Blueberry Compote Recipe Is the Perfect Sweet Topping for Any Dish + Ready in 20 Minutes

As the weather gets warmer, we have only one thing on our minds: blueberry season! Whether you pick them yourself or buy them fresh from the local farmer’s market, these plump, juicy gems hold a magic all their own. And while we love them in classic sweet treats like muffins or pie, we found an even easier way to enjoy them: a homemade blueberry compote. With just 5 simple ingredients and 20 minutes, you can make the most tart, bright and sweet sauce you’ll want to add to everything. Plus, learn more about the nutritional benefits of blueberries and expert cooking tips. Here’s what to know to make blueberry compote.

What is a compote?

Don’t let a fancy name fool you — a compote is a surprisingly simple yet incredibly versatile sauce. “A compote is a dessert made by stewing fresh or dried fruit in a liquid like wine or fruit juice,” says Lindsey Chastain with The Waddle and Cluck. “It has a chunky texture and is often served warm or at room temperature.”

Any type of fruit can be used in a compote, from classic strawberry to more exotic options like mango. You can create many flavor combinations that complement your favorite dishes, and we mean more than just dessert. Pair a compote with a charcuterie board, use as a filling in baked goods or muddle in cocktails. You can even try it on this recipe for yogurt custard toast!

The benefits of blueberries

Blueberries bring a lot more to the table than just their irresistibly sweet, tart flavor. They also happen to be nutritional powerhouses. According to Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD for The Food Trends, blueberries have high amounts of “vitamins C and K, dietary fiber and antioxidants known as flavonoids. These vitamins and nutrients are good for immunity, digestive health and heart health.”

Using frozen vs. fresh blueberries

Both fresh and frozen blueberries can work wonderfully for a blueberry compote, and the best choice for you depends on a few factors. Of course, when in season (April through September), fresh berries from your local farmers market or off the bush will give you the best flavor, vibrant color and plumpest texture. However, fresh blueberries don’t stay year-round and can be more expensive.

So don’t worry if fresh aren’t available — frozen blueberries make a great alternative. They’re typically flash-frozen at their peak ripeness, which means they lock in all the flavor and nutrients you want. “Frozen berries hold their shape better during cooking and are usually less expensive,” says Chastain. Reisdorf adds that “frozen [blueberries] may actually be higher in antioxidants than fresh.”

Expert tips for making blueberry compote

You can guess that making blueberry compote doesn’t take much effort. However, a few expert tips can elevate your results from a good compote to great one. 

1. Sweetener options

While sugar is a common choice, you can experiment with other natural sweeteners to suit your preference. Honey, maple syrup or even a touch of vanilla extract can add a unique twist to your compote. Be sure to taste as you go and add less sugar at first; you can always add more later.

2. Thickening the compote

For a thicker consistency, “you can thicken it with cornstarch or tapioca if desired,” says Chastain.” Simply whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water or some of the compote liquid until smooth. Then, stir the slurry into the simmering compote and cook for an additional minute, until you reach the desired thickness.

3. Get your timing right

Don’t overcook your compote; the blueberries should soften and release their juices, but you still want them to retain some of their shape. Aim for a simmering time of 5-10 minutes on low heat, depending on the desired consistency, for even cooking. Additionally, you should only see small bubbles break the surface occasionally.

4. Preserve the color

Blueberries can lose some of their vibrant color during cooking. To maintain their hue, add a squeeze of lemon juice at the beginning of simmering. The acidity helps prevent the blueberries from breaking down too much.

Storage and reheating blueberry compote

First, let your compote cool completely before storing. Reisdorf says you can “store blueberry compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.” She adds that additionally, “it can be frozen for several months. To reheat, gently warm the compote in a saucepan over low heat.” You can also add a splash of water or fruit juice if the compote seems too thick.

2 easy recipes with blueberry compote

We’re sharing two delicious recipes with blueberry compote served warm and cold. Each take only 30 minutes to make and include a blueberry compote recipe along with the main dish.   

Lemon Ricotta Waffles with Blueberry Compote

Start your morning right with this waffle recipe from I Am a Honey Bee. If you haven’t heard, lemon and blueberry go well together, so pairing them with waffles makes for a decadent breakfast. Plus, ricotta cheese makes them extra fluffy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup part-skim milk ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1⅓ cup milk
• 1 cup blueberries, divided
• ¼ cup water
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 Tbs. lemon juice
• ¼ cup sugar

Directions:

• Active Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

1. First, preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Then, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest and the butter, then melt in the microwave.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar and ricotta together. Once the lumps from the ricotta have been broken down, add in the milk and vanilla extract. After, drizzle in the melted butter. Finally, add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Prior to using, generously spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray. Then, cook the waffles until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack as you continue to make more.
5. While the waffles are cooking, make the blueberry compote. Combine half of the blueberries, water, sugar and lemon zest and juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, until it starts to thicken and the berries have burst. Turn off the heat and add in the remaining blueberries.

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Parfaits  

This recipe from The Kitchen Whisperer features layers of sweetened graham crackers, creamy cheesecake filling and homemade blueberry compote. It takes far less time than a traditional cheesecake!

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 6 Tbs. melted, unsalted butter
• 1 cup full fat cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup full fat sour cream
• 3 Tbs. heavy cream
• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste
• 2 cups blueberries
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. butter, unsalted

Directions:

• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
• Yield: 4-6 servings

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add blueberries, lemon juice and sugar. When mixture starts to bubble, turn heat to low, stirring often. When it starts to foam, stir in the butter. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens. Then, transfer to a bowl and allow it to cool.
2. In a bowl, add crumbs, sugar and melted butter and mix. In a stand mixer, whip together the cream cheese and sour cream. Then, shut off and add the confectioners’ sugar, slowly turn on and gradually mix. Shut off and scrape down the sides. After, turn the mixer medium and slowly add the cream and vanilla.
3. Fill eight-ounce glasses with graham cracker filling. Then, with the back of a spoon, gently push the filling down. Next, add cheesecake, then blueberry compote. Repeat the layers for all glasses. Finally, loosely cover and chill for at least 3 hours.

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For more about blueberries, click through these stories:

Blueberry Cookies Are the Ultimate Soft and Chewy Treat — 3 Success Secrets + 2 Recipes

Muffin Mix Pancakes Are the 3-Ingredient Secret to a Deliciously Easy Breakfast

This Simple Hack Will Stop Berries From Sinking to the Bottom of Your Baked Goods