• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggie Desserts
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegan Cake and Desserts
    • Vegan Dinner
    • Vegan Breakfast
    • Vegan Guides
  • Cookbook
    • About My Cookbook
    • Buy Veggie Desserts + Cakes
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Press
    • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram Posts
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dips and Sauces

    Easy Pomegranate Compote

    Published: Feb 19, 2021 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    Bowl of compote with text: How to Make Pomegranate Compote
    Compote on waffles with text: 3-ingredient Pomegranate Compote.
    Collage of waffles with compote and compote in a bowl with text: Easy Pomegranate Compote.

    Make this tasty easy Pomegranate Compote recipe with only 3 ingredients in less than 10 minutes! It's the perfect way to level up your breakfast or dessert.

    Waffles with compote on them.

    This pomegranate compote recipe is a quick and easy fruity sauce that you can whip up in less than 10 minutes with just 3 ingredients.

    You can even use fresh or frozen pomegranate seeds.

    We love the thick pomegranate sauce stirred into oatmeal, drizzled on plain yogurt, as a cake filling or dolloped onto waffles and pancakes.

    To make pomegranate compote, simply mix together pomegranate, orange juice and sugar to cook up a tangy and sweet pomegranate sauce that will taste great on so many different foods!

    Making compote is one of the easiest ways to add a sweet flavor to your food. I'm a HUGE compote fan and make it all the time with various fruits. Check out my list of the best compote recipes.

    What is compote?

    Compote is a mix of whole fruit pieces with juice that is sweetened up and cooked down to make it more spreadable without the use of any thickeners.

    It's much quicker to make than jam and has less sugar. It doesn't last as long, but hey, it doesn't need to when you can whip up a batch in just a few minutes!

    And trust me, when you see how easy and tasty it is you'll be making this pomegranate compote recipe a LOT. I know we do!

    Compote made with pomegranate gives off a beautiful color and texture that is unique and flavorful and so easy to make.

    It has a lovely texture from the seeds, as they swim in the tangy sweet sauce. Bliss.

    Spoonful over a bowl of pomegranate compote.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    You can use a seasonal pomegranate that is a beautifully rich pink and red color.

    Make it with fresh or frozen pomegranate seeds/arils.

    This recipe only uses 3 ingredients that are simple and easy to find.

    You can store this compote in the fridge or freeze it for up to 2 months. 

    The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled or more to scale.

    Pomegranate compote can be spread on top of many different breakfast items which makes it a great treat to bring to a breakfast or brunch gathering.

    It's also great for dessert: try it on top of my Pomegranate Cake, poured onto vanilla ice cream or just eaten straight from the bowl.

    You can customize the flavor by adding your favorite seasonings or fruit. A little ground cardamom will give it a Middle Eastern flair, while chopped fresh mint will freshen it up.

    Remove the seeds of the pomegranate yourself or purchase frozen pomegranate seeds for easier handling and clean up!

    Ingredients & Tools 

    • Pomegranate Seeds - You’ll need to use pomegranate seeds to make this recipe. You could use fresh or purchase them frozen. 
    • Orange Juice - Orange compliments the flavor of pomegranate well because it helps balance out the tart pomegranate. You can substitute lemon. The acidic citrus balances the fruit and sugar beautifully.
    • Sugar - Sugar is needed to sweeten and thicken the compote. It works with any sugar or coconut sugar, though I usually just use granulated white sugar.
    Pile of pomegranate seeds.

    How to make Pomegranate Compote

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

    Ingredients for pomegranate compote in pot.

    Step 1: Add the pomegranate seeds, sugar and orange juice to a small pot.

    Making compote in a pot.

    Step 2: Turn the heat to medium-high and stir together. Bring to a rolling boil.

    Pot of pomegranate compote being cooked.

    Step 3: Turn down the heat until the mixture is at a low boil for 5 minutes while continuing to stir.

    Use immediately or let cool before adding to a bowl or jar and storing in the fridge.

    How To Remove Seeds From A Pomegranate 

    If using whole pomegranates, I find the easiest way is to remove the seeds in a bowl of water. Otherwise it can be messy and pomegranate juice can stain (as I’ve learned from experience).

    Collage: cutting top of pomegranate, put in bowl of water, seeds removed.
    1. Cut the crown out (the round bit that pokes out), the cut down into 4 or 8 wedges. 
    2. In a bowl full of water, use your hands to gently pull the arils out of the wedges. 
    3. Remove all the white pith and the arils should all sink to the bottom of the bowl. 
    4. Discard the casing and pith.

    Tips 

    Make sure your jars are completely sterilized before adding in compote and sealing with a lid.

    If you’re freezing the compote, use a freezer safe bag instead of a jar to allow room for it to expand while freezing.

    It’s important that the compote comes to a boil completely to make sure the natural thickening agents in the fruit release to help turn it into a spreadable sauce once cooled.

    If you want it extra thick, stir half a teaspoon of cornstarch into a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the compote and cook for a further minute. It should be thick enough without this stage though, and it thickens more as it cools.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve on top of a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream.

    Use it to top a fluffy Vegan Waffles.

    Serve in a dish on a charcuterie-style Pancake Board.

    Dollop onto some of these Pancake Ideas.

    Pairs well with these Blackberry Pancakes.

    Top this Vietnamese Avocado Shake.

    Spread on top of Cinnamon French Toast.

    Dollop onto Vegan Cheesecake.

    Variations

    Add in some warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

    Brighten it up by adding in fresh lemon peel.

    Turn up the antioxidants by adding blueberries, cranberries or blackberries.

    Add a kick of spice by introducing some fresh ginger.

    Give it a Middle Eastern flair with a little ground cardamom. 

    Looking down at a bowl of compote next to cut pomegranate.

    Storage 

    Storing: You can store pomegranate compote in sterilized jars in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Freezing: Pomegranate compote can be frozen if it’s stored in a freezer-safe bag with the air removed for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

    FAQs 

    What's the difference between jam and compote? Jam usually has a thickening agent such as pectin (whether added or naturally-occurring) to make it thicken and gel. A compote only uses the natural pectin of the fruit and also contains whole fruit pieces. Jam contains more sugar than compote and takes longer to make. Compote doesn't last as long as jam.

    How do I thicken my compote if it’s not spreadable? You can add ½ teaspoon of cornstarch that is dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water to the mix to help thicken it up while it’s hot.

    What fruit can replace pomegranate if I can’t find any? To get the most similar flavor from a fruit, use fresh whole cranberries in place of pomegranate in this recipe.

    Compote Recipes

    If you love this pomegranate compote, I hope you'll try these other tasty compote recipes too! They're all quick and easy with few ingredients.

    Raspberry Compote
    Plum Compote
    Blueberry Compote
    Blackberry Compote
    Peach Compote
    Apple Compote
    Pineapple Compote
    Mango Compote

    Looking down at a table with plate of waffles and compote with a bowl of pomegranate compote.

    Get the recipe

    Veggie Desserts Cookbook by Kate Hackworthy

    Check out the Veggie Desserts + Cakes cookbook on Amazon

    Waffles with pomegranate compote on them.

    Easy Pomegranate Compote

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    Make this tasty easy Pomegranate Compote recipe with only 3 ingredients in less than 10 minutes with fresh or frozen pomegranate seeds.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    SaveSaved!
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Condiments, Dips and Spreads
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 35 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pot
    • stove

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 cup (170g) pomegranate seeds/arils (frozen or fresh)
    • 3 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 tablespoon orange juice

    Instructions
     

    • Add the pomegranate arils/seeds, sugar and orange juice to a pot, stir and bring to the boil. Allow it to boil gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
    • Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer and bubble for a further 5 minutes.
      Note: The pomegranate compote 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).

    Notes

    If using whole pomegranates, I find the easiest way is to remove the seeds in a bowl of water. Otherwise it can be messy and pomegranate juice can stain (as I’ve learned from experience). Cut the crown out (the round bit that pokes out), the cut down into 4 or 8 wedges. In a bowl full of water, use your hands to gently pull the arils out of the wedges. Remove all the white pith and the arils should all sink to the bottom of the bowl. Discard the casing and pith.
    Make sure your jars are completely sterilized before adding in compote and sealing with a lid.
    If you’re freezing the compote, use a freezer safe bag instead of a jar to allow room for it to expand while freezing.
    It’s important that the compote comes to a boil completely to make sure the natural thickening agents in the fruit release to help turn it into a spreadable sauce once cooled.
    If you want it extra thick, stir half a teaspoon of cornstarch into a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the compote and cook for a further minute. It should be thick enough without this stage though, and it thickens more as it cools.
    Serving suggestions:
    Use it to top a fluffy Vegan Waffles.
    Serve in a dish on a charcuterie-style Pancake Board.
    Dollop onto some of these Pancake Ideas.
    Pairs well with these Blackberry Pancakes
    Spread on top of Cinnamon French Toast.
    Dollop onto Vegan Cheesecake.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

    More Dip and Sauce Recipes

    • Frozen Berry Compote
    • Grape Compote
    • Mango Puree
    • Gyoza Sauce
    • Tweet
    • Share
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Soniya

      February 21, 2021 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! This pomegranate compote was so delicious and refreshing!

      Reply
    2. Maria

      February 19, 2021 at 3:10 pm

      5 stars
      Breakfast level-up guaranteed! This pomegranate compote looks fancy and yet so easy to make!

      Reply
    3. Alison

      February 19, 2021 at 3:10 pm

      5 stars
      This compote is versatile, easy, and delicious. I love learning about new ways to introduce pomegranate into my diet! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    4. Beth

      February 19, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! This looks amazing and so delicious! I can't wait to give this a try! So excited!

      Reply
    5. Pam

      February 19, 2021 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      OMG! The texture of this compote looks just divine! I can't wait to try this recipe and am thinking of so many ways to use it.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Healthy Recipes

    • Butternut Squash Salad
    • Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup
    • Easy Vegan Ramen (15 minutes)
    • Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Healthy Recipes

    • Butternut Squash Salad
    • Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup
    • Easy Vegan Ramen (15 minutes)
    • Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About me
    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Press
    • Veggie Desserts Cookbook

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for newsletter updates

    Disclaimers

    • Disclosures & Affiliate Policies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Kate Hackworthy / Veggie Desserts