Peach compote is one of those simple recipes that punches way above its weight. Deliciously sweet and endlessly adaptable, it’s perfect for everything from a weekday breakfast to a fancy weekend dessert. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
This article will give you a complete guide to making peach compote at home, no matter what kind of peaches you have on hand – fresh, frozen, or even canned will work. We’ll cover everything from the basic ingredients to fun variations, serving suggestions, and tips on how to store your homemade peach compote.
Ready to get started and learn this simple recipe for peach compote?
What is Peach Compote?
Compote is a super simple fruit dessert. It’s basically fruit cooked in syrup until it’s soft. Think of it like a chunky fruit dessert, but not as processed as something like jam or preserves.
The main difference between compote and jam is that compote uses bigger chunks of fruit and doesn’t need to cook for as long.
Gather your ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of peach compote:
Peaches
Freestone peaches are easiest to pit, so look for those. The variety you choose will affect the flavor, so consider experimenting with white peaches, yellow peaches, or donut peaches.
You can use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches to make compote. If you use frozen or canned, keep in mind that they may be sweeter than fresh peaches, and they may also cook faster.
Sweetener
Plain old granulated sugar is the traditional choice for compote, but you can also use honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave. Adjust the amount of sweetener depending on how sweet your peaches are and how sweet you like your compote.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice balances the sweetness of the peaches and makes the flavors pop. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
Optional additions
Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, spicy flavor. A splash of vanilla extract can also enhance the flavor of the compote.
How to Make Peach Compote: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the peaches. You can peel and dice fresh peaches if you want, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber. If you’re using canned peaches, drain them well. If you’re using frozen peaches, there’s no need to thaw them first.
- Combine ingredients in a saucepan. Add the peaches to a saucepan along with your chosen sweetener (sugar, honey, maple syrup), a squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of water, and any spices you like (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger all work well!).
- Cook the compote. Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring every now and then, until the peaches are soft and the sauce has thickened up a bit. If it gets too thick, add a little more water to loosen it.
- Cool and serve. Let the compote cool down a little bit before serving. Give it a taste and add more sweetener if you think it needs it. It’s delicious warm or cold!
Recipe Variations and Personalization
One of the great things about making compote is that you can tweak it to your exact preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Using Different Fruits
Don’t feel like you have to stick exclusively to peaches. You can easily add other fruits to the mix. Berries, plums, nectarines, and apricots all pair beautifully with peaches.
Flavor Enhancements
For a savory twist, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also add a delicious complexity and balance the sweetness of the peaches.
Adjusting Consistency
Want a thicker compote? Simply cook it longer to reduce the liquid. If you prefer a thinner consistency, just add a little more water.
Serving Suggestions for Peach Compote
Once you’ve made your compote, the possibilities are endless! Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Breakfast
- Spoon it over a stack of pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Stir it into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Spread it on toast or scones for a simple yet satisfying treat.
Dessert
- Drizzle it over ice cream or cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Use it as a filling for pies or tarts—it’s a perfect alternative to jam.
- Serve it alongside a slice of grilled pound cake for an elegant and delicious dessert.
Savory Applications
Peach compote isn’t just for sweet dishes! Its tangy-sweet flavor pairs surprisingly well with savory dishes.
- Serve it alongside grilled pork or chicken for a flavorful contrast.
- Top a wheel of brie cheese with peach compote for a sophisticated appetizer.
How to store leftover peach compote
If you have leftover peach compote, let it cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze it. Place the cooled compote in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Summary
This easy peach compote recipe is so versatile, you’ll want to make it all summer long. Feel free to experiment with different spices or types of sweetener. And don’t be afraid to try it on everything from yogurt to ice cream to grilled pork!
The best part about making your own compote is sharing it with the people you love. Plus, you get to control exactly what goes in it, so you can adjust the sweetness and use only the best ingredients.