Are you looking for a delicious way to add the luscious flavours of fresh cherries to your recipes? Then look no further than this cherry compote recipe! This simple yet flavourful compote is sure to tantalize your taste buds and become an instant favourite. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in making preserves, this recipe has the information needed to create a luscious batch of cherry compote every time. Freshly cooked and jarred with traditional preserving methods – it can’t be beaten!
Why make cherries this way?
A cherry compote is the perfect topping for desserts like ice cream, waffles, and pancakes. It also makes a great accompaniment to both sweet and savoury dishes. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also extremely versatile too.
The combination of cherries, sugar, lemon, and water becomes something really special. A great example of what a compote is – whole or large pieces of fruit suspended in a glossy tasty syrup.
Making a cherry compote
A cherry compote is a delectable way to add flavour and texture to a meal.
To begin, select the cherries you would like to use in your compote. If using fresh cherries, pick them from the tree yourself or visit your local farmer’s market for the best quality fruit, or some good-quality fruit from the supermarket. Then, rinse the cherries under cool water to remove any dust or dirt that may be on the skin. Next, use a cherry pitter to easily remove the pit from each cherry. Once pitted, cut the cherries into halves or quarters depending on your preference. Leave a few whole cherries for a special indulgence.
Wash zest and juice the orange. I love the way to cherry and orange flavours go together.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the prepared cherries, orange zest and juice, sugar and water. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Turn up the heat just slightly and bring everything to a boil for a couple of minutes before reducing the heat and allowing it to simmer for 7- 15 minutes or so until thickened to your satisfaction. I like mine to have a soft just about runny quality so that has to be spooned out of the jar and has just the right about of drizzle.
As it simmers, prepare any optional ingredients such as cinnamon sticks (to add an extra zing of flavour), vanilla extract (for added sweetness), almond extract (for nutty flavour), nutmeg (for warmth), honey (for additional sweetness) or any other spices you may like depending on how sweet or tart you’d like your compote to be.
Once everything is combined and thickened enough, turn off the heat and prepare for storage or immediate enjoyment once cooled completely. Enjoy as is on toast and scones or spoon over ice cream – whichever way, you won’t be disappointed!
If you have never had cherry compote, I encourage you to take the time to make it. The experience of jewel-like cherries mixed with a syrupy citrus sweetness is something everyone should enjoy at least once.
TIPS for making a cherry compote
1. Choose sweet, ripe cherries for the best flavour
Sweet and ripe cherries will give you the most flavorful results.
2. Simmer gently to thicken and reduce:
Slowly simmer your cherry compote, stirring occasionally until desired thickness is achieved. Make sure not to over-boil or overcook as this will make it too thick and sticky, which will reduce the lusciousness of the experience when eating it.
3. Spice up with additional flavours
If desired add a pinch of ground spices like cinnamon or cardamom along with some drops of good quality vanilla extract for extra depth of flavour while cooking the compote on low heat setting stirring constantly every few minutes so that spices infuse properly without burning or sticking at bottom of pot/pan.
4. It can be made with fresh, tinned, or frozen cherries:
Being able to make this compote by using fresh, tinned, or frozen cherries makes this sweet and tart treat versatile and easy to make whenever you want it.
Customize your compote
- Add lemon zest and/or lemon juice to balance the sweetness and add some zing.
- Spice things up with cinnamon, nutmeg allspice, star anise or cardamom.
- Stir in some vanilla extract for a sublime flavour combination.
- Mix in a dash of your favourite liqueur such as Kirsch or Grand Marnier for that complimentary flavour that works well with cherries; or some cherry brandy to turn up the volume on the taste of cherries.
- Add some dried cranberries for a contrasting tart note, with texture. Or some nuts…
Suggestions about enjoying this cherry experience
1. Spread it on toast or biscuits for a sweet breakfast treat.
2. Drizzle the compote over your favourite ice cream for a delightful dessert treat.
3. Create an indulgent pudding by layering cherry compote and whipped cream in glasses. Garnish with nuts or chocolate and serve with shortbread biscuits.
4. Make a breakfast, or snack, bowl with yoghurt, granola, and cherry compote.
5. Use the cherry preserve as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
All in all, cherry compote is a lovely and delicious way to enjoy cherries. And I should know – I’ve made my fair share of batches! If you’re looking for an easy recipe that yields amazing results, look no further. This is my favourite example of everything a compote should be. Try it!
A Recipe for Making Cherry Compote: Luscious and Delicious
Equipment
- Kitchen scales
- Chopping board and knife
- Cherry pitter/de-stoner
- Zester
- Medium sized saucepan
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Ladle
- Jam Funnel
- Clean, sterilised glass jars with sealable lids
Ingredients
- 450 g cherries, pitted and halved with some left whole
- 1 medium orange, zested and juiced to give, 30 ml orange juice – and 1 tsp orange zest
- 30 ml water
- 25 g sugar
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Wash the cherries and the orange. Remove the cherry stalks. Use a cherry pitter/de-stoner to remove the pits. Cut most of the cherries in half; you may want to leave some whole as this gives the compote a luxurious look. Weigh the prepared cherries.
- Zest the orange until you have roughly one teaspoon of fine zest. Then squeeze the orange for the juice.
- Place the prepared cherries in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the water, orange juice and zest, and sugar to the saucepan with the cherries. Stir until everything is combined evenly.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil on this medium heat, then adjust the heat to let it all simmer for between 7-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should start to thicken and the cherry juices will soften and become less tart as they cook down.
- Once done simmering, add a pinch of salt to balance out flavours, if desired.
- You don't have to check for a set as the compote is meant to be softer than a jam. (but you could if you prefer).Once it reaches a thickness that you are happy with, remove it from the heat, and leave it to stand for a minute.
- Ladle into your clean sterilised jar(s), cover it with the lids(s) and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- It can last in a cool dark place for 6-8 weeks; although I prefer to store some in the refrigerator to enjoy for a couple of weeks, and freeze the rest in a freezer-safe container or even zip-lock bags for around 10 months.
Notes
TIPS for making a cherry compote
1. Choose sweet, ripe cherries for the best flavour Sweet and ripe cherries will give you the most flavorful results. 2. Simmer gently to thicken and reduce: Slowly simmer your cherry compote, stirring occasionally until desired thickness is achieved. Make sure not to over-boil or overcook as this will make it too thick and sticky, which will reduce the lusciousness of the experience when eating it. 3. Spice up with additional flavours If desired add a pinch of ground spices like cinnamon or cardamom along with some drops of good quality vanilla extract for extra depth of flavour while cooking the compote on low heat setting stirring constantly every few minutes so that spices infuse properly without burning or sticking at bottom of pot/pan. 4. It can be made with fresh, tinned, or frozen cherries: Being able to make this compote by using fresh, tinned, or frozen cherries makes this sweet and tart treat versatile and easy to make whenever you want it.Customize your compote
- Add lemon zest and/or lemon juice to balance the sweetness and add some zing.
- Spice things up with cinnamon, nutmeg allspice, star anise or cardamom.
- Stir in some vanilla extract for a sublime flavour combination.
- Mix in a dash of your favourite liqueur such as Kirsch or Grand Marnier for that complimentary flavour that works well with cherries; or some cherry brandy to turn up the volume on the taste of cherries.
- Add some dried cranberries for a contrasting tart note, with texture. Or some nuts…
Suggestions about enjoying this cherry experience
1. Spread it on toast or biscuits for a sweet breakfast treat. 2. Drizzle the compote over your favourite ice cream for a delightful dessert treat. 3. Create an indulgent pudding by layering cherry compote and whipped cream in glasses. Garnish with nuts or chocolate and serve with shortbread biscuits. 4. Make a breakfast, or snack, bowl with yoghurt, granola, and cherry compote. 5. Use the cherry preserve as a topping for pancakes or waffles.Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.