Nectarine Compote

Name: Nectarine Compote
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped nectarines (pit removed but leave skin on, approx 4 nectarines); 3 tablespoons white sugar; 1 tablespoon water

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Transform ripe nectarines into a sweet, tangy Nectarine Compote in just 10 minutes. Perfect for topping pancakes, yogurt, or desserts, this easy recipe packs a big fruity flavour.

Wooden table with a small dish of nectarine compote with a spoon in it, and a cut nectarine next to it.

With just three ingredients and a ten-minute cook time, Nectarine Compote is both incredibly simple and wonderfully versatile.

If you’re not familiar with compote, it’s essentially a fruit sauce or topping, often made by simmering fruit with sugar and a bit of liquid. The result is a sweet, chunky mix that brings out the best in your ingredients.

What I love about this nectarine compote is its balance of flavors.

The nectarines provide a natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, which pairs beautifully with the added sugar. This blend creates a compote that’s not overly sweet but still indulgent.

The slight simmering process breaks down the fruit, making it tender and syrupy, but still chunky enough to offer texture.

You can enjoy this compote in numerous ways. Spread it over pancakes or waffles for a delightful breakfast. Stir it into yogurt for a quick snack. Top off desserts like ice cream or cake for a fruity twist.

The options are endless, and the process is so straightforward that it makes it an ideal recipe for busy days or spontaneous cooking.

If you follow my recipes, you'll know that I'm a huge fan of fruit compote recipes. I just love how you can salvage fruit that's past its best, or use up a glut from the garden or a sale in the supermarket.

This summer, be sure to try Melon Compote, Blackcurrant Compote, Peach Compote, or Strawberry Compote!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Serving Suggestions
Storage
Flavour Pairings for Nectarines
What Does Nectarine Compote Taste Like?
Top tips
FAQs
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💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal effort.
Versatile: Perfect for topping everything from pancakes to ice cream.
Natural Flavors: Highlights the fresh taste of nectarines with just a touch of sugar.
Few Ingredients: Requires only three basic components that you likely already have.
Healthy Option: A lighter alternative to heavy syrups or spreads, using whole fruit.

Ingredients

Nectarines on a table with one cut open.

Nectarines: Provides the main flavor base for the compote. Ripe nectarines are ideal for their sweetness and juiciness. You can use peaches as a substitute if needed.
White Sugar: Balances the tartness of the nectarines. For a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount or use honey or maple syrup.
Water: Helps in cooking down the fruit and forming a syrupy consistency. You can substitute with fruit juice for added flavor.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

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

Remove the pits and cut the ripe nectarine flesh into small cubes. You can leave the skin on - it adds flavor, texture and color.

Add the nectarine chunks, sugar and water to a pot.

Chopped nectarines in the pot with water and sugar.

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 5 more minutes.

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 Compote: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Citrus Twist: Stir in a splash of lemon or orange juice to brighten the taste.
Berry Blend: Mix in some berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed fruit compote.
Mint Infusion: Add fresh mint leaves during the cooking process for a refreshing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast: Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
Snacks: Mix into yogurt or cottage cheese.
Desserts: Use as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, or cakes.
Cheese Plate: Pair with cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese on crackers.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store in a sterilized jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Flavour Pairings for Nectarines

Honey: Enhances the natural sweetness of nectarines.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
Lemon: Provides a bright, tangy contrast.
Almonds: Complements the fruity flavor with a nutty crunch.
Ginger: Adds a hint of heat and spice.

What Does Nectarine Compote Taste Like?

This nectarine compote has a delightful blend of sweet and tangy notes. The natural juiciness of the nectarines shines through, with a light, syrupy texture that’s both smooth and slightly chunky. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the fresh fruit flavor to take center stage.

Top tips

Stir Frequently: Keep an eye on the compote while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust the sugar according to your preference and the sweetness of the nectarines.

FAQs

Can I use frozen nectarines?

Yes, frozen nectarines can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water.

What if I don’t like my compote too sweet?

Simply reduce the amount of sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey.

Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or even apples can be substituted to create different flavors.

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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!

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