This Strawberry Compote transforms strawberries into jammy, syrupy, sweet preserves that you can use in so many different ways! Plus, this homemade strawberry sauce is ready in under 30 minutes using just 3 simple ingredients!
Strawberry Compote is a great way to use strawberries while they’re in season. It’s well worth the short time it takes to make, and you can always freeze it if you end up with extra! This Strawberry recipe can replace store-bought strawberry jam in your refrigerator, but it goes above and beyond the normal applications of jam.
Why You'll Love this Strawberry Compote Recipe
- Jammy strawberry flavor. As the sugar and strawberries combine, the fruit softens and releases liquid, resulting in the tastiest mess of jammy strawberries in an oozy, sticky-sweet syrup. It’s so flavorful and delicious —you’ll want to add it to everything!
- Simple ingredients. This strawberry compote delivers intense flavor but requires just three things: strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. The lemon helps the strawberries retain their color and balances the sweetness, so you don’t have to worry about adding preservatives!
- Quick and easy to make. This homemade strawberry sauce is ready to serve in under half an hour and doesn’t have any complicated ingredients or instructions–just combine the ingredients and simmer.
- Incredibly versatile. Strawberry compote adds the perfect touch of syrupy, strawberry sweetness to snacks, toast, desserts, and more! With this one strawberry compote recipe, you can dress up dozens of different dishes.
- Dietary-friendly option. This strawberry compote is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an inclusive treat for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
To make this easy Strawberry Compote, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- strawberries - either fresh or frozen will work fine! You can also try other berries, but it will no longer be strawberry-based compote.
- sugar - cane sugar or a similar granulated substitute will work best. The type of sweetener you choose will change the taste of the compote.
- lemon juice - fresh lemon juice is best, but you can use lemon juice from concentrate if that’s what you have on hand.
You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a cooking pot.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Compote
- Prep strawberries. Wash the strawberries and remove the green tops and hulls.
- Combine ingredients. Transfer the hulled strawberries to a large pot and add sugar and lemon juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10-15 minutes. The strawberries should stay whole.
- Cool and serve. Let cool for 10-15 minutes and serve warm or cold. To store, transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator.
Recipe Variations
- Make a berry medley. Use a combination of berries instead, such as blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and blackberries.
- Make it tropical. Add a tropical twist to your strawberry compote by mixing in diced pineapple, mango, or kiwi.
- Add warm spices. Add warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg to your strawberry compote for a cozy twist.
- Give it a herbal twist. Simmer the strawberries with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or thyme for a herbal infusion of flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness. Taste the compote as it cooks and adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar as you like.
How to Serve
Strawberry compote is a delicious addition to many dishes and desserts. You can use it anywhere you’d use a jam — on toast, pancakes, waffles, french toast, and more. Or serve it as a topping in an ice cream bar or heap it onto yogurt and granola — the opportunities are endless!
Here are some ideas on how to serve strawberry compote:
- Pancakes and waffles. Spoon strawberry compote generously over a stack of fluffy pancakes or waffles. Try it with Old Fashioned Pancakes or Mini Silver Dollar Pancakes.
- Toast. Just like jam, spread strawberry compote on toast or freshly baked croissants.
- Yogurt parfait. Layer this strawberry compote with creamy yogurt and granola in a glass or bowl.
- Cheesecake. Add a dollop of strawberry compote as a topping on a delicious New York Cheesecake or No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake.
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt. Drizzle this strawberry sauce over a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt.
- Crepes. Spread strawberry compote inside crepes for a burst of fruity flavor.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose ripe strawberries. Opt for strawberries that are ripe, sweet, and fragrant. The quality of the strawberries will greatly impact the overall taste and aroma of the compote.
- Pick uniform the strawberries. If possible, use strawberries that are similar in size. This will ensure even cooking and texture and maintain a uniform consistency in the compote.
- Smooth it out. Strawberry compote traditionally has a chunky texture with lots of large hunks of softened strawberries, but if that’s not your thing, you can make the compote smoother and more uniform by simply blending it for a few seconds in a blender or food processor.
- Incorporate it into other recipes. Use this strawberry compote to flavor cheesecakes, make fruit popsicles, as a filler in between layers of cake, or swirl it into homemade ice cream for a sweet strawberry ripple!
- Don't overcook. Be careful not to overcook the strawberries, as they can become mushy. You want to aim for a tender texture with some intact strawberry pieces.
- Serve chilled or warm. Strawberry compote can be enjoyed either chilled or slightly warmed.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Allow the strawberry compote to cool completely before transferring it to a jar or other airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
How to Freeze
Transfer to a small freezer bag or a freezer-safe container (leaving headspace for the compote to expand) and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before you use it again.
More Strawberry Recipes
- 25 Best Strawberry Recipes
- Strawberry Shortcake
- No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Strawberry Sorbet
- Fresh Strawberry Pie
- Strawberry Galette
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