This Homemade Blueberry Compote Recipe is easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients and 15 minutes. It’s the perfect topping for breakfast foods and healthy dessert recipes during the blueberry season. Or, stash some in the freezer and enjoy any time of year!
If you’re looking for easy ways to use up an abundance of fresh blueberries, this delicious blueberry compote is the perfect thing! It combines two full cups of blueberries with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a small amount of sugar to sweeten this easy fruit compote to perfection. It’s the best way to jazz up the top of pancakes, a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, or vegan cheesecakes.
Make a single batch, double the recipe, and freeze in smaller portions. You can also gift this fresh blueberry compote to friends and family!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Blueberries: This easy blueberry compote recipe can be made with frozen or fresh blueberries. We typically use traditional blueberries, but if you prefer, you can use wild blueberries for a more tart-tasting compote.
Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness in the berries and helps to draw the juice out of the blueberries to create a thicker, syrup-like consistency. You can use coconut or brown sugar if you prefer a bolder flavored compote. Similarly, if you prefer a thinner compote, you can use 1/4 cup of a liquid sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave.
Water: A few tablespoons of water helps thin the compote to the right consistency and prevent the blueberries from burning to the bottom of the saucepan.
Lemon: Tart lemon juice and lemon zest add a bright acidity that balances the sweetness in the berries and yields a greater depth of flavor. For the best flavor, we recommend fresh squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated zest.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and contributes to a greater depth of flavor.
Equipment Needed
Small or medium saucepan
Spatula
How to Make Blueberry Compote
Add ingredients to a small saucepan. Set the saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat and bring the compote ingredients to a simmer.
Simmer until thickened. Once the blueberry compote is simmering, reduce the heat and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the compote reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve. Allow the compote to cool slightly, then serve as desired. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Like our Chia Seed Jam and Strawberry Syrup, this Blueberry Compote can be spooned over just about anything that needs a sweet, tart burst of flavor.
Some recipes will recommend adding thickeners such as cornstarch to thicken berry compote into a jammy consistency. Still, we find that simmering for 10-15 minutes naturally thickens the compote without any thickening agents.
If your compote is still very thin after 15 minutes, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water). Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency.
Does the compote need to be refrigerated?
If this fresh fruit compote is not enjoyed immediately, it should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. Unlike store-bought compotes, which can be shelf-stable, this homemade compote is unpasteurized and made without preservatives and cannot be stored safely at room temperature.
How long will blueberry compote last?
Homemade compote will keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag, ice cube trays, or a wide-mouth mason jar.
If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter at room temperature. Reheat in the microwave or a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Is blueberry compote the same as a blueberry sauce recipe?
While similar, these fruity toppings often differ in sweetness and texture. Blueberry sauce is usually strained and completely smooth, similar to the consistency of pure maple syrup. Blueberry compound, conversely, contains burst blueberries and is more chunky in texture.
To make a delicious blueberry sauce or syrup, use our Strawberry Syrup recipe as a guide!
More Summer Blueberry Recipes You May Enjoy:
Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos!
This Homemade Blueberry Compote Recipe is easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients and 15 minutes. It’s the perfect topping for breakfast foods and healthy dessert recipes during blueberry season. Or, stash some in the freezer and enjoy any time of year!
2 cups frozen or fresh blueberries
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¼ teaspoon salt
Equipment
Small or medium saucepan
Spatula
Add ingredients to a small saucepan. Set the saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat and bring the compote ingredients to a simmer.
Simmer until thickened. Once the blueberry compote is simmering, reduce the heat and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the compote reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve. Allow the compote to cool slightly, then serve as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Thickening: If your compote is still very thin after 15 minutes, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water). Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency.
Storing: Homemade compote will keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freezing: For longer-term storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag, ice cube trays, or a wide-mouth mason jar.
Thawing: in the refrigerator or on the counter at room temperature. Reheat in the microwave or a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
