Make this sweet, summery Peach Compote for your favorite brunch or dessert dishes.
Now and then, I crave a sweet treat that tastes like a burst of sunshine. You know what I mean? That juicy, fruity, drip-down-your-lips kind of experience! That’s where a classic like peach compote comes into play. And boy, does this one never disappoint.
Peach compote is like the cinnamon-vanilla-flavored filling of a peach pie, without the crust. It’s sweet, slightly tangy, and very rich. You can easily serve it with any sweet dish you want, from waffles to cheesecake. You never know how it’s going to brighten your breakfast or dessert until you try it.
Originally from French cuisine, peach compote is now an integral part of American food, especially in the southern states. My best friend grew up in the Carolinas, and peach compote was often used in both brunch dishes and desserts. It provides a warm, comforting boost of flavor to match that good old-fashioned southern hospitality. And the pairing possibilities are nearly endless, so feel free to get creative when you serve it!
The difference between compote and jam
Both compote and jam are made by cooking fruit with lemon juice and some kind of sweetener, but they do have some subtle differences. Compote usually keeps the fruit in chunks, such as in this recipe, wherein the peaches are diced. Jam, on the other hand, is smoother because it involves mashing the fruit into a spread. That’s why, personally, I see compote as more of a topping or filling, whereas jam can be spread on anything from toast to pancakes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your leftover peach compote in a well-sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, but keep in mind this might change the texture of the peaches. Let it thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before serving it. If you want to enjoy it warm, eat it right after cooking, or keep it in the fridge and then warm it in a pot on the stove over medium heat.
Serving suggestions
Treat your loved ones to a little summertime picnic brunch by serving peach compote on top of thick and hearty French Toast Casserole, Gluten-Free Coffee Cake, Whole-Wheat Waffles, or some delicate Swedish Pancakes. But don’t stop there! Desserts like Healthy Cottage Cheese Cheesecake also shine bright with a scoop of peach compote on top. Or you can spread it between two layers of white cake for a decadent filling.
Ingredients
- 4 large, ripe peaches
- 2 tablespoons honey plus more, to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel, pit, and dice the peaches; then add them to a medium saucepan along with the honey, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, and stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the liquid has thickened. Taste and add more honey, if needed.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the compote to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the warm compote over your favorite breakfast or dessert items, or chill it for later use.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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