This easy Prune Compote is a tasty snack, breakfast or dessert. The plump, juicy, warm prunes are simmered in orange juice with cinnamon and vanilla for a rich, warming flavor.

If you're looking to get more prunes into your diet, then you're going to love this simple and tasty prune compote.
In this easy recipe, prunes are simmered in orange juice, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla until they're plump with a thick rich spiced syrup.
We love serving them cold or warm over oatmeal, pancakes or yogurt in the morning. But they're also delicious for dessert with vanilla ice cream, cheesecake or on their own.
Prunes are very underrated, so whether you're looking to up your fibre intake, or you just love their great flavor, I hope you'll try this recipe.
You can also enjoy them in this Chocolate Prune Smoothie, Prune Puree, or Stewed Prunes!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Prune Compote requires basic pantry staples, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
- Versatility: This compote can be enjoyed as a topping, a standalone dessert, or even incorporated into savory dishes for a hint of sweetness.
- Nutritional Benefits: Prunes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, offering a wholesome addition to your diet.
- Homemade Goodness: Crafting your own Prune Compote allows you to control the sweetness and tailor it to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- Prunes: Prunes form the heart of this compote, providing natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Water: Used to create the base of the compote and aid in the simmering process.
- Orange Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the prunes. Freshly squeezed juice is preferred for optimal taste.
- Sugar (optional): Sweetens the compote and balances the tartness of the orange juice. Honey or maple syrup can be substituted for a healthier alternative.
- Cinnamon Stick (Optional): Infuses the compote with warm, aromatic notes. Feel free to omit if cinnamon is not to your taste.
- Vanilla Extract (Optional): Enhances the overall flavor profile with its subtle sweetness. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
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 your prunes have pits, make sure to remove the pits before starting.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the pitted prunes, water, orange juice, sweetener of choice (if using), and the cinnamon stick.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir to ensure that the sugar is dissolved and well distributed.
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the prunes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.
If you choose, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Once your prunes are tender and the flavors are well-infused, you cna remove the saucepan from the heat and let the compote cool slightly.
Serve the prune compote warm or chilled, as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or ice cream. We also love it on its own as a dessert.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can enjoy your compote warm or cold.
Variations
- Spiced Compote: Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or star anise to add complexity to the compote. Or try it with Chai Spice, Speculoos Spice Blend (Biscoff), or Pumpkin Spice.
- Citrus Blend: Mix orange juice with lemon or lime juice for a zesty twist.
- Alcoholic Infusion: For an adult version, splash some brandy or rum into the compote for a boozy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy your delicious Prune Compote:
- Over Yogurt: Spoon a little over a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack.
- On Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle the compote over a stack of fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles for a decadent brunch treat.
- With Oatmeal: Stir the compote into a hot bowl of oatmeal (or gruel!) for a burst of fruity sweetness and added flavor.
- As a Dessert Topping: Serve the compote alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard for a simple yet elegant dessert.
- In Baked Goods: Use the fruit compote as a filling for pastries, tarts, or cakes to add depth and richness to your baked creations.
- On Toast: Spread a layer of cream cheese or ricotta on toast and top with the compote for a delicious twist on classic toast.
- In Parfaits: Layer the compote with granola and fresh fruit in parfait glasses for a visually appealing and tasty dessert or snack.
- With Cheese: Pair the compote with a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, for a sophisticated appetizer or cheese board addition.
- As a Sauce: Use the compote as a sauce for roasted meats, such as pork or chicken, to add a touch of sweetness and acidity to savory dishes.
- Mixed into Smoothies: Blend the compote into smoothies or shakes for a fruity boost of flavor and nutrition. Try this Chocolate Prune Smoothie.
Storage
Store: Store any leftover compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stovetop or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Fruit Compote Recipes
Top tips
- Ensure you check your prunes for pits, and discard any, before you start.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference by adding more or less sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
- Don't rush the simmering process; allowing the flavors to meld slowly results in a richer, more flavorful compote. The syrup will thicken as it cools.
- Experiment with different flavor combinations and serving options to keep things exciting in the kitchen.
FAQ
While it's possible to freeze, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. You'll enjoy them more fresh.
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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!
📖 Recipe
Prune Compote
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
- ½ pound pitted prunes 250g
- ½ cup water 120ml
- ½ cup orange juice 120ml
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- If your prunes have pits, make sure to remove the pits before starting.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the pitted prunes, water, orange juice, sweetener of choice, and the cinnamon stick.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir to ensure that the sugar is dissolved and well distributed.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the prunes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.
- If you choose, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
- Once the prunes are tender and the flavors are well-infused, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the compote cool slightly.
- Serve the prune compote warm or chilled, as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or ice cream. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a dessert.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The compote can be reheated or enjoyed cold.
Nutrition
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.
Robyn
I make this frequently. No sweetener required. Prunes are naturally oversweet
Kathleen
This prune compote is easy to make, and I love the added flavors you used. I enjoy these with my morning pancakes or oatmeal.
Lauren
We've been trying to incorporate prunes into our diets more often and gave this compote a try. So far this is my favorite prune recipe - it's really good!!
Tiffany
These are warm and delicious! The cinnamon and vanilla flavor with the dates is so good! Thank you
Kelley
This was so good! My kids loved this on their yogurt this morning!
Dina and Bruce
Yum! We are big fans of prunes, and this is the perfect recipe!