Cherry Compote

Citrus Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Nut Free, Paleo, Pescatarian, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

39 Calories | 0g Protein | 11g Carbs | 0g Fat | 1g Fiber | 9g Sugar

25 minutes | 4 servings

Once you make this cherry compote, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Sweet cherries with just enough coconut sugar to bring out their natural brightness.

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Why You'll Love This

The whole thing comes together in about 25 minutes on the stovetop, and you're left with something that transforms everything it touches. Spoon it over Greek yogurt, swirl it into oatmeal, dollop it on pancakes, or eat it straight from the jar with a spoon. No judgment here. Quick. Easy. Delicious.

The Nutrition Profile

At just 39 calories per 1/4 cup serving, this compote delivers naturally occurring vitamins and antioxidants from the cherries themselves. Cherries contain vitamin C and potassium, both of which our bodies need more of as we age.

You're getting about 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving, with 1 gram of fiber to support digestive health.

The coconut sugar adds a gentle sweetness without the blood sugar spike you'd get from refined white sugar, and since coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, it provides a steadier source of energy.

This isn't a protein or fat source, so it works best as a topping or accompaniment to something more substantial like yogurt, cottage cheese, or whole grain toast.

The Ingredient List

You need exactly three ingredients for this recipe: cherries (fresh or frozen work equally well), coconut sugar, and water. That's it. No pectin, no complicated thickeners, no preservatives.

The cherries do all the heavy lifting here, releasing their natural juices as they cook down. Fresh cherries are fantastic when they're in season, but frozen cherries are your friend year-round and often more budget-friendly.

If coconut sugar isn't in your pantry, regular cane sugar works just fine. Some people find they're more sensitive to refined sugars as they age (me, I am some people), which is why the recipe calls for coconut sugar, but use what works for your body and your budget.

If you want to get fancy, add some vanilla to bring a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the tart cherries.

The Practical Stuff

This compote stores in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday when you have the time and energy, and you've got breakfast and snack toppings sorted for the week.

No special equipment needed beyond a saucepan and something to stir with.

The whole process is hands-off enough that you can make it while doing other things in the kitchen. Just set a timer so you don't forget about it (because brain fog is real, and burnt cherry compote is nobody's friend).

It does need to cool completely before you transfer it to a jar, so factor in that cooling time if you're making it right before you need it.

The Method

Start by adding your cherries, coconut sugar, and water to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves completely. You'll know it's ready when you can't see any sugar granules at the bottom of the pan.

Now let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You're looking for the cherries to release their juices and soften into that perfect jammy texture. Fresh cherries will break down a bit more than frozen ones, but again, both work well in this recipe.

The compote will look quite liquidy at first, but as it cools, it'll thicken up naturally thanks to the pectin in the cherries themselves. No need to add any thickeners or worry about getting it to set.

When the cherries are soft and have developed enough juice, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely. Transfer to a clean glass jar once it's cooled, and that's it. You're done.

The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before you can dig in.

Why This Works

This cherry compote is the definition of simple done right. Three ingredients, one pot, 25 minutes, and you've got something that take everything from breakfast to dessert up a notch.

It stores for a week, so you can make it once and enjoy it all week long without having to cook every single day. Plus, it's sweet enough to feel like a treat without being so sugary that you're dealing with an energy crash an hour later.

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