Blackcurrant Compote

This blackcurrant compote is a simple yet delicious way to enhance everything from yogurt and cheesecake, to pancakes and French toast.

There's something truly special about homemade compote, and this blackcurrant compote is no exception.

With its rich, tart flavors and beautiful deep purple color, it adds a wonderful touch to a variety of dishes.

The blackcurrant compote has a vibrant, tart flavor with a sweet undertone from the sugar.

The berries break down into a thick, luscious sauce that retains a bit of their tanginess, offering a perfect balance between sweet and sour.

Whether you're spooning it over yogurt, spreading it on toast, or using it as a filling for pastries, this compote is zingy, zesty, sweet and delicious. They're also tasty with cream on this scones recipe.

And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make.

If you have more blackcurrants to use up, be sure to try this Blackcurrant Syrup. Or, if you love fruit compotes (I do!), then try some of these Fruit Compote Recipes, including Frozen Berry Compote, Kiwi Compote, Strawberry Compote, and Blueberry Compote!

Jump to:

• What Are Blackcurrants and What Do They Taste Like?
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage
• Top tips
• FAQ
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

What Are Blackcurrants and What Do They Taste Like?

Blackcurrants are small, dark berries native to Europe and Asia.

If you haven't tasted blackcurrants directly, you might recognize their flavor from several common products and dishes that use them.

Notably, Ribena, the classic British soft drink, and cassis, the popular French liqueur that is used in cocktails like the Kir and Kir Royale.

They have a tart, tangy flavor with earthy undertones, making them distinct from other berries.

When cooked, their flavor deepens and sweetens slightly, offering a rich, complex taste that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Versatile: Blackcurrant compote can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dessert.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, anyone can make this compote.
• Healthy: Blackcurrants are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Delicious: The tart, fruity flavor of blackcurrants is unique and delicious.

Ingredients

• Blackcurrants: Fresh or frozen, these are the stars of the show. They have a tart flavor that becomes wonderfully rich and complex when cooked.
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the blackcurrants. You can substitute with honey or a sugar alternative if preferred.
• Water: Helps to dissolve the sugar and cook the blackcurrants down into a compote.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors. Optional but recommended.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

If using fresh blackcurrants, rinse them under cold water and remove any stems.

If using frozen blackcurrants, you can use them straight from the freezer.

Add the blackcurrants, sugar, lemon juice and water to a pot, stir and bring to the boil.

Allow it to boil for about 5 minutes, stirring often to stop it from scorching.

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer and bubble for 10 minutes. It will thicken further as it cools.

Serve warm or allow to cool and store in a sterilised jar in the fridge for up to 5 days (or freeze for up to 2 months).

Variations

• Spiced Blackcurrant Compote: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Vanilla: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract towards the end of cooking.
• Mixed Berry: Combine blackcurrants with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a mixed berry version.
• Reduced Sugar: Use less sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute to make a lower-sugar version.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast: Spoon over yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.
• Desserts: Use as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, or pound cake.
• Snacks: Spread on toast or scones.
• Beverages: Mix into cocktails or sparkling water for a fruity twist.

Storage

Store your blackcurrant compote in a sterilized jar in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the compote in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months.

FAQ

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe