Blackcurrant Compote

Name: Blackcurrant Compote
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 400 g fresh or frozen blackcurrants; 100 g sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

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

Table with a plate of pancakes, and a dish of yogurt, each topped with blackcurrant compote.

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!

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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.

Bowl of yogurt topped with blackcurrant compote, and a dish of the compote.

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.

Pot with blackcurrants, sugar and water.

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

Simmering blackcurrant compote in a pot on the stove.

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

Finished blackcurrant compote in a pot on the stove.

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).

Dish of blackcurrant compote in front of a plate of pancakes.

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.

Close up of a stack of pancakes with yogurt and blackcurrant compote.

Top tips

Stir Frequently: To prevent the compote from sticking and burning, stir it often while it cooks.
Taste and Adjust: Depending on the tartness of your blackcurrants, you might want to adjust the amount of sugar.
Use Sterilized Jars: If you’re planning to store the compote for more than a few days, make sure to use sterilized jars to prevent contamination.

FAQ

Can I use frozen blackcurrants?

Yes, you can use frozen blackcurrants straight from the freezer.

How long does the compote last in the fridge?

It lasts up to five days when stored in a sterilized jar.

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