Apple Cranberry Compote
User Reviews
5
Apple Cranberry Compote
Description
The Apple Cranberry Compote uses medium sweet apples and about three cups of cranberries (fresh or frozen) cooked with pure maple syrup, water, and fragrant warm spices: cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, and optional vanilla extract. The ingredients are simmered over medium-high heat until the apples soften and the sauce thickens, usually around 8 to 10 minutes or slightly longer if frozen cranberries are used. The result is a thick sauce with bursting cranberries and softened apple chunks.
Flavor-wise, the compote balances the tartness of cranberries with the natural sweetness of apples and maple syrup, uplifted by the aromatic spices. Texture ranges from tender fruit pieces to a sauce-like consistency, adaptable to preference by adjusting cooking time for thinner or thicker results.
The compote is traditionally served chilled with desserts or cheese platters, but can also be warmed and paired with breads, holiday mains, or oatmeal. It adds a seasonal note to dishes and stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or can be frozen for longer preservation.
When making a thinner compote, cutting apples into very small pieces helps achieve tenderness in less cooking time. This flexibility allows tailoring the compote’s texture depending on use.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apple see Notes, sweet, cored, peeled, and chopped
- 8 ounces cranberries about 3 cups, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves ground
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer. Stirring occasionally, cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened (takes a bit longer if using frozen cranberries). NOTE: If you prefer a thinner compote (vs a cranberry sauce consistency) turn off the heat once all of the cranberries have burst and the sauce is only slightly thickened.
- Let the compote cool. Refrigerate until chilled to serve with desserts and as part of a cheese board. Or serve warm with holiday main dishes, breads, baked goods, and oatmeal.
Notes
- For a thinner compote, reduce cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes and chop apples into small bite-sized pieces for quicker tenderness.
- Store the compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for several months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 117 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 117kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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