This easy strawberry compote is one of those simple recipes that feels fancy but couldn't be easier to make. Made with just 4 ingredients- fresh strawberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, this homemade fruit topping comes together in about 15 minutes on the stovetop. The strawberries cook down into a thick, sweet sauce with chunks of fruit and incredible flavor. Spoon this strawberry compote over pancakes, waffles, french toast, and so much more for an easy breakfast upgrade.
Recently I was whipping up a batch of my favorite buttermilk pancakes and decided right there in that moment that the only acceptable thing to use to top my pancakes was going to be a strawberry compote.
Thankfully I had just gotten a bunch of strawberries from the farmers market and the other ingredients I had on hand- so making this was easier than I expected! It came together in about 15 minutes & was absolutely the most delicious part of my breakfast!
The best part about this is that it makes about 1 cup of compote, so I had more than enough left over to use on other breakfast dishes. I even blended the leftovers and used them in drinks later on!
A Short List of Ingredients
As a busy home baker (& lover of breakfast), any recipe that has minimal ingredients needed is my kind of recipe- and this easy compote only takes 4 ingredients to whip up.
- strawberries- duh! The key ingredient here. I love using fresh strawberries when they're in season. When the strawberries at the store are looking sad, frozen works well and taste better.
- maple syrup- Adds some extra sweetness to our compote. You can sub this for honey, agave, or regular sugar if you'd like.
- vanilla extract- adds a bit of flavor to our compote.
- lemon juice- make sure it's freshly squeezed! It makes all the difference.
Using Frozen Fruit
Few things are more sad than buying strawberries that taste like cardboard & are completely white inside. During this time of year, I prefer to use frozen strawberries since they are picked at peak ripeness, hence tasting perfect always.
When using frozen strawberries, it's going to take longer to bring them to a simmer/break down. Just be aware of that time-wise!
Making Compote is Easier Then You Think
add ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat.
When you show up to brunch with your homemade compote, your friends and family will be so impressed. Little do they know it's actually so easy to make!
- Start by adding your ingredients to a sauce pan over medium heat.
- Stirring occasionally, bring to a simmer and let it do it's thing for about 12-15 minutes.
- I like to use a wooden spoon to mix and gently mash the strawberries up as they cook down (makes small chunks). They will get soft & release juices.
- Once it's done simmering, remove from the heat and allow to cool. As it cools, the compote will thicken up a bit.
What Should I Put Compote On?
The question you should be asking is, what can't you put this on?! It's so delicious on everything, and I've tested it on a bunch of this (including a brunch cocktail)! Here are a few of my favorite things to top with strawberry compote
- classic breakfast options like french toast, waffles, and pancakes.
- your favorite biscuits or scones.
- on toast- put this on my homemade sourdough the other day and was in heaven.
- ice cream!
- in coffee like lattes or cold foam (use a blender or an immersion blender to mix this into a smooth syrup).
- I used this in some strawberry bellinis at brunch the other weekend- they were delicious!
Storing & Freezing
This compote will last in the fridge for about up to 1 week. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container for optimal freshness! I love using these weck jars to keep my jams/jellies in.
You can also freeze compote in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
If you made this recipe, I would love to know what you thought! Leave me a star rating and a comment below - I read them all! ⭐️ Your reviews not only help my business but other bakers as well!
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Super Simple 4-Ingredient Strawberry Compote
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries quartered
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Add strawberries, maple syrup, vanilla, and lemon juice to a medium sized saucepan.1 lb fresh strawberries, ⅓ cup maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes. The strawberries will soften, and I like to use a wooden spoon to gently mash the strawberries to break them up.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool a bit, the mixture will thicken a little as it cools.
- Serve on your favorite pancakes, waffles, baked oats, and more!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Store in freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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