Easy Peach Compote Topping
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Privacy Policy for details.
Make peach compote year-round using fresh, frozen, or canned peaches. This recipe is perfect for a thick, chunky fruit topping similar to jam. This topping takes only a few minutes to make, perfect for yogurt, vanilla ice cream, and much more!
There’s something about warm, stewed peaches that completely changes the game. That is true with peach compote. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches, making this recipe all year!
This recipe only needs three ingredients, well, four if you include water. It takes a few minutes of hands-on work and then a slow simmer for 20 minutes on the stove. You will need to stay close and stir frequently. I usually stir while scooping up ice cream!
Once this topping is ready, serve it slightly warm over vanilla ice cream or cobbler as a decadent dessert. The next day, you can mix compote into yogurt, on toast, or on top of waffles.
Peach Compote
Recipe Summary
EASE: Very Easy
COURSE: All Day Topping
TIME: 15 Minutes!
DIET: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
What is Compote?
I like to think of compote as a stewed chunky fruit sauce. It takes a few minutes to make, which makes it perfect as an vanilla ice cream or cobbler topping. You can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. This makes it perfect for a fast breakfast, topping on yogurt, toast, and pancakes.
What Type of Peach Should I Use?
My favorite thing about this recipe is that you can use fresh, frozen, or canned peaches. In the late summer, nothing beats ripe peaches, either yellow or white. On the other hand, frozen peaches are nice because they are already peeled, sliced, and ready to go.
You can also use canned peaches. They are super sweet, thanks to the syrup. If you like sweet peaches, canned ones are for you. You will need to drain the syrup, but they are still sweet! If you want a peach that is less sweet, I recommend fresh or frozen.
Ingredient Notes
Peaches
Use either fresh, frozen, or canned peaches. When buying fresh peaches, always look for ones without bruises. With this recipe, you can peel or not peel the peaches
Sweetener
I wrote this recipe using white granulated sugar. But that is not a hard and fast rule. You can use your favorite sweetener, honey, blue agave, or maple syrup.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice counterbalances the sweetness, making this recipe well-balanced.
Water
The recipe needs water to create the sauce as the peaches break down. Start with less water. Then, add more until you find your favorite consistency. If you have added too much water and the compote is watery, let it cook a little longer for the compote to thicken.
Watch How To Make This Recipe
Personalize this Recipe
Perfect Flavor Pairings
Compote complements many dishes by adding a burst of fresh fruit flavor. Here are a few of my favorite pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you make this? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!
Easy Peach Compote Topping
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound peaches – fresh, frozen, or canned (454g)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or other sweetener* (24g)
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (7g)
- 2 tablespoon water (30ml)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: You can make this compote with fresh, frozen, or canned peaches.* Fresh peaches: Peel if you prefer (the skins soften while cooking, so it is optional). Cut the peaches in half around the pit, remove the pit, then slice into wedges and cut into bite-sized pieces.* Canned peaches: Drain the liquid before using.* Frozen peaches: No need to thaw. Use them straight from the freezer.
- Cook the Peaches: In a medium saucepan, combine the peaches, sweetener, lemon juice, and water. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Fresh or canned peaches will usually begin to boil in about 5 minutes. Frozen peaches may take a few minutes longer.
- Mash and Simmer: Once the peaches begin to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the peaches to your desired texture. Some people like a chunky compote, while others prefer it smoother. Let the compote simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Taste and Cool: Remove the pan from the heat and taste the compote. If you prefer it sweeter, stir in a little more sugar or sweetener. Let the compote cool for a few minutes before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Hi. I’m confused by the heat settings. First it says cook over medium heat. Then it says bring to a boil over low heat. Then it says reduce to medium and simmer. Could you please clarify?
Hi Jane, I am so sorry about that, and thank you for pointing it out to me. The peaches should be cooked over medium heat, and then once they begin to boil, the heat should be reduced to medium-low heat to simmer and thicken. I updated the instructions to be clearer.
Delicious! I forgot about my peaches & needed to do something quick & i had vanilla ice cream so I thought 🤔, peach ice cream topping. So thank you
Hi Jen! I am so happy you liked it. Peach compote and vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven!
I love all your recipes can you and me some of your recipes to my email address
Hello Licia, I would love to! Thank you for your compliment, you made my day!