Homemade Sweet Cherry Compote (two ways)

Homemade Sweet Cherry Compote (two ways)

Sweet Cherry Compote is a delicious versatile topping that adds a burst of intense cherry flavor to pancakes, cheesecake, ice cream, and more. It’s also wonderful stirred into yogurt or swirled into oatmeal for a flavorful upgrade. In this simple 4 ingredient recipe, I’m sharing how to make this cherry topping two ways: a saucy version that’s perfect for drizzling, and a thicker, syrupy version that’s ideal for spooning. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and easily gluten free.

This recipe yields about 1 2/3 cups (435 grams), about 7, 1/4 cup servings.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword Cherry Compote, Cherry Topping

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 88kcal

Author Traci York

Ingredients

4 cups (1 pound / 470 grams) Fresh Sweet Cherries (3 cups / 410 grams pitted)
1/3 cup (70 grams) Organic Cane Sugar
2/3 cup (145 grams) Water
1 Lemon, zested
1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For a Thicker Syrup (optional)

1 tablepsoon Water
2 teaspoons Cornstarch

Instructions

Pitt your cherries and leave them whole or slice in half.
In a medium sauce pan add the cherries, sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 13-14 minutes, or until the cherries are soft yet still hold their structure and the syrup and reduced slightly. The syrup will still be runny.
OPTIONAL: For a thicker syrup, in a small bowl, whisk the water with cornstarch and pour the slurry to the cherry mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring for 20-30 seconds. Remove from heat. You'll notice the cherry syrup is thicker, and will see the bottom of the pan when you run a spoon through the mixture.
Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, juice and vanilla extract.
Transfer to a lidded heat proof container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. It will take about 2 hours to cool and slightly thicken.
Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in lidded Mason jars, leaving at least 1 inch head space.

Notes

Enjoy your cherry compote with ice cream, Sourdough French Toast, Buttermilk Sourdough Pancakes, Chilled Cheesecake Bars, stirred into Creamy Oatmeal or yogurt.

Nutrition