Warm Fruit Compote
A warm, fruity dessert featuring a blend of pineapple, peaches, mandarins, and pears in a tangy orange glaze, perfect for light, refreshing gatherings or family desserts.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons orange rind ⓘ
- 1/3 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 13 ounces canned pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup peach slices, drained ⓘ
- 11 ounces canned mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup pear slices, drained
- 10 maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or chafing dish, combine margarine, powdered sugar, cornstarch, orange rind, orange juice, and lemon juice.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the drained pineapple chunks, peach slices, mandarin oranges, and pear slices.
- Simmer just until the fruit is warmed through.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine. Feel free to mix in other fruits like berries or apples to customize the compote. To avoid burning the mixture, keep the heat low and stir continuously. This compote also pairs beautifully with Good And Easy Oatmeal Cookies for a delightful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this warm fruit compote over pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat. It also makes a great topping for yogurt or oatmeal. For a refreshing twist, accompany it with a light salad, like a Different Fruit Salad, to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the compote in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can lead to uneven heating and affect the fruit's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Warm Fruit Compote contains roughly 1190 calories, with 2g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
* % 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 use fresh fruit for a more vibrant flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times, as fresh fruit may require a bit longer to soften. Choose fruits that are in season for the best taste and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting margarine with a plant-based butter. Ensure that your canned fruits do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, and you're all set for a delicious vegan treat.
How can I make this compote less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the powdered sugar and consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra lemon juice for acidity. This will balance the flavors and give the compote a more tart profile.
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).