Blackberry & Lemon Compote

Today, we are simmering up a batch of blueberry & lemon compote! I am in love with the sweet, tangy flavor that is developed in this blackberry compote recipe. Once you make a batch of your own, you’ll continuously find new ways to use it. From the perfect topping for a yogurt parfait and pancakes, to even enjoying it over vanilla ice cream, this simple blackberry compote recipe is a real delight!   

Blackberries are available year-round, but are in peak season from June through August. During blackberry season, there will be an abundance of fresh berries available at the grocery stores and farmers markets for a low price. A great way to enjoy the season’s harvest and to make sure no berries go to waste is by making a simple compote. There is something wonderful about cooking fresh in-season simple ingredients that add a little more magic to the dish. Whipping up an easy compote is a great way to bring the current season into your kitchen. 

Making a fruit compote recipe is very easy, and you will be pleasantly surprised how wonderful it tastes freshly made over store-bought compotes. I find compotes and jams from the store to be overly sweet. When you make your own fruit compotes, you can tweak the flavor exactly to your liking and use less sugar than in pre-made compotes.   

Equipment

Only a few items are needed to make this recipe: 

• Small or Medium Saucepan: To cook the compote in
• Small Bowls and Measuring Cup: To portion out the ingredients
• Small Grater or Lemon Zester: To zest the lemon

Ingredients

• Fresh Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are ideal for this recipe to develop the best flavor. Frozen blackberries can also be used if that is all you have on hand. Just note, frozen blackberries may release more liquid than fresh blackberries and may take a little longer to cook down. 
• Sweetener: Use your sweetener of choice, such as sugar or honey. 
• Water: Water will be added to the saucepan to help cook down the blackberries. 
• Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: The lemon elements will help brighten and balance out the flavors of the compote. 
• Cornstarch: A cornstarch slurry will be made to help create a thicker compote

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

• Step 1: Gather all ingredients and equipment needed. 
• Step 2: Rinse the blackberries and then place them into the sauce pan. Add the water and sugar to the saucepan. 
• Step 3: Grate the lemon zest from a half a lemon over the other ingredients. Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze juice from half a lemon into the sauce pan.
• Step 4: Create a cornstarch slurry by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce pan. Stir to combine all ingredients. 

• Step 5: Cook the mixture over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the berries are soft, stirring occasionally. 
• Step 6: Taste the compote to see if the sweetness level is to your liking. Add additional sugar if needed. 
• Step 7: Remove the sauce pan from the stove burner and turn off the heat. Lightly mash the blackberries with a potato masher. 

• Step 8: Allow the blackberry compote to cool for 10 minutes on the stove top for best results. The compote will thicken as it cools. 

• Step 9: Transfer the compote to a clear jar or airtight container with a lid. Store the blackberry compote in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and enjoy as needed.  

How to use Blackberry & Lemon Compote

his easy blackberry compote recipe can enhance so many everyday dishes! Here are a few ideas. 

• Add it as a topping to angle food cake or a sponge cake 
• Use it in a yogurt parfait or mixed with cottage cheese
• Spoon the compote over homemade pancakes, French toast and even vanilla ice cream
• Use it as a filling for pies, hand pies and crêpes

Variations

See how easy it is to make a homemade compote! Now that you have a basic compote recipe, you can easily switch out the 1 cup of blackberries for another fruit of your choice to make an entirely new fruit compote. Below are some popular compote variations to enjoy: 

• Strawberry Compote
• Blueberry Compote
• Peach Compote
• Mango Compote
• Pineapple Compote

Also, get creative with your mix-ins and additional flavors. Instead of adding lemon zest and lemon juice, you can also:

• Switch up the citrus for orange juice or lime 
• Add an extract such as vanilla or coconut
• Include warming spices like ground cinnamon, cloves or ginger

Storage

tore the blackberry compote in a clean glass jar or airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

You can also freeze the compote in a freezer safe bag or container if you don’t plan to use it right away. To thaw, place the frozen compote on the countertop overnight. 

Print Recipe

Blackberry & Lemon Compote Recipe

Simmer up a batch of blackberry & Lemon compote! Enjoy the sweet, tangy flavor that is developed in this easy compote recipe to use as the perfect breakfast topping for pancakes and parfaits.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Cooling10 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Author: Tiffany

Equipment

• Medium-size saucepan
• Knife
• lemon zester

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• ¼ cup sugar or your choice of sweetener
• ¼ cup water
• lemon juice and zest from half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for cornstarch slurry

Instructions

• Gather all ingredients and equipment needed.
• Rinse the blackberries and then place them into the sauce pan. Add the water and sugar to the saucepan.
• Grate the lemon zest from a half a lemon over the other ingredients. Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze juice from half a lemon into the sauce pan.
• Create a cornstarch slurry by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce pan. Stir to combine all ingredients.
• Cook the mixture over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the berries are soft, stirring occasionally.
• Taste the compote to see if the sweetness level is to your liking. Add additional sugar if needed.
• Remove the sauce pan from the stove burner and turn off the heat. Lightly mash the blackberries with a potato masher.
• Allow the blackberry compote to cool for 10 minutes on the stove top for best results. The compote will thicken as it cools.

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