Homemade Strawberry Compote Recipe: An Easy, Versatile Treat

Strawberry compote is one of my go-to ways to use those fresh berries when the strawberry season hits.  With everyone so busy, I know it’s hard to find ways to use them up before they go bad.  

That’s why I’m bringing you my family’s favorite, super simple recipe. It uses just a few ingredients and comes together in minutes. There are SO many things – sauce, spread, topping- the possibilities are endless!

Supplies:

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
• Potato masher (optional, for chunkier compote)
• Airtight jar or container for storage (this is the link for the adorable Kilner strawberry shaped glass jars that I used in this recipe)

Simple Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and quartered
• 1/4 cup sugar (or your preferred sweetener works too!)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon (or 2 tablespoons orange juice for a different flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond, if you prefer!)

FAQs for delicious strawberry sauce

• Can I freeze the compote? 
  Definitely! It keeps for months. A handy trick is freezing it in ice cube trays for smaller portions.
• Is it okay to use frozen strawberries? 
  Yes, though it may release extra liquid as it cooks.
• My compote’s too runny, what do I do? 
  A cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water mixed) will thicken it right up.

Directions

Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in your saucepan and place over medium heat.

Bring everything to a simmer and keep it there for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the strawberries to soften and break down.

If you like a chunky compote, use your potato masher for a few gentle presses. Want it smoother? A quick whirl with an immersion blender works wonders.

Let cool completely, then store in your airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Top 10 favorite ways to use strawberry compote

The classic: Swirled into vanilla ice cream.

Make yogurt fancy: Dollop over plain or Greek yogurt.

PB&…C! It’s a fantastic alternative to jelly on sandwiches.

Level up a pound cake or angel food cake with a generous spoonful.

Breakfast superstar: Over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.

Cheesecake topping: Take your cheesecake from ordinary to amazing.

Compote + cream cheese = a super easy fruit dip for pretzels or cookies.

Stirred into oatmeal or overnight oats for fruity sweetness.

Mix it into lemonade or iced tea for a special summer drink.

As a glaze for grilled pork chops or chicken. (Trust me, it’s surprisingly delicious!)

Tips and tricks for our easy strawberry compote recipe

• Play with the sweetness! Adjust the sugar based on your berries and preferences.
• Get creative with flavors: a pinch of cinnamon, fresh ginger, or a splash of balsamic vinegar are all delicious additions.
• This method works with other berries too! Make a fruit compote from raspberries, blueberries… you name it.
• Use maple syrup for a compote with less sugar. 

What about… Jam, jelly, coulis?

• Strawberry Compote: Chunky fruit sauce with recognizable pieces of fruit. The easiest to make!
• Strawberry Jam: Smoother, thicker, and usually cooked longer so it sets up firmly.
• Strawberry Jelly: Only the juice of the fruit is used, strained so it’s clear and gel-like.
• Strawberry Coulis: A fancy strained sauce, often savory, but can be sweet too.

Storing your compote for future use

Once your compote has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight glass jar or container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze your compote for up to 3 months.

You guys, this strawberry compote is such a winner – I promise your family will love it as much as we do!  

If you try it, please let me know in the comments how you liked it and what you served it with.  

And if you found this recipe helpful, I’d be so grateful if you’d share it on Pinterest or your favorite social media.  Thanks so much for reading!

Discover more of our favorite strawberry recipes: Strawberry Napoleon Recipe, Easy Strawberry Lime Lemonade Recipe, Easy Layered Strawberry Angel Food Cake.