form of liquid such as water or lemon juice is added. It is cooked briefly on the stovetop to thicken.

Ingredients

This blackberry compote recipe only uses four ingredients, which makes it incredibly simple to make.

• Blackberries - Fresh
• Lemon Juice - Freshly squeezed
• Sugar - Granulated
• Salt - Just a pinch

How to Make Blackberry Compote

This is a simple recipe that comes together in 20 minutes.

1. Combine the ingredients. In a small saucepan, toss together the blackberries, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes to macerate.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil. Place the saucepan with the berry mixture over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced and thickened slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool. Serve warm, or allow to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

*The mixture will thicken more as it cools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can blackberry compote be Frozen? The answer is yes. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze up to two months.

How do you thicken compote? When fruit is cooked with sugar and acid, it thickens naturally after it's been boiled and then simmered for a length of time.

This blackberry compote will thicken as it simmers and reduces. It will thicken additionally as it cools. If, however, you would like an even thicker compote add a slurry - 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed into 1 teaspoon of water - at the end of cooking.

What to Serve with Compote

Honestly, this compote is great with a multitude of food items (especially when it comes to breakfast). Here's what I love it with:

• Pancakes - Compote is absolutely fantastic over warm buttermilk pancakes.
• Oatmeal - If you are an oatmeal eater like myself, you will love swirling a spoonful of compote into your morning bowl of oats.
• Cake - Use it as a filling or topping alongside Chantilly Cream for an easy cake.
• Cheesecake - The tangy creaminess of cheesecake pairs beautifully with the tart compote. Spoon atop a cooled cheesecake.
• Yogurt - Use compote as a topping on your morning yogurt, top with a handful of granola, like my Maple Pecan Granola Clusters.
• Smoothies - Blend compote into your favorite smoothie alongside other fruit.
• Toast - Compote is delicious on toast!
• Ice Cream - Dollop atop vanilla ice cream or swirl into homemade no-churn ice cream.

Blackberry compote is incredibly versatile in its use. Often associated with breakfast, it is phenomenal on warm pancakes or oatmeal. Don't forget though, that it is a great accompaniment to dessert too! Delicious on ice cream or between two cake layers, I think you are going to love this simple compote recipe.

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