Apple Compote

My family loves going apple picking every fall, but it can be hard to decide how to use up that bumper crop of apples. It’s easy to fall back on a couple apple pies and maybe an apple cake, but after that I think that a big pot of apple compote is the next best choice. It’s a surprisingly versatile condiment, whether it’s served with a pot of oatmeal, alongside pork, or just eaten off the spoon.

While homemade jams, jellies and fruit preserves sometimes have a reputation for being tricky, this apple compote recipe couldn’t be easier. Simply prep a handful of ingredients—most of which you’ll find in your pantry—toss them into a pot and simmer until the apples are tender and the sauce is thick. Keep the apple compote in the fridge for a week or so, and you’ll be surprised how often you reach for it. It’s one apple recipe you’ll want to make every fall.

What’s the difference between apple compote and applesauce?

Both apple compote and applesauce are made with fresh apples that are gently cooked until they’re tender, sweet and juicy. Here’s where they diverge: Applesauce is usually pureed until smooth, while compote is left in large, soft chunks. Compote may also include other ingredients, such as raisins or nuts, which can enhance its pleasantly chewy texture.

Apple Compote Ingredients

• Water: Adding water to the compote helps to cook the apples. As it bubbles on the stove, the sugar and spices dissolve into the water, turning it thick and syrupy.
• Apples: Use a medium-tart type of apple—such as Jonathan, McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Gravenstein or Northern Spy—or a mix of apples. Tart apples stand up well to cooking (it actually draws out their natural sweetness). Prepare by peeling the apples, coring and chopping them.
• Brown sugar: One cup of this type of sugar adds a rich molasses flavor to the compote. If it got hard sitting in the pantry, here’s how to soften brown sugar before you measure and add it to the recipe.
• Cinnamon: For the best flavor, make sure your ground cinnamon is fresh.
• Vanilla extract: Using vanilla in baking recipes adds a reliably fragrant, sweet note. If you don’t have some on hand already, pick up one of the best vanilla extract brands for your pantry.
• Salt: Don’t worry, a pinch of salt doesn’t add savoriness. It just balances the flavors of the compote.
• Lemon juice: Lemon and apple is a delicious combo, with the lemon drawing out the bright, tart apple flavor. The lemon juice also keeps the compote from being overly sweet.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

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Place the water in a stock pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Add the peeled, cored and chopped apples, the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt. Stir to combine everything.

Step 2: Cook the apples

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Simmer the apple mix, uncovered, over medium-low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the apples are soft. Stir occasionally.

Editor’s Tip: Stirring occasionally helps the flavors combine well and prevents the bottom of the pot from burning.

Step 3: Add the lemon juice

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Stir in the lemon juice.

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Cook again until the compote is slightly thickened, about two to three minutes longer.

Editor’s Tip: Adding the lemon at the end preserves its bright, zippy flavor.

Step 4: Cool the apple compote

Remove the pot from the heat and allow the compote to cool completely. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

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How to Use Apple Compote

Apple compote is a surprisingly versatile homemade condiment. It’s delicious on its own, but is especially great with savory foods such as grilled cheese sandwiches or pork roast. At breakfast, dollop apple compote onto a bowl of yogurt or creamy oatmeal. For dessert, spoon it over vanilla or caramel ice cream, or just eat it by itself! Otherwise, serve apple compote on anything you’d eat with jam, like biscuits, corn muffins, waffles or pancakes.

Apple Compote Variations

• Spice it up: Nutmeg, allspice or pumpkin pie spice would all be delicious additions to apple compote.
• Add pears: Fragrant, nutty and grainy pears make a nuanced, flavorful compote. You can replace up to half of the apples with pears.
• Give it extra texture: Since compote is already chunky, you can lean into that texture by adding dried fruits like raisins, cherries, chopped dates or apricots.
• Go nuts: Stir in walnuts or pecans for a robust, hearty apple compote.

How to Store Apple Compote

Once the compote has cooled, transfer it to an airtight storage container, such as a snap-top container or a jar with a screw-on lid. Store in the refrigerator.

How long does apple compote last?

Apple compote will keep in the fridge for about a week.

Can you freeze apple compote?

Yes. Apple compote will stay fresh and flavorful after freezing. However, know that while the compote will last longer than it would in the fridge, its texture may get softer. To freeze apple compote, cool it and portion it in a freezer-safe container, such as a jar or a freezer bag. Leave some extra room in the container since the compote will expand when frozen. Freeze it for up to three months. Before using it, defrost it in the refrigerator.

Apple Compote Tips

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What’s the best way to peel and core apples for apple compote?

My grandma could peel an apple with a paring knife, drawing the skin off in one long piece. But I like to use a plain vegetable peeler, which does the job a bit quicker. Use an apple corer to remove the core, stem and seeds, or cut them out with a knife. Then, slice the apples in half and cut them into roughly even chunks. Cut apples can discolor, which doesn’t really matter since you’ll be cooking them anyway. But if it bothers you, here’s how to keep apples from turning brown.

Can you make apple compote in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make fruit compote in a slow cooker. Prepare the ingredients as written, but combine them all in the slow cooker instead of in a pot. Stir, then cover and cook the compote on low for about three hours. Note that the sauce won’t be quite as syrupy as it is when cooked in an uncovered pot. However, the house will smell absolutely delicious, as it always does with our apple slow-cooker recipes.