Simple Strawberry Compote

This strawberry compote recipe is the perfect topping for your favorite desserts. Made with fresh strawberries, sugar, vanilla, and a touch of lemon juice, it is both delicious and easy to make. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a topping, this strawberry compote is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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This strawberry compote recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fresh strawberries. The compote can be served on its own as a healthy snack, or it can be used to top off a variety of desserts. It's perfect for topping pavlova, cheesecake, waffles, pancakes, or even ice cream.

The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to make, and it can be easily stored in the fridge for later.

To make the compote, simply combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook for 20-30 minutes until the berries are soft and the sugar has dissolved. Let the compote cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

What Is Strawberry Compote?

Strawberry compote is a fruit preserve made from strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. It can be served on its own as a dessert or used as a topping for cakes, ice cream, or pancakes.

While the ingredients are simple, the key to making a good strawberry compote is to use ripe strawberries. The berries should be washed and hulled before being simmered in the sugar and water mixture.

Depending on the desired consistency, the compote can be cooked for anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Once it is finished cooking, it can be stored in jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

When made correctly, strawberry compote is a versatile and delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry compote recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It's perfect for topping pancakes or waffles or adding a special touch to yogurt or ice cream. Here are three reasons why you'll love this recipe:

• The compote only takes 30 minutes to make, so it's perfect for a quick breakfast or dessert.
• The recipe is easily adaptable to different flavor profiles. For example, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a more savory dish, or swap out the strawberries for another type of fruit.
• The compote can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week, so you can always have a delicious topping on hand.

What You’ll Need To Make Strawberry Compote

To make this strawberry compote recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

Strawberries: For best results, make sure you use strawberries that are fresh and bright red in color. 1 pound (450 grams) of strawberries, hulled and halved will make one jar of strawberry compote using this recipe.

Sugar: You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar, or honey in this recipe. The amount of sugar you'll need will depend on how sweet your strawberries are.

Lemon juice: This will add a touch of acidity to the compote and help to bring out the flavor of the strawberries.

Lemon zest: This is optional, but it will add a nice citrus flavor to the compote.

Vanilla extract: This is also optional, but it will add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the compote.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this strawberry compote recipe:

Step 1: Start by washing, hulling, and halving the strawberries. If your strawberries are very large, you can quarter them instead.

Step 2: Add the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan and mix them together.

Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the compote for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the berries are soft and the sugar has dissolved.

Step 5: Remove the compote from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 6: Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract (if using).

Step 7: Serve the compote on its own or with pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or ice cream.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Recipe Tips And Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect strawberry compote:

• If your compote is too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a bit of water or fruit juice.
• If your compote is too sweet, you can add a splash more lemon juice.
• If your compote is too tart, you can add a bit more sugar.
• If you want a smoother compote, you can use a blender or food processor to puree the berries before cooking them or simply mash the berries with a fork when they are almost done cooking.
• This compote can also be made with other types of fruit, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Simply substitute the strawberries for another type of fruit in the recipe.
• If you want to add a bit of extra flavor to the compote, you can stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar, orange juice, or even rum.

Serving Suggestions And Substitutions

Here are a few ideas for serving and substituting ingredients in this recipe:

• This compote is delicious served on pancakes, waffles, yogurt.
• It makes a great topping for pavlova or cheesecake.
• Try serving it with vanilla ice cream or pound cake.
• For a lower sugar compote, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or substitute the sugar for a sugar-free alternative.
• This compote can also be made with frozen strawberries. Simply thaw the strawberries before cooking them.
• You can also make this recipe with other types of fruit, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Simply substitute the strawberries for another type of fruit in the recipe.
• If you want to add a bit of extra flavor to the compote, you can stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar, orange juice, or even rum.

How To Store Leftovers

Leftover strawberry compote can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I recommend storing your compote in a glass mason jar or another airtight container.

You can also freeze the compote for up to 6 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is strawberry compote made of?

A: Strawberry compote is made of strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. It can also be made with other types of fruit, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.

Q: What makes a compote?

A: A compote is a mixture of chunky-cut fruit cooked with sugar and lemon juice. It makes a delicious syrupy sauce that can be served on pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or ice cream.

Q: Is compote different to jam?

A: Yes, compote is different to jam. Jam is made with fruit that has been finely chopped or pureed and cooked with sugar until it forms a thick, spreadable mixture. Compote is made with larger pieces of fruit and has a thinner, syrupy consistency.

Q: How long does strawberry compote last?

A: Leftover strawberry compote can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Q: Can I make strawberry compote with frozen strawberries?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe with frozen strawberries. Simply thaw the strawberries before cooking them.

Tools And Equipment For This Recipe

Le Creuset Saucepan: This is my go-to pan for cooking small-batch recipes over the stove. It heats evenly and the enameled surface is easy to clean.

Ball 8oz Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars: These are the perfect size for storing this strawberry compote. I like to use the quilted jars because they add a touch of elegance.

Lemon Juicer: A lemon juicer makes it easy to extract the lemon juice without any seeds. This simple design is my favorite as it’s both easy to use and easy to clean.

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