Apple Compote

Once apple season starts, this apple compote recipe is always in rotation in my house. It's sweet and spiced, and I've literally been putting the delicious tender apples on everything!

The Best Apple Compote

This spiced apple compote is one of my favorite ways to use up a bunch of apples from apple picking. It's effortless to make and brings any sweet breakfast, snack, or dessert to the next level.

The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with caramelly brown sugar coat the apples, and they cook until they're wonderfully tender.

It's so tasty you won't believe how easy it is to make. Seriously, it's a one-pot recipe that cooks in 15 minutes, and it's all hands-off! 

I love to put this compote on top of everything from waffles, pancakes, and ice cream to pork chops. Honestly, I find myself eating it by the spoonful the majority of the time. Yes, it's that good. 

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Adds fall flavors to anything you desire in a delicious way.
• Comes together in one pot in a few minutes.
• Made with 5 common ingredients you probably have at home.
• Always a crowd favorite with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 3 granny smith apples, diced and peeled if you prefer
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• ½ tsp. nutmeg

How To Make Apple Compote

1. Mix the ingredients. Combine chopped apples, lemon, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Mix until the apples are fully covered in all the ingredients.

2. Cook apples. Transfer the apples to a pot and cook for about 15 minutes over low medium heat until tender. You want them to be tender but still able to hold their shape. 

3. Serve. Either serve warm on top of your favorite treats or store the compote after it cools.

My Pro Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• As long as the apples are fork-tender, the compote is cooked. The sugar coating should be a thick syrup consistency, and the apples will still have structure. 
• This simple apple compote can also be cooked with sliced apples or thick apple chunks. They might just need more time to cook.
• This recipe gives you the best excuse to go apple picking with your family this season. The fresh apples make this compote taste so much better!

How I Recommend Storing This Apple Compote

In the fridge: Transfer the room-temperature compote to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.

In the freezer: Let the apple compote cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for about a month. Let it thaw in the fridge before using.

Reheating: My go-to way to reheat this apple compote is simply by microwaving it in 15-second increments until it's warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is compote made of?

Compote is made with fresh fruit that's cooked in a pot on the stovetop, along with something to sweeten it, like brown sugar or sugar. It can also have more things to add flavor, such as cinnamon and nutmeg in this recipe.

Is a compote the same as apple sauce?

No, apple sauce and compote are different. A compote is made with fresh fruit and stewed in sugar syrup, and there are multiple flavors of compote, like strawberry compote. Apple sauce is cooked with seasonings, sugar, and water. Once it's cooked, it's then pureed for a super smooth, liquid consistency.

What can I serve apple compote with?

Apple compote can be served on top of many different things. One of my favorite combinations is warm compote on top of vanilla ice cream. Fluffy pancakes, yogurt, crepes, and cinnamon French toast are also delicious options to serve this apple compote on. For something savory, you can serve it on these baked breaded pork chops.

More Fall Recipes To Make Next

• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
• Apple Pie Bars
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip
• Apple French Toast Casserole
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars