Strawberry Compote is a simple, 3 ingredient recipe that's so easy to make. It takes about 15 minutes from beginning to end and needs just fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and black pepper. Pair with yogurt, pancakes, or even vanilla ice cream for a burst of fruity flavor.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's made with just 3 ingredients
- This homemade strawberry compote is quick, and ready in 15 minutes
- It's gluten free, dairy free, and vegan
- You can make it ahead of time
- This is great served over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes
- Kids and adults love it
- Full of bold strawberry flavor
- Try peach or raspberry compote as well!
Strawberry Compote Ingredients and Substitutions
*full ingredients list and measurements can be found in recipe card below*

- Strawberries: I prefer to use fresh strawberries, just make sure they're cleaned and dry. Frozen also works if needed
- Maple syrup: To keep my strawberry compote refined sugar free, I like to use maple syrup to sweeten it
- Black pepper: Trust me, a small amount makes the strawberry flavor "pop"
How To Make Strawberry Compote
1. Add prepared strawberries, maple syrup, water, and a pinch of black pepper to a small saucepan and set over medium heat
2. Stirring occasionally, bring the compote to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently. The strawberry compote is ready when the berries are soft and start falling apart. Taste and add more maple syrup if needed
3. The compote will thicken slightly as it cools, but if you think it's too thin you can add in an arrowroot slurry. Stir well, then turn the heat off
4. Let the strawberry compote time to cool completely to room temperature before using, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks


Expert Tips
- Fresh or frozen: You can make strawberry with either fresh strawberries or frozen, they both work!
- Sugar substitute: You can substitute the maple syrup with honey (it won't be vegan) or coconut sugar for another refined sugar free option. Regular white sugar also works if that's all you have
- Add the pepper: Black pepper seems like a weird ingredient but it makes the strawberries taste more "strawberryish". Trust me on this one!
- Thicker compote: If you want a thicker homemade compote, mix 2 teaspoons of arrowroot starch with 2 teaspoons of water and add it while the compote is boiling
- Make ahead: Homemade compote lasts for 2 weeks if stored properly in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time for weekend brunches or quick breakfasts

Serving Suggestions
I LOVE serving homemade strawberry compote over top of vanilla ice cream. There's something about the fresh, fruit taste that pairs so well with it!
If you're dairy free, or looking for a healthier way to use this compote, try serving it with one of these ideas:
- Waffles
- Pancakes
- Protein French toast
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt bowls
- Over cheesecake
- Use as a cake/cupcake filling
Storage Instructions
STORING: You can store any leftover strawberry compote in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
FREEZING: To freeze, cook your compote and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, pour it into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
REHEATING: To reheat strawberry compote, pour your desired portion into a small saucepan and reheat over low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave
Frequently Asked Questions
A compote is typically made of fruit (fresh or frozen) and sugar. They're cooked together until the fruit is soft and it has formed a sweet, chunky fruit sauce.
A compote is basically fruit cooked in a sugary syrup until softened, while a coulis is a fruit (or veggie) puree used in a dessert as a sauce or decoration.
If you want it thicker, you can mix 2 teaspoons of arrowroot starch with 2 teaspoons of cold water, then stir it into your compote and cook until thickened.

Did you make this recipe?
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PrintEasy Strawberry Compote
Strawberry Compote is a simple, 3 ingredient recipe that's so easy to make. It takes about 15 minutes from beginning to end and needs just fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and black pepper. Pair with yogurt, pancakes, or even vanilla ice cream for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Compote
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries- hulled and quartered
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons water
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Add prepared strawberries, maple syrup, water, and a pinch of black pepper to a medium saucepan and set over medium heat
- Stirring occasionally, bring the compote to a boil. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning
- The strawberry compote is ready when the berries are soft and begin to fall apart. You can taste and add more maple syrup if needed at this step
- The compote will thicken slightly as it cools, but if you think it's too thin you can add in a slurry made from 2 teaspoons of arrowroot starch mixed with 2 teaspoons of cold water. Stir well, then turn the heat off
- Allow the strawberry compote time to cool completely to room temperature before using, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Notes
- Fresh or frozen: You can make strawberry with either fresh strawberries or frozen, they both work!
- Sugar substitute: You can substitute the maple syrup with honey (it won't be vegan) or coconut sugar for another refined sugar free option. Regular white sugar also works if that's all you have
- Add the pepper: Black pepper seems like a weird ingredient but it makes the strawberries taste more "strawberryish". Trust me on this one!
- Thicker compote: If you want a thicker homemade compote, mix 2 teaspoons of arrowroot starch with 2 teaspoons of water and add it while the compote is boiling
- Make ahead: Homemade compote lasts for 2 weeks if stored properly in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time for weekend brunches or quick breakfasts
Keywords: strawberry compote recipe, strawberry compote for cheesecake, strawberry compote for pancakes
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