Easy and packed with rich spiced flavor, apple compote is the perfect topping for everything from pancakes to ice cream to chicken. This recipe includes crystalized ginger for an extra pop of flavor you don’t want to miss!
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍎 Flavor: Sweet spiced apple with pops of ginger
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
- 🕒 Ready In: 30 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Apples, crystalized ginger, maple syrup, lemon juice, spices
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly: Yes!
- 👩🍳 Tip: Crystalized ginger adds a bright, rich flavor that perfectly compliments the apples.
Inspired by a Childhood Favorite
There’s this misconception that clean food is boring, and proving that idea wrong is one of my favorite things. While there are a thousand ways to make healthy food fun and flavorful, homemade compote is one of the best ways to spice up any dish. Whether it’s cranberry compote for Thanksgiving or mixed berry compote over a healthy Dutch baby, these sauces take any dish to the next level.
I grew up on fried apples (you’ve got to try my clean version of this recipe), so when I decided create an apple compote recipe inspired by it, I knew it would be nothing short of the ultimate clean comfort food.
What Makes this Compote Special?
- Warm, bright flavor enhanced with spices and crystalized ginger.
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
- Made with simple kitchen staples so you don’t have to make an extra grocery trip!
Ingredients
Tools Needed
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, place all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan and heat on low to medium heat.
Step 2: Then cook the compote for 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender, making sure to stir the mixture frequently.
Enjoy warm or cold over your favorite dishes!
If you’re looking for more clean apple recipes, check out my healthy apple muffins and gluten-free apple crisp!
Tips for Success
Chop the apples into even pieces – This helps them all cook at the same rate for a delicious, uniform texture.
Use fresh spices – As spices get older, they lose some of their flavor, so make sure to use fresh spices for a rich taste.
Adjust cooking time – If you prefer firmer apples, you can shorten the cooking time, but if you love a saucier texture, continue cooking them a little bit longer.
How to Serve
Over pancakes – Whether you make fluffy gluten and dairy-free pancakes or try oatmeal pumpkin pancakes for fall, apple compote is the perfect finishing touch!
With yogurt – Homemade yogurt and compote is the ultimate breakfast combination!
Over pork or chicken – Apple compote is a classic with pork and chicken dishes!
On a charcuterie board – This compote pairs perfectly with almost any type of cheese including cream cheese, cheddar, and blue cheese.
As an ice cream topping – If you want an incredible dessert, serve this with my favorite healthy homemade ice cream!
FAQs
Apple compote can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. It can also be frozen for 2-3 months.
Apple compote is made from cubed apples that have been cooked until they are soft, however, applesauce is made with cooked, puréed apples.
Yes, for the best texture, you should always peel the apples for apple compote.
Choose apples that are firm and have a good balance between sweet and tart flavor. Some of the best choices are Granny Smith, Gala, Honey Crisp, and Pink Lady.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
Spiced Apple Compote with Crystalized Ginger
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds apples peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons crystalized ginger finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice from half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan and heat on low to medium heat.2 pounds apples, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons crystalized ginger, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon cloves, 1 pinch salt
- Cook the apples for 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender, making sure to stir the mixture frequently.
- Enjoy warm or cold.
Notes
Nutrition
If you tried this apple ginger compote, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
I make compote at least a few times a week, and this is my favorite fall version! It’s so good over just about anything, but eating it on pancakes is my favorite. How do you like to serve it?