Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe With a Hint of Lemon (2024)

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This Blueberry Compote recipe is an incredibly easy blueberry sauce that tastes amazing on pancakes, cheesecake, cake, yogurt, pie, ice cream and scones.

Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe With a Hint of Lemon (1)

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Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe With a Hint of Lemon (2)

What is Compote?

Compote is a chunky sauce that is made of fruit stewed in juice, wine or syrup. It can either be sweet or savory and served warm or cold. Most often you will find compote served alongside dessert or breakfast.

Blueberry Compote vs Blueberry Syrup

Blueberry Compote and blueberry syrup are very similar to one another but with one main difference. The compote is chunky and the syrup has a smooth consistency. The smooth consistency is achieved by mashing the blueberries while cooking and then straining to remove the blueberry solids.

Ingredients Needed

  • Fresh or Frozen Blueberries (2 cups)
  • Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
  • Water
  • 1 lemon

How to Make Blueberry Compote

  1. In a heavy bottomed sauce pan bring sugar and water to a boil until sugar has melted.
  2. To the pan add blueberries, zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
  3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Stirring occasionally simmer until blueberries have burst and sauce begins to thicken, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Let cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

Not only is this Compote easy to make, there are also so many wonderful ways to enjoy it. However, it is so tasty that eating it by itself is a treat in and of itself. Here are some of the best companions for this Compote.

  • Vanilla or Lemon Custard Ice Cream
  • Waffles
  • Italian Lemon Pound Cake
  • Pancakes
  • Vanilla Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
  • Oatmeal
  • Toast
  • On a Charcuterie Board
  • Lemon Scones
  • Lemon Bundt Cake or Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
  • Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie
  • Lemon Cheesecake

Variations

  • Instead of water use orange juice and orange zest instead of lemon.
  • Add fresh chopped mint the last few minutes of simmering.
  • Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean instead of lemon.
  • Replace the water with orange liqueur, lower the sugar down to 1/4 cup and eliminate the lemon juice and zest.
  • Add 1/2-1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Also 1/8 teaspoon of cardamon and nutmeg.
  • 1 teaspoon of almond extract in place of the lemon would also be delicious.

Sugar Alternatives

Honey, brown sugar and maple syrup can easily replace the regular granulated sugar in equal parts. It is important to note however, powdered sugar should not be used for this recipe. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch which will cause the compote to become too thick.

For a lower sugar compote replace the sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey and use 2 tablespoons of water. Keep the other ingredients the same.

Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe With a Hint of Lemon (3)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this Compote be made in 5 minutes?

Maybe not 5 minutes but very close. To do so add all the ingredients to the pan at the same time and place the saucepan over medium/high heat. Bring to a boil until the blueberries burst and thicken making sure to stir frequently to ensure it does not scorch.

I do not recommend this method unless you are able to stand over the saucepan the entire time.

Why add lemon zest and juice?

Lemon zest brightens up the flavor of the blueberries and the acid from the lemon juice compliments the sweetness of the berries.

How should this Compote be stored and how long will it last?

Once the compote has cooled to room temperature, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

For freezer storage, place in an airtight freezer container or bag. This Blueberry Compote will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe With a Hint of Lemon (4)

Blueberry Compote

Glossy and luxurious Blueberry Compote is incredibly easy to make and tops off pancakes, waffles and desserts beautifully.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Condiment, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Blueberry Compote, Blueberry Sauce, Blueberry Topping

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 65kcal

Author: Heather

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cups blueberries *either fresh or frozen
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • In a heavy bottomed sauce pan bring sugar and water to a boil until sugar has melted.

  • To the pan add blueberries, zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

  • Stirring occasionally simmer until blueberries have burst and sauce begins to thicken, about 8-12 minutes. See Note #1 Below

  • Let cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Notes

Recipe Notes

Note #1- Frozen berries will take longer to cook whereas the fresh berries will be done around the 8 minute marker.

Note #2- See above in post for flavor and sweetness variations.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @thefedupfoodie or tag #thefedupfoodie!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura says

    Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe With a Hint of Lemon (5)
    You were so right! This recipe was very easy to make. I had made your Italian Lemon Cake and decided at the last minute to add this blueberry compote on top of the cake slices. It was so pretty and delicious.

    Reply

    • Heather says

      That sounds absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for the idea!!

  2. Kauka Akima-Noseworthy says

    Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe With a Hint of Lemon (6)
    Thank you for showing me how to make my first blueberry sauce. It was quite easy. It looks like its supposed to. It tastes great. Cant wait for it to cool and thicken, so I can post a photo. Aloha, from Oregon

    Reply

    • Heather says

      That is wonderful to hear. I hope you enjoy!

  3. Sheltra says

    Just curious, while the compost is still warm, this can go into a mason jar to cool, correct

    Reply

    • Heather says

      Yes, you can transfer the warm blueberry compote into a mason jar to cool. Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the jar to account for any expansion as it cools. If the jar hasn’t been sanitized for canning, treat the compote as perishable. Store it in the refrigerator and consume within a week for optimal safety, as proper sanitization is crucial for extended shelf life.

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Easy Blueberry Compote Recipe With a Hint of Lemon (2024)

FAQs

What does lemon juice do to blueberries? ›

The tartness of lemon provides a bright and zesty contrast to the sweetness of blueberries. Lemon can enhance the flavor of blueberries by adding a touch of acidity that brings out their natural sweetness. Both lemon and blueberry are versatile flavors that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory.

Why is my blueberry compote not thickening? ›

For a thicker and chunkier blueberry compote, almost like a pie filling texture, remove the fruit after about two thirds of the cooking time and allow the liquid to reduce by half. When you add the berries back in, take it off the heat and it will thicken up further as it cools.

How to enhance the flavor of blueberries? ›

Classic Blueberry Flavor Combos

Lemon: At the very top of the list is sweet-tart blueberries and sharp lemon, an almost unbeatable combination. (But don't sleep on blueberries + other citrus flavors, including lime, orange and even grapefruit.)

How to get compote to thicken? ›

Whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the compote after it has broken down and simmer 1-2 minutes, or until thickened to your desired texture.

Why add lemon juice to berries? ›

The flavour of the strawberries is enhanced by the lemon juice. Naturally, the same applies for raspberries and all soft fruits.

What does Epsom salt do for blueberries? ›

You can use Epsom salt if your blueberries need magnesium. You should add one tablespoon of Epsom salts and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to two gallons of water and apply to the base of the blueberry plants. This method can help revive blueberry plants and encourage them to green up.

What is the difference between blueberry compote and jam? ›

Jam is made from crushed or chopped fruit and sugar, and has a chunky texture. Jelly is made from fruit juice and sugar, and has a smooth, translucent texture. Compote is made from whole or large pieces of fruit that are cooked in a syrup made from sugar and water. It has a thicker texture than jelly.

How to thicken compote without cornstarch? ›

1. All-purpose flour: You can thicken sauces with all-purpose wheat flour. For every tablespoon of cornstarch, use three tablespoons of flour. Combine raw flour with cold water in a small bowl to form a paste, then add it into the sauce as it's simmering.

What spice enhances blueberry flavor? ›

Apparently, coriander. The dried seeds of this common garden herb pack considerably more linalool than lavender does (the flavor's more subtle, too, so, it's a little easier to cook with). Blueberries, too. In fact, linalool is one of the key terpenes used when laboratories synthesize the flavor of blueberries.

What brings out the blueberry flavor? ›

Botanical blueberry pairings

Citrusy and fresh green notes from cucumber helps to bring out the natural sweetness and fragrant floral notes in fresh blueberries. Rosemary Blueberry: The piney green and gentle earthy notes of rosemary work well alongside a sweet and ripe blueberry flavor.

What do coffee grounds do for blueberries? ›

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

How long does a berry compote last in the fridge? ›

Compote is not as thick as jam or jelly, and it's meant to be consumed relatively soon after making (it will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator). It's not designed to be canned or preserved for the months or years ahead.

What to serve with berry compote? ›

Serve this frozen berry compote warm or chilled over pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, toast, waffles, oatmeal... endless possibilities and sure to please any palate.

How to sweeten blueberries fast? ›

Macerating—soaking or steeping in liquid and/or sweetener—is one of the easiest and fastest ways to doctor up sub-par berries. Toss them in sugar, honey, or maple syrup, along with a little fresh juice or alcohol (an herbal liqueur, like elderflower spirit, would be great).

Why do blueberry and lemon go together? ›

🍋 Why do Blueberry and Lemon Go Together? The zingy brightness of lemon zest complements the sweet juiciness of blueberries in a way that lifts the flavour profile of whatever you're baking. It's a flavour combo that hits all the right notes, from tart to sweet and everything in between.

What does putting lemon juice on fruit do? ›

To prevent the effects of oxidation, fruit needs citric acid, and lemons are full of it. As a natural antioxidant, lemon juice can help prolong the life of fruit salad (as well as its visual appeal) by inactivating the enzyme polyphenol oxidase, which is responsible for the browning.

What are the benefits of lemon and blueberry water? ›

Lemon will provide you with vitamin C, and blueberries are packed with antioxidants. Both are great additions to your diet! But keep in mind, that the real health benefit is coming from drinking more water. The fruit flavor is a way to make it more enticing!

Do you need to add lemon juice when canning blueberries? ›

Blueberries are somewhat acidic but bottled lemon juice is needed to bring the pH down and make the product safe when preserved via boiling water bath.

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