Easy Apple Compote
Learn how to make delicious Easy Apple Compote with this recipe. Perfect for topping pancakes, oatmeal, ice cream, and so much more!
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This Easy Apple Compote recipe is sweet, jammy, and spiced with cinnamon. With a very similar taste and texture to apple pie filling, this compote is perfect for adding to a variety of desserts and sweet breakfast treats. One of my favorite ways to use this compote is in my Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls!
What is Apple Compote?
Compote is a thick, sweet sauce made by simmering whole or chopped fruit with sugar and flavorings until the fruit softens and the mixture becomes syrupy. Unlike smooth, spreadable jams, compote has a chunkier texture. I add a splash of lemon juice to my apple compote to balance the sweetness, along with cinnamon to bring in those warm, cozy fall flavors. Although not traditional for compote, I also mix in a little cornstarch for a thicker consistency that is perfectly glossy and jammy.
Ingredient Notes
Apples: I always go for Honeycrisp apples for my baking recipes but any firm baking apple will work.
Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect bit of sweetness. Either dark or light brown sugar will work.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the compote and balances out the sweetness. I prefer to use fresh lemon juice whenever possible.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives the apple compote it’s warm, cozy spice.
Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor that perfectly compliments the apples and cinnamon.
Cornstarch: This gets mixed with a bit of water to create a slurry which gives the sauce a thick and glossy texture.
See the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below!
How to Make Apple Compote
Preparing The Apples
First peel and core the apples then dice them into small ¼” pieces. You can do larger pieces if you’d like but I find that the small pieces make this filling more versatile and help the apples cook more quickly.
Cooking The Apples
Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the apples along with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Combine the ingredients then allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, until the apples are tender and soft.
Adding Cornstarch
Create a cornstarch slurry, made by combining cornstarch with a little bit of water. Slowly add the slurry to the bubbling apple mixture, while stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens and the sauce becomes glossy, about 30 seconds.
Cooling & Storage
Serve the compote warm or allow it to cool at room temperature then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 2 weeks. The compote can be reheated in the microwave or over low heat on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
Give this easy apple compote a try in my Apple Cheesecake Pop-Tarts or Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie or try some of these other delicious options!
- Top pancakes, waffles, or French Toast
- Add to yogurt or oatmeal
- Serve on top of vanilla ice cream
- Topping for cheesecake
- Add with savory dishes, like pork chops
Recipe FAQs
What apples are best for compote?
Honeycrisp apples are my go-to for baking. They have a nice balance of tartness and sweetness and are also perfectly crisp and juicy. Any baking apple will work though. Fuji apples would be a similar option (and typically cheaper) or if you prefer a more tart variety, Granny Smith apples would be a good one.
Can I leave out the cornstarch?
If you want a thinner, saucier consistency, you can leave out the cornstarch mixture. The cornstarch thickens the mixture and gives it a glossy texture but is not necessary if you want a more traditional compote consistency.
Can the compote be frozen?
Yes, this apple compote freezes great! Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place the container in the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
What other fruit variations can I make?
You can easily switch up the fruit to create a variety of flavorful compotes. Try using berries for a homemade strawberry compote or blueberry compote, or experiment with pears and stone fruits for a unique twist. For more inspiration, check out my Peach Compote and Cherry Compote recipes!
Tips For Making The Perfect Compote
- Peel the apples. I prefer to peel the apples because I like the texture better without the peel but if you like the peel on, you can definitely leave it.
- Dice the apples. Chopping the apples small into about ¼” pieces will allow the apples to cook quickly. I find this size also makes it perfect to use as filling for pastries or cakes.
- Serve the compote warm. I’ve found that apple compote is best served warm, or at room temperature. The cornstarch will cause the sauce to thicken up when cooled so I prefer to warm it up after it’s been refrigerated.
Baking Tip: Weigh Your Ingredients!
I highly recommend using a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients rather than using measuring cups because it is the most accurate way to bake. Weighing your ingredients will give you more consistent results with your recipes and a better success rate, every time. Using a scale also saves you dishes which means easier cleanup! I provide gram measurements in all my recipes and this is the scale I love to use.
More Cinnamon-Spiced Recipes You’ll Love
If you make this recipe and love it, be sure to leave a comment below. Happy baking!
Easy Apple Compote
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples*
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (56g) light or dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon (14g) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Peel and core the apples, then dice into small ¼” cubes.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, then add the apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Combine the ingredients and place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer until the apples are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Combine the water and cornstarch separately in a small bowl. Once the apples are soft and the mixture is bubbling, stir in the water and cornstarch mixture. Continue to stir while the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Remove the compote from heat and set aside to cool. Transfer the apple compote to a heatproof container and cool for about 15 minutes. Serve warm or allow it to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge. The compote will thicken as it cools. Use to fill cakes and pastries or serve over ice cream, oatmeal, and more!
So good!!! And easy to prepare like your title suggested! I used Granny Smith apples because that’s what I had but it was tasty nonetheless. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Thank you Ed! So glad that you enjoyed the recipe 😊
This was so good I put in fried pies.
Thank you Kimberly! That sounds delicious – so glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe!