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A glass dessert dish filled with scoops of vanilla ice cream, topped with caramelized cinnamon apples. An apple and other food items are blurred in the background.

Warm Apple Compote Topping

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Apple compote is a sweet, spiced fruit topping that’s quick and easy to make. With tender apple chunks simmered in warm spices, it’s perfect for spooning over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. This cozy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and can be made ahead for effortless hosting.
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegetarian
Keyword comfort food, healthy, quick, spiced
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 88
Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 apples large, about 4 cups diced – Honeycrisp and Granny Smith work well together
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Apples

  • Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch chunks. For more texture, you can leave some peel on.
    5 to 6 apples
    Chopped green apples on a white cutting board, next to a bowl of apple peels and cores, and an orange-and-white striped kitchen towel on a white countertop.

Cook the Compote

  • Place the diced apples into a medium saucepan.
  • Add the water, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
    1/3 cup water, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/8 teaspoon salt
    A white saucepan filled with chopped green apples, brown sugar, and spices sits on a white surface next to a pink and white striped kitchen towel.
  • Stir to combine.

Simmer

  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become tender, and the liquid should thicken into a syrupy sauce.
    A white saucepan filled with cooked, diced apples in a brown cinnamon sauce sits on a marble surface next to a pink and white striped cloth.

Serve and Store

  • Remove from heat and serve warm over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
  • To store, let the compote cool, then transfer it to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions
  • Refrigerator: Store cooled compote in an airtight jar or container for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen if needed. Stir occasionally so the fruit heats evenly and the sauce regains its glossy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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