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Learning how to make berry compote is simple. This mixed berry compote is refined sugar-free, versatile, and requires just three ingredients!
I love this 10-minute mixed-berry compote—it’s quick, simple, uses just three ingredients, and can top dozens of dishes. While I’ve loved making and sharing delicious recipes like this easy strawberry topping, homemade blueberry syrup, or spicy ginger marmalade, nothing beats the simplicity of a quick mixed-berry compote.
Use this recipe if you want a quick berry sauce for pancakes, waffles, French toast, and more. You will be amazed at what you can do with just three ingredients and a few minutes of your time.
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Watch the mixed berry compote video
What is a compote? (Compote vs. jam vs. coulis)
A compote is a quick and chunky fruit sauce that can be made in minutes on the stovetop. The heat breaks down the fruits, creating a wonderfully thick yet juicy sauce.
Spreadable jams use thickeners (pectin) and are cooked down with sugar until their consistency thickens.
Making a coulis also requires heat, but it takes longer to fully break down the fruits. The fruits are then mashed or sieved to achieve a smooth, thick, pourable texture.
Ingredients
- Mixed Berries: I love to use any berry mix found in the shop’s freezer section (hence, I count it as one ingredient). You can also use any combination or individual berries— fresh and frozen berries work (frozen will take a little longer to cook).
- Maple Syrup: Alternatively, use the sugar you choose: brown sugar, cane sugar, or even a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: I love the extra freshness it adds and how it balances with the sweetness.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Optional add-ins for berry compote
Here are just a few options to add extra flavor to your fruit compotes. The amount you use will vary, to taste.
- Ginger: Crushed works best, or a little bit of ginger paste.
- Basil or Mint leaves: Best added at the end, once the heat is off.
- Cinnamon: Leave a stick in the pot while heating, or use a little powder.
- Pumpkin Spice/Gingerbread Spice: For a Holiday twist. You can even make a homemade pumpkin pie spice mix.
- Rose Water: It pairs particularly well with red berries.
- Vanilla: Add fresh vanilla, vanilla powder, or vanilla extract.
- Citrus zest: Any will work – lemon zest, orange zest, lime, etc.
How to make berry compote
- In a medium saucepan, add the berries and lemon juice and heat over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and heat for 2-3 more minutes. Occasionally press the berries so they release more of their juices (though there’s no need to mash them fully).
- Add the maple syrup (or sweetener of your choice) towards the end of the cooking time and stir well. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice/sweetener at any time.
- Then, remove it from the heat and either serve the mixed-berry compote immediately or allow it to cool and use it later.
Recipe notes
- How much sugar and lemon to use: This depends on what berries you use, their sweetness, and your preference. It’s always better to begin by adding a little bit and then adding more if needed.
- If you’re using fresh fruits (rather than frozen), add a splash of water, orange juice, or other juice to help encourage the sauce to form.
- Mash or blend the compote: To make a coulis-style berry sauce, mash or blend the compote after you remove it from the heat.
- Fruit compotes variations: This recipe works with any combination of fruit. You can use individual fruit or a mix, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, blackberries, peaches, pears, rhubarb, etc. Different fruits will need slightly longer to break down.
Serving suggestions
You can serve this berry compote warm or chilled. Feel free to reheat the compote once chilled, too, either in the microwave or stovetop.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use fruit compote.
- Over pancakes and waffles: Try it with these easy protein pancakes or with Japanese fluffy pancakes.
- With yogurt: Spoon over a bowl with natural yogurt or add to a healthy fruit and yogurt parfait.
- With oats: Add more flavor to your morning berry oatmeal, bircher muesli, or overnight oats.
- As a dessert topping: Top vanilla ice cream or cheesecake for a decadent dessert option.
- With French toast: Serve alongside this easy French toast recipe or this French toast casserole recipe.
FAQs
You can thicken up your compote by simmering it longer to reduce it further. Alternatively, add a little cornstarch to the mixture. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the berry sauce in the pan. Stir constantly while the sauce thickens. Add water or fruit juice to thin it again if it becomes too thick.
Store it in a sterilized, airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Yes, you can! I like to freeze it in individual portions in an ice-cube tray for up to two months. Reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave (in 20-second spurts). Add a splash of water/juice if needed.
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If you try this mixed berry compote recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Easy Mixed Berry Compote
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups mixed berries or individual berries (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, etc.)
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup or other sweetener (add more or less to taste)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced (adjust to taste) or bottled juice for longer storage
Instructions
- Combine the berries and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.Lightly press the berries with a fork or masher to release their juices, avoiding complete mashing.
- Add sweetener towards the end, stirring well. Adjust with more lemon juice or sweetener as desired.
- Remove from heat. Serve the berry compote immediately or let it cool for later use.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was a lifesaver. My friend really needs to eat well and his digestive system requires a lot of TLC.
Glad you both enjoyed the recipe!
I made this today for my oatmeal. I used raspberries and honey for the sweetner. It was delicious!
Glad you liked it, Crystal!
Hi Can I ask how long would this last ? And how can it be stored ?
Thank you
Hello. You can store it in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to place the compote in a clean airtight container.
Great recipe! I used almond milk, gluten free flour and coconut sugar and served w a berry compote. Was delicious, thank you!
Thanks for your comment, Sammy. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for this recipe it gave me a 100% on my assignment x
That’s fantastic, glad you like this recipe, Lacey. 🙂
Delicious and so easy to make!
Thank you for your comment, Skeeter! Glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂