This sweet peach compote is ideal for serving over ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, and more! Whip up a batch with overripe fruit.
Got a few ripe peaches on the counter? Try this sweet and tasty Peach Compote! A compote is one of the best ways to use fruit that’s almost overripe, like peaches, berries, apples or pears. Cook the fruit with a little sugar and it reduces down into a glossy, fruity sauce that’s perfect for ice cream, oatmeal, pancakes, and more. Flavored with a bit of cinnamon and vanilla, it’s heaven in every bite. We served this over melty vanilla ice cream and we couldn’t stop sneaking spoonfuls.
Ingredients for peach compote
A compote is a fruit sauce where fruits are cooked with water, sugar, and seasonings until thickened. You can serve compote as a dessert, or use it as a sauce for breakfast items like yogurt, oatmeal and waffles. This peach compote has a short ingredient list and comes together in just 10 minutes! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ripe peaches
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon and salt
Use fresh or frozen peaches…or peaches past their prime
A compote is a great way to use fruit that’s little past its prime. Because you’ll be cooking them down, it’s great for peaches that are just past perfectly ripe (but of course, not moldy!). It’s a great way to cut down on food waste when you have some fruit that’s ready to go bad. In our case, we had a load of peaches from peach picking that we had to use up: a compote was just the thing!
But if you’re simply craving peach compote, you can use regular ripe peaches or even frozen peaches. You may have to use a little more sugar if you use frozen peaches. Taste it once it’s done and stir in a bit more sugar as needed.
How to make peach compote (basic steps)
Peach compote is quick and simple to make: you’ll need about 5 minutes to prep the ingredients and 5 minutes to cook them. If you’re ready to get started, jump to the recipe below. Otherwise, here are the basic steps that outline the process:
- Heat the peaches, sugar and seasonings over medium heat in a saucepan.
- Cook about 5 minutes, breaking the peaches down with a potato masher. If you want a thicker sauce, you can also dissolve 1 teaspoon cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water and add that to the sauce. But we find it’s thick enough as is!
Ways to serve peach compote
There are so many ways to serve peach compote! Here are a few ideas that work as a dessert or for breakfast or brunch:
How do you plan to serve this peach compote? It’s endlessly versatile. Let us know in the comments below!
More peach recipes
Got more ripe peaches on hand? Here are some great peach recipes and peach desserts to use them:
This peach compote recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Description
This sweet peach compote is ideal for serving over ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, and more! Whip up a batch with overripe fruit.
- 2 cups chopped ripe peaches (1 pound or 2 medium large peaches)
- ¼ cup sugar (or maple syrup)
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Chop the peaches, leaving the skin on.
- Bring the peaches, sugar, lemon juice, water, and salt to a low boil in a saucepan, and mash lightly with a potato masher until broken down into irregular chunks. Cook at a low boil for 4 to 5 minutes until reduced and saucy. (If it starts to become dry, you can add a splash more water.)
- Remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla and cinnamon. Taste and add additional sugar if desired. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Sauce
- Diet: Vegan