Apple Compote (Stewed Apples)

Apple Compote (stewed apples) is a simple yet delicious dish that involves gently cooking apples with sugar, spices, and a hint of lemon juice. It’s a classic, traditional comfort food dish that is loved by all the family.

Why should I make Apple Compote?

One of the main reasons for making apple compote is to preserve fresh apples, especially during the peak harvest season. Or some apples need used up in your fruit bowl. Rather than letting these surplus apples go to waste, you can make compote and keep it in fridge or freeze it.

Apple compote is incredibly versatile. It can be served with breakfast items like porridge, yoghurt, or pancakes, used as a filling for pies and crumbles, or enjoyed as a topping for ice cream and cakes. Its adaptability makes it a useful ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes.

What’s the difference between Apple Compote and Stewed Apples?

There really is no difference, it’s simply a different way of describing the same dish. Apple compote describes the finished dish and stewed apples describes the method of cooking.

What ingredients do I need to make Apple Compote (Stewed Apples)?

This is a vey simple recipe that uses very few ingredients. Here is what you need;

• Apples
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon

Scroll to the end of this article to find the full recipe and all quantities of ingredients, with step-by-step photo instructions.

What kind of apples should I use?

I use cooking apples from my apple tree (variety: James Grieve). You can use any apples but dessert apples will behave slightly differently. They are less likely to break down the way cooking apples do, so you may have more firm pieces.

What kind of sugar should I use for Apple Compote?

 I recommend that you use white granulated sugar or white caster (superfine) sugar. This will mean that you taste the full flavour of the apples.

If you like a more caramelised taste then you could use golden caster sugar or light soft brown sugar. I don’t recommend that you use dark brown (muscovado) sugar as the flavour of the sugar will tend to dominate the apples.

Can I reduce the sugar in the stewed apples?

One of the great things about making your own stewed apples is that you can decide how much sugar you want to add to the apples. And that depends very much on the type of apples that you use. Dessert apples are naturally sweet and need less sugar, whereas sharp apples and cooking apples may need a little more sugar.

Do I need to add lemon juice?

Lemon juice helps bring out the flavour of the apples, but if you don’t have any then simply add an extra tablespoon of water.

What is cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of a tree. Cinnamon is available as sticks, which are the curled bark of these trees and also as a ground spice. Cinnamon has a sweet warm woody taste with a slight citrus note. It pairs well with apples but is best used sparingly.

What can I substitute for cinnamon?

If you don’t have any cinnamon or you don’t like cinnamon, then you can add ground ginger instead. Or you can leave out the spice and just let the flavour of the apple shine.

Can I add any alternative flavours to the compote?

If you’re looking for alternatives to cinnamon to flavour your apple compote, there are plenty of options to suit different tastes. Here are some you might like to try:

• Nutmeg and allspice both add a warm, aromatic depth.
• My mother always added cloves to apples. They provide a stronger, slightly spicy note, but you have to use them sparingly.
• Try adding lemon or orange zest to the apples for a citrus touch.
• Star anise provides a subtle liquorice flavour which is unusual
• Fresh or ground ginger gives a gently heat that complements apples perfectly.
• Cardamom brings a fragrant, exotic aroma.
• Vanilla either extract or a vanilla pod creates a lovely sweet, almost chocolate, flavour to the apples.

Can I make a larger batch of Apple Compote?

Yes, you can make as much or as little as you like depending on how many apples you have.

How should I store the finished compote?

Once cooled store the finished compote in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to a week. I like to have a dish of compote ready for whenever I need it.

Can I freeze Apple Compote?

This compote freezes beautifully. Think about how you plan to use it before you freeze the compote. If you are making it ahead to serve for a family get together where all the compote will be used at once, then freeze it in a large freezer proof container.

However, if you think you might just be using one or two portions at a time, freeze smaller quantities in smaller containers. You can leave the compote to defrost overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Vegetarian

Apple Compote (stewed apples) contains no animal products and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Gluten Free

There are no products used in this compote which contain gluten but please check the packaging of any spices you use to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Apple Compote (Stewed Apples)?

One of the best things about apple compote is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas:

• Spoon it into yoghurt or porridge (oatmeal) for breakfast.
• Apple compote makes a great topping for vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or try it on my Slow Cooker Rice Pudding.
• Make it with less sugar and serve with roast pork, for a sweet-savoury balance.
• Spread the compote on toast, scones, or pancakes.
• Layer into cakes or trifles.
• Or use it to make a delicious Classic Apple Crumble or my Apple Plate Pie.