Pear Compote! This easy to prepare, yet luxurious, pear topping can be served over everything from desserts to breakfast foods, or used as a spread on cheese boards.
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Have you ever made a fruit compote?
While it sounds a little fancy, it's actually just a spread made with fruit and sugar syrup (and sometimes spices) that is very easy to make and super versatile.
This easy Pear Compote is essentially a pear sauce that can be used as a topping or spread for countless dishes. From cake filling to pancake topping to a flavorful spread to serve on cheese boards, this compote has a variety of uses and is a great recipe for ripe pears.
Looking for more compote recipes? Try the blueberry compote I serve on my delicious Blueberry Toast, this cherry compote that I love to spoon over Chocolate-Cherry Sorbet or even this tropical banana compote that takes my Flax Pancakes to the next level.
This recipes is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free & vegan.
Ingredients
- Pears. The key ingredient, of course! I used Bosc pears, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- Liquid. The type is up to you. I used chardonnay to make a pear-chardonnay compote, but you can completely omit the alcohol by using pear nectar, apple juice, or even water.
- Sugar. This helps sweeten things up and make the sugar syrup that is typically part of compotes.
- Spices. I used a cinnamon stick for this recipe, but anise, cloves or allspice would also be wonderful for a spiced compote.
- Vanilla. Vanilla bean paste adds beautiful little specks and amazing flavor, but if you can't get your hands on the paste, regular vanilla extract may be used.
Instructions
You won't believe how simple it is to make pear compote (or any compote for that matter!). Here's how I do it:
Combine all ingredients (except vanilla bean paste) in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the pears are softened and slightly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. This could take more or less time depending on the ripeness of your pears or the type of pear you've chosen.
Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract.
Cool the mixture slightly. If you prefer a smoother compote, you can use an immersion blender to or food processor to blend it to the desired smoothness. Otherwise, you may leave it chunky or simply use a fork to give it a mash.
Place the compote in an airtight container and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
It's delicious both warm and cold!
Recipe FAQ's
Yes. Place the cooled pear compote in an airtight, freezer-safe container to freeze. It can be kept frozen for 3-6 months and thawed when you're ready to use it.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pear compote can last 5-7 days. Always check to make sure that there it doesn't look or smell questionable.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this pear compote is slathered on a cracker with goat cheese, but there are dozens of ways to enjoy it! Try it over: Yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, French toast, crepes, muffins or breads, or on desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, pavlova or even as a cake filling.
Variations & Substitutions
Try these variations for a flavorful twist:
- Sweeten with honey instead of sugar.
- Make a spiced pear compote by using mixture of your favorite spices such as nutmeg, cloves or anise.
- Pair the pear with another fruit such as cranberries or apples.
- Add a savory herb such as rosemary or sage to infuse with flavor and aroma.
- Toss a knob of fresh ginger into the mix as it stews to give it a spicy kick. (Remove it before serving.)
- Squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the mixture for a hint of acidity and brightness.
Pear Compote
Ingredients
- 2 Bosc pears peeled, cored and diced
- ⅔ cup chardonnay or apple juice or pear nectar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except vanilla bean paste) in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the pears are softened and slightly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract.
- Cool slightly then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a smoother compote, pulse the compote in a food processor to desired consistency.
- If the liquid evaporates before the pears are fully softened, add a few more tablespoons of wine, water or juice and continue to cook until the pears have softened.
- Sweeten with honey instead of sugar.
- Make a spiced pear compote by using mixture of your favorite spices such as nutmeg, cloves or anise.
- Pair the pear with another fruit such as cranberries or apples.
- Add a savory herb such as rosemary or sage to infuse with flavor and aroma.
- Toss a knob of fresh ginger into the mix as it stews to give it a spicy kick. (Remove it before serving.)
- Squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the mixture for a hint of acidity and brightness.
[…] Pear-Chardonnay Compote – The Kitchen Prep If there’s on thing I love more than pears it’s definitely white wine. There is always Chardonnay in my fridge, and this compote is the perfect pair to my favorite beverage. I served mine with some brie and wine, its the perfect party snack in the fall! […]