Baked Fruit Compote
A warm, comforting baked fruit compote featuring cherries, peaches, apricots, and prunes, sweetened with brown sugar and infused with cherry brandy—perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can pitted dark sweet cherries (undrained) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 29 oz. can sliced peaches, drained ⓘ
- 6 oz. package dried apricots ⓘ
- 12 oz. package pitted prunes, halved ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cherry brandy
Instructions
- Drain cherries, reserving 1 cup of juice, and set aside.
- Combine brown sugar and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Gradually add the reserved cherry juice, lemon juice, and orange juice to the brown sugar mixture, stirring well.
- In a 2-quart casserole, combine cherries, peaches, apricots, and prunes.
- Pour the brown sugar mixture over the fruit and sprinkle with cherry brandy.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until apricots are tender.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker compote, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or less brown sugar. You can swap the dried apricots for raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor. To enhance the taste, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Fruit Compote is delightful served warm over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a delicious dessert. It also pairs beautifully with pancakes or waffles for a breakfast treat. For a festive touch, serve it alongside roasted meats or as a topping for a cheese platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Adding a splash of juice can help restore moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Fruit Compote contains roughly 132 calories, with 1g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh fruit! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as fresh fruit may require a longer bake to soften. Using a mix of fresh cherries, peaches, and apricots will add a vibrant flavor to the compote.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the cherry brandy or replace it with a splash of vanilla extract for flavor. Ensure that any dried fruit used is free from added sugars or animal products.
What can I serve with this compote?
This compote pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for breakfast. For dessert, it goes wonderfully with ice cream, yogurt, or even as a topping for cakes. It can also complement savory dishes like pork or chicken.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).