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Raspberry Compote

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This easy raspberry compote is sweet, tangy, and ready in minutes with just a few ingredients. Perfect for topping pancakes, cheesecake, yogurt, and more, it’s a versatile fruity sauce.

An open jar of raspberry jam sits on a red and white checkered cloth, surrounded by fresh raspberries and whole lemons.

There’s something so satisfying about making a simple fruit compote at home, especially when it takes less than 15 minutes. I started making raspberry compote when I got tired of overpriced store-bought jars that never tasted quite right. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sweet-tart topping that’s full of fresh flavor and free from any preservatives or artificial ingredients.

I use this raspberry compote all the time in my kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly upgrades whatever you’re eating. I’ve even spooned it over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert, and it never disappoints. It’s also a great way to use up berries that are a little too soft to eat on their own.

What I love most is how easy it is to make. You just combine everything in a saucepan and let it simmer until it thickens. No fancy techniques or equipment needed. Whether you’re making breakfast a little more special or need a last-minute topping for dessert, this raspberry compote is one of those simple recipes that ends up becoming a staple.

Items Needed

Square white bowl filled with fresh raspberries, surrounded by halved lemons, a bowl of whole lemons, lemon juice, and sugar on a white table with a pink checkered cloth.

Here’s what you’ll need to make raspberry compote:

  • Fresh or frozen raspberries – They provide the fruity base and naturally sweet-tart flavor of the compote.
  • Water – Helps dissolve the sugar and creates a syrupy consistency as the compote cooks.
  • White sugar or sugar alternative – Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the raspberries.
  • Lemon juice – Enhances the bright flavor of the berries and helps preserve the compote’s color.

Tools you’ll need

Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mason jar or an airtight container

Ways To Customize

Here are some easy ways to customize this raspberry compote recipe:

  • Mix in other berries – Add blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry compote.
  • Add a spice – Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra warmth and depth.
  • Use a flavored extract – A splash of vanilla or almond extract can enhance the overall flavor.
  • Make it chunkier or smoother – Lightly mash the raspberries for a chunkier texture or blend the finished compote for a smoother sauce.
  • Adjust the sweetness – Use more or less sugar depending on your taste or the sweetness of the berries.
  • Add zest – A little lemon or orange zest can boost the citrus flavor without extra juice.

How To Make It

A hand pours liquid from a small cup into a saucepan filled with raspberries and sugar.

Combine raspberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.

A pot of red berry mixture is boiling, creating bubbles and foam on the surface.

Place over medium-low heat and bring to a simmer, stirring regularly.

A close-up of a spoon holding chunky red raspberry sauce above a pot filled with the same sauce.

Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the raspberries thicken

Note

Stir regularly while it simmers to prevent the fruit from sticking or burning and to help it thicken evenly.

An open glass jar of raspberry sauce sits on a pink gingham napkin, surrounded by fresh raspberries and lemons.

Storage

To store raspberry compote, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or jar and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

To reheat, warm the compote gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.

Helpful Hints

Pro tip: Don’t Overcook!

For the best texture and flavor, don’t overcook the compote—remove it from the heat once it thickens slightly, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.

  • Use a nonstick or heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
  • Taste the compote while cooking and adjust the sugar or lemon juice to suit your preference.
  • If using frozen raspberries, no need to thaw—just extend the cooking time slightly.
  • For a smoother consistency, strain out the seeds using a fine mesh sieve after cooking.
  • Add a splash of liqueur like Chambord or Grand Marnier for an adult twist.
An open glass jar filled with raspberry sauce sits on a pink checkered cloth, with a spoon lifting some sauce out of the jar.

Serving Suggestions

Raspberry compote makes breakfast feel luxurious in seconds. Drizzle it over fluffy pancakes, waffles, or my extra decadent Brioche French Toast and watch an ordinary morning perk up. It’s equally tasty spooned onto warm oatmeal or swirled into creamy yogurt for a quick, fruit‑forward boost.

When dessert time rolls around, this compote shines as a vibrant topper for vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or panna cotta. I also love folding a spoonful into batter or simply pouring it over a thick slice of my moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread for a sweet‑tart twist. Its ruby color instantly makes any treat look bakery‑worthy without extra fuss.

Feeling creative? Use raspberry compote as a filling for crêpes or pastries, stir it into sparkling water or cocktails for a berry kick, or layer it with granola and whipped cream for an effortless parfait. It even makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Just ladle it into a mason jar, add a ribbon, and you’re set. However you serve it, a batch of this compote turns simple dishes into something memorable.

FAQs

Yes, frozen raspberries work just as well—there’s no need to thaw them first, just extend the cooking time by a few minutes.

When stored in an airtight container, raspberry compote will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Yes, you can use a sugar alternative like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol, but be sure to adjust the amount to taste since sweetness levels vary.

Recipe

A spoonful of raspberry jam is held above an open glass jar filled with more jam.

Raspberry Compote

This easy raspberry compote is sweet, tangy, and ready in minutes—perfect for topping pancakes, yogurt, cheesecake, and more.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 20 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh raspberries or frozen raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ¼ cup white sugar or sugar alternative
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Combine raspberries, water, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan.
  • Place over medium low heat and bring to a simmer, stirring regularly.
  • Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the raspberries thicken

Notes

  • Try a keto-friendly sweetener to keep your raspberry compote low in carbs. For a deeper, richer flavor, swap in maple syrup or brown sugar instead.
  • Want a smooth, seedless sauce? Just strain the compote through a fine mesh sieve.
  • If you’re using it as a spread, thicken it up with a bit of cornstarch or tapioca starch.

Nutrition

Calories: 20kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.004gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 0.3mgPotassium: 24mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword raspberry
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