Peach Compote
This sweet, spiced Peach Compote features ripe, juicy peaches with warm cinnamon and brown sugar flavors. It’s the perfect addition to vanilla ice cream, waffles, yogurt, and more!
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Peach Compote hinted with cinnamon is a cozy and comforting twist on a summer classic. This easy-to-make topping combines the sweetness of ripe, juicy peaches with the rich flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla creating the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this simple yet delicious compote elevates everything from pancakes and yogurt to ice cream and desserts. Whether you’re enjoying it warm or chilled, this homemade peach compote is the perfect way to savor the flavors of peach season!
What is Peach 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. I like to add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness, along with cinnamon and vanilla to complement the peaches’ natural flavor. Although not traditional, I also mix in a little cornstarch for a thicker consistency that is perfectly glossy and jammy. Unlike smooth, spreadable jams, compote has a chunkier texture, making it great for topping both sweet and savory dishes. You can make fruit compote with various fruits like berries or apples. For another delicious variation, be sure to check out my cherry compote recipe!
How to Use Peach Compote
Peach Compote is so versatile, it can be used as a breakfast or dessert topping! For a thinner, more syrupy consistency, simply omit the cornstarch for a sauce that can be drizzled over any of these favorites.
- On top of ice cream
- Over waffles and pancakes
- Cheesecake topping
- Served with yogurt and granola
- Fill cakes and cupcakes
- Add to oatmeal
Ingredient Notes
- Peaches – You can use fresh or frozen peaches. Peel your fresh peaches and chop them into chunks or slices. If using sliced frozen peaches, you can break them up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon as they cook and after they’ve softened a bit.
- Brown Sugar – A bit of sweetness and molasses flavor is a perfect pairing with the peaches.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the compote to balance out the sweetness.
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the mixture to make it jammy and glossy, just like peach pie filling.
- Cinnamon & Vanilla – A touch of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla extract perfectly complement the flavor of the peaches.
Freezing Peaches
If you have an abundance of ripe peaches but aren’t able to use them all up, freezing your peaches is a great option. Peel and cut your peaches into slices or small pieces and lay them out in single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the peach pieces for 1-2 hours or until solid. Add the frozen pieces to a zip-top and return to the freezer until ready to use. This a great way to enjoy fresh, ripe peaches past the season season!
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.
How To Make Peach Compote
Prep the peaches
If using fresh peaches, first peel and chop them into small pieces. If using frozen peaches, they typically come peeled and sliced. Use them right from the freezer and do not thaw them.
Combine ingredients
The peaches are added to a medium saucepan along with brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon. These are mixed together until everything is combined and the peaches are coated then the mixture cooks on the stove over medium heat.
Cook until soft
The peach mixture cooks until it becomes syrupy and the peaches soften. The mixture will thicken and start to bubble. Continually stir the mixture while it’s on the heat so nothing sticks to the pot or burns. Allow the compote to boil for about 1 minute then remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the compote to cool for about 15 minutes before serving or transfer to a heatproof container and cool completely in the fridge.
FAQs
What is the best way to store peach compote?
Peach compote can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The compote also freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use canned peaches?
I dont’ recommend using canned peaches as they tend to break down too much and I don’t think they have as much flavor. Stick to fresh or frozen peaches for this recipe.
Should peach compote be served warm or cold?
Either way! Warm peach compote would be a perfect topping for vanilla ice cream or waffles while chilled peach compote is best for filling for a layer cake, adding on top of cheesecake, or served with yogurt.
More Summer Fruit Recipes You’ll Love
- Peaches & Cream Crumb Cake
- Blueberry Nectarine Upside-Down Cake
- Peaches & Cream Bars
- Strawberry Yuzu Pound Cake
- Cherry Crumb Bars
If you make this recipe and love it, be sure to leave a comment below. Happy baking!
Peach Compote
Ingredients
- 4 cups (24oz/680g) peaches, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (30g) lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons (20g) cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- If using fresh peaches, peel and dice them first, then weigh the amount called for in the recipe. For frozen peaches, do not thaw and leave frozen until ready to use.
- In a medium saucepan combine the peaches, brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
- Cook the peach mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the peaches soften and the mixture thickens and starts to boil, about 10-15 minutes. If using frozen peaches, you can break them into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon once they soften enough.
- Allow the compote to boil for about 1 minute while continually stirring then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Transfer the peach compote to a heatproof container and cool for about 15 minutes. Serve warm or allow it to cool completely in the fridge. The compote will thicken as it cools. Serve over ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, and more!
