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    Home » Recipes » Sauces and Compote Recipes

    Easy Apple Compote

    Published: Oct 31, 2022 · Modified: Feb 15, 2025 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Easy Apple Compote is a wonderful recipe to have bubbling away on the stove when apples are in season. Simple, fresh and wholesome, this compote is a lot like a really good chunky apple sauce flavored with cinnamon and vanilla or apple pie filling. And it has so many versatile uses!

    Overhead shot of apple compote with cinnamon sticks and apples.

    Spoon this apple cinnamon compote over pancakes, waffles or oatmeal for breakfast, serve it alongside savory pork chops for dinner or simply pour a little cream over the top or spoon over ice cream and enjoy it on its own for dessert. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a delicious treat that just about everyone can enjoy.

    This Easy Apple Compote is a must-have recipe when apples are in season. If you love fruit compotes, be sure to check out my Pear Compote, Blueberry Compote with Cardamom, Peach Compote and Strawberry Rhubarb Compote for even more delicious ways to enjoy seasonal fruit.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to Make Apple Compote
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • How to Serve Apple Compote
    • Related Recipes
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients for Apple Compote.
    • Apples - I am using Granny Smith apples because I like their sweet-tart flavor and the fact that they hold their shape well when cooked. But really any apple you have on hand will do.
    • Water - Some compote recipes call for apple cider as the cooking liquid, but I prefer water. Once the apples cook down, the compote made with water has a more pure apple flavor than one made with cider.
    • Cinnamon - This warm spice is always delicious with apples!
    • Brown sugar - Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel-y flavor.
    • Vanilla bean - If you don't have a vanilla bean on hand, use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.
    • Salt - helps round out all of the flavors in this recipe.
    • Lemon juice - adds a little acidity to bring everything together.

    See the recipe card below for exact amounts and detailed instructions.

    Variations

    • Cranberry - Add a handful of fresh or dried cranberries for a delightful sweet/tart combination.
    • Ginger - Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspood ground ginger for a zing of bright ginger flavor.
    • Cardamom - Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom for a more Nordic-flavored compote.
    • Pear Apple Combination - Replace half of the apples with pears.

    How to Make Apple Compote

    Chopped up apples in a white bowl.
    • Step 1: Peel, core and chop the apples into ½ inch size pieces.
    Chopped up apples, a vanilla bean, cinnamon and brown sugar in a saucepan.
    • Step 2: Combine all of the ingredients (except the lemon juice) in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar melts and the mixture begins to bubble.
    Apple compote and a vanilla bean in a saucepan with a wooden spoon.
    • Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not completely falling apart, about 20 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry, simply add a tablespoon or two of additional water and continue cooking as directed.
    Jar of apple compote with a spoon in it next to cinnamon sticks.
    • Step 4: Remove from the heat. Add a splash of lemon juice and cool slightly. Enjoy warm or cool to room temperature and store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    Expert Tips

    • Be sure to stir the compote occasionally as it cooks to help it cook evenly and to prevent any scorching on the bottom of the pan.
    • Add a tablespoon or two of additional water if the mixture is becoming too dry as it cooks.
    Spoonful of apple compote in front of a jar of compote and apples.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do I store apple compote?

    Apple compote is best stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container.

    How long does apple compote keep?

    This apple compote will keep for about a week tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Freeze according to the directions below for longer storage.

    Can I freeze apple compote?

    Yes! You can freeze apple compote for up to three months in tightly sealed freezer-safe containers or storage bags. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and it will be ready to use.

    Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?

    Absolutely! Feel free to substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for the half of a vanilla bean.

    What is a fruit compote?

    A compote is a fruit preserve that is cooked slowly over low heat in a sweet syrup. Typically compotes are not as sweet as jams or preserves and are more rustic in appearance, perhaps with some of the chunks of fruit remaining intact.

    What apples are best for making apple compote?

    A firm baking apple is nice if you want your compote to have some structure to it rather than be like an apple sauce in texture. Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonathan, Fuji or Gala are all good options for this recipe.

    Does apple compote need to be refrigerated?

    Yes, fresh compotes such as this one aren't meant for shelf storage like jam or preserves. It will need to be refrigerated or frozen.

    How to Serve Apple Compote

    Once you have a batch of warm apple compote on the stove or a jar of compote in the fridge, the options are endless. A few suggestions:

    • Layer it with skyr or Greek yogurt and Cardamom Granola for a Homemade Granola and Yogurt Parfait (this is SO good….like apple crumble for breakfast)!
    • Spoon on top of a Norwegian Waffles with some whipped cream.
    • Use as a filling for Swedish pancakes.
    • Stir into your morning oatmeal with a drizzle of whole milk or cream.
    • Use it as a filling for scones or crumble bars.
    • Puree in a food processor and use in place of store bought apple sauce in baking recipes (like these AMAZING baked apple donuts)!
    • Spoon on top of ice cream (so simple and delicious).
    • Possibly the easiest idea of all....drizzle warm compote with a little heavy cream and eat it with a spoon (yes, sometimes easiest is best).
    • Crispbread, crackers or toasted English muffins + cream cheese + compote = tasty and easy breakfast or afternoon snack.

    Related Recipes

    Looking for other delicious Scandi-inspired apple recipes? Give these a try:

    • Close up of stack of three apple donuts next to a cup of coffee and apples
      Easy Baked Apple Donuts
    • Close up of a slice of Swedish Apple Cake.
      Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)
    • Swedish Apple Pie on a plate with a fork.
      Swedish Apple Pie (Easy Crustless Apple Pie)
    • Gingerbread cobbler with apples and pears in a baking dish
      Gingerbread Cobbler with Apples and Pears

    If you tried this Apple Compote recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

    Recipe

    Jar of apple compote next to an apple, cinnamon sticks and a spoonful of compote.

    Easy Apple Compote

    A simple, soul-warming recipe for apple compote flavored with brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect for fall!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: compote, Condiment, Dessert
    Cuisine: Danish, Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 225kcal
    Author: Kristi

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and cut into ½ inch pieces
    • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Pinch of salt
    • ½ vanilla bean split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
    • 1 cup water
    • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla bean paste (and the pod) and water together in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and then reduce the heat to low. Cook until the apples are tender but haven’t completely lost their shape, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too dry while it is cooking add another couple of tablespoons of water and continue cooking as directed.
    • Add a squeeze of lemon juice and stir to combine. Serve warm or allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for longer storage in the refrigerator. The compote will last for about 1 week in the fridge. Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).

    Notes

    • Be sure to stir the compote occasionally as it cooks to help it cook evenly and to prevent any scorching on the bottom of the pan.
    • Add a tablespoon or two of water if the mixture starts to become too dry before the apples are tender.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 0.5mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen!

    More Nordic/Scandinavian Sauce & Compote Recipes

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      Easy Swedish Meatball Sauce (Perfect for Frozen Meatballs!)
    • Close up of baked salmon topped with Warm Mustard Dill Sauce and a sprig of dill.
      Warm Mustard Dill Sauce (Perfect for Salmon or Chicken)
    • Close up of pear compote in an a jar.
      Simple Pear Compote
    • Overhead view of salmon, greens, Horseradish Yogurt Sauce and a lemon wedge on a plate next to a fork.
      3 Ingredient Horseradish Yogurt Sauce

    Comments

    1. Bob says

      May 12, 2024 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      Came out well thanks

      Reply
    2. Kristi says

      November 01, 2022 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      So easy and delicious. A favorite fall staple in my kitchen!

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes

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