Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe With a Hint of Lemon (2024)

This Blueberry Compote recipe is an incredibly easy blueberry sauce that tastes amazing on pancakes, cheesecake, cake, yogurt, pie, ice cream and scones.

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What is Compote?

Compote is a chunky sauce that is made of fruit stewed in juice, wine or syrup. It can either be sweet or savory and served warm or cold. Most often you will find compote served alongside dessert or breakfast.

Blueberry Compote vs Blueberry Syrup

Blueberry Compote and blueberry syrup are very similar to one another but with one main difference. The compote is chunky and the syrup has a smooth consistency. The smooth consistency is achieved by mashing the blueberries while cooking and then straining to remove the blueberry solids.

Ingredients Needed

• Fresh or Frozen Blueberries (2 cups)
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
• Water
• 1 lemon

How to Make Blueberry Compote

1. In a heavy bottomed sauce pan bring sugar and water to a boil until sugar has melted.
2. To the pan add blueberries, zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Stirring occasionally simmer until blueberries have burst and sauce begins to thicken, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Let cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

Not only is this Compote easy to make, there are also so many wonderful ways to enjoy it. However, it is so tasty that eating it by itself is a treat in and of itself. Here are some of the best companions for this Compote.

• Vanilla or Lemon Custard Ice Cream
• Waffles
• Italian Lemon Pound Cake
• Pancakes
• Vanilla Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Toast
• On a Charcuterie Board
• Lemon Scones
• Lemon Bundt Cake or Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
• Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie
• Lemon Cheesecake

Variations

• Instead of water use orange juice and orange zest instead of lemon.
• Add fresh chopped mint the last few minutes of simmering.
• Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean instead of lemon.
• Replace the water with orange liqueur, lower the sugar down to 1/4 cup and eliminate the lemon juice and zest.
• Add 1/2-1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Also 1/8 teaspoon of cardamon and nutmeg.
• 1 teaspoon of almond extract in place of the lemon would also be delicious.

Sugar Alternatives

Honey, brown sugar and maple syrup can easily replace the regular granulated sugar in equal parts. It is important to note however, powdered sugar should not be used for this recipe. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch which will cause the compote to become too thick.

For a lower sugar compote replace the sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey and use 2 tablespoons of water. Keep the other ingredients the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this Compote be made in 5 minutes?

Maybe not 5 minutes but very close. To do so add all the ingredients to the pan at the same time and place the saucepan over medium/high heat. Bring to a boil until the blueberries burst and thicken making sure to stir frequently to ensure it does not scorch.

I do not recommend this method unless you are able to stand over the saucepan the entire time.

Why add lemon zest and juice?

Lemon zest brightens up the flavor of the blueberries and the acid from the lemon juice compliments the sweetness of the berries.

How should this Compote be stored and how long will it last?

Once the compote has cooled to room temperature, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

For freezer storage, place in an airtight freezer container or bag. This Blueberry Compote will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight.