This easy Raisin Compote is a sweet, comforting treat you can whip up in just 15 minutes with 3 ingredients. The plump, juicy raisins and sweet syrup are perfect for adding to oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or baked goods.
Raisin Compote is a quick and easy recipe that brings a natural sweetness and richness to anything you add it to.
Made with just raisins, water, and a splash of vanilla, it’s an incredibly versatile topping, snack, or side dish that can take a bowl of oatmeal or a piece of toast from “meh” to “wow” in minutes.
Trust me, this compote is so easy to make that you might just wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. It's also the perfect way to make use of stale raisins that have gone a bit hard.
The raisins soften and plump up as they cook, absorbing just enough of the vanilla and water to become sweet, tangy little bites of goodness. The end result is a thick, luscious compote that can be used in so many ways.
We love it on pancakes and French toast, as well as spooned over cinnamon rolls or even spread on peanut butter toast or used in ants on a log (peanut butter in celery sticks topped with raisins).
I like to make a big batch of this raisin compote and store it in the fridge, so I always have it on hand to add to breakfast bowls or even use as a topping for a dessert.
It's one of those recipes that takes only 15 minutes, but the payoff is incredible.
Love raisins? Be sure to also try Raisin Bran Muffins, Carrot Muffins with Raisins, or Cinnamon Apple Compote with Raisins.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: Only three ingredients and 15 minutes of your time.
- Reduce Food Waste: You can use old raisins that have gone a bit hard as it completely revives them.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Store it in the fridge and use it throughout the week in various dishes.
- Versatile: Use it as a topping, a side dish, or even a filling for baked goods.
- Naturally Sweet: Raisins bring their own sweetness, making this compote a more natural alternative to sugary syrups or jams.
Ingredients
- Raisins: These are the star of the show. I recommend using regular seedless raisins for their balance of sweetness and chewiness. Stale and hard raisins work perfectly too.
- Water: The liquid base for this compote. It helps the raisins soften and become plump while simmering. If you prefer a richer flavor, you could swap out the water for apple juice, which would give a nice subtle fruity undertone. Or half water and half orange juice for more tang.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon adds a beautiful, warm flavor that complements the raisins perfectly. If you don’t have vanilla, almond extract could also work as a substitute.
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.
Add the raisins and water to a small pot over a medium heat.
Stir and bring just to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add more water if necessary.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor. Or try Lebkuchengewürz Spice Blend, Chai Spice Mix, or Pumpkin Spice.
- Swap water with orange juice for a citrusy twist
- .Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Stir in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Use dried cranberries or cherries instead of raisins.
- Mix in a tablespoon of lemon zest for a fresh, bright note.Add a dash of ground ginger for a bit of zing.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of dark rum for a deep, boozy kick.
- Blend the compote for a smoother consistency and serve as a fruit spread.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread on toast for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Spoon the raisin topping over oatmeal or porridge, or gruel!
- Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
- Stir this raisin sauce into yogurt for a sweet and tangy mix.
- Add to baked apples for a cozy dessert.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert, or also stir in a little rum or rum essence, for an easy rum and raisin ice cream.
Storage
- Storage: Keep the compote in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the compote if you want to make it in bulk. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Make-Ahead: This compote actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day or two in the fridge, so it's perfect for making ahead.
Top tips
- Make sure to stir the compote while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If you want a thicker compote, let it simmer a little longer until the liquid reduces.
- Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- If you like a smoother texture, you can blend the compote for a more spreadable consistency.
- Add a little splash of water if the compote becomes too thick while cooking.
FAQs
Yes! Dried apricots, cranberries, or cherries would all work well as substitutes or additions.
Yes, it makes a fantastic filling for puff pastry or turnovers. Just spoon a little onto the dough and bake.
Simply simmer it for a few extra minutes, or mash the raisins a bit to break them down.
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📖 Recipe
Raisin Compote
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
- 150 grams raisins 1 cup
- 115 ml water ½ cup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the raisins and water to a small pot over a medium heat. Stir and bring just to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add more water if necessary.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the compote while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If you want a thicker compote, let it simmer a little longer until the liquid reduces.
- Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- If you like a smoother texture, you can blend the compote for a more spreadable consistency.
- Add a little splash of water if the compote becomes too thick while cooking.
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.
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