Plum Compote with Orange
Plum Compote with orange is a delicious way to serve fresh or frozen plums. The fruit is gently stewed and sweetened to make a luscious compote that’s perfect to serve as dessert, or with granola and yogurt for breakfast.
Why should I make Plum Compote?
There’s something special about transforming a pile of fresh, juicy plums into a rich sweet compote. By gently simmering them with sugar and orange you unlock rich and complex flavours.
Plum compote is incredibly versatile and when you make it yourself you can adjust the sugar and the flavourings to suit your own tastes. And it’s also a great way to use plums when you have a bumper crop.
What ingredients do I need for Plum Compote with orange?
This is a simple compote that uses only a few ingredients to let the plums be the stars of the show! Here is what you need:
- Plums
- Sugar
- Orange
- Cornflour (optional)
- Water (optional)
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 plums should I use?
You can use any kind of plums as long as they are dessert plums. One of my favourite plum varieties is the Victoria plum which is a sweet British plum that is great for eating raw as well as for cooking.
If you can’t get Victoria plums then don’t worry you can make compote with many different varieties of plum. I couldn’t fine Victoria’s for the photos in this post so I used a dark plum called Top Taste, and it is very tasty indeed.
Can I make Plum Compote with frozen plums?
Yes, you can use frozen plums in the same way as fresh plums. They may just take a little longer to cook and soften.
What kind of sugar should I use in Plum Compote?
I use white granulated sugar because it adds sweetness but lets the flavour of the plums and orange shine through. You can use caster (superfine) sugar but I don’t recommend that you use brown sugar as it will dominate the taste of the compote.
Do I need to use orange in the Plum Compote?
I love the flavour of orange and it pairs really well with plums. However, if it’s not your favourite you can leave it out altogether.
Can I add any alternative flavours to the compote?
Spices are a great addition to plum compote enhancing their natural sweetness. Here are some spices you might like to try:
- Vanilla: The softness and warmth of vanilla is a classic companion in plum compote, rounding out tart edges with sweet depth.
- Cinnamon: This warming spice is a perfect match for cooked plums. You only need a pinch for comforting, autumnal notes.
- Star Anise & Cloves: Their hint of liquorice and peppery intensity bring an exotic touch to poached plums.
- Ginger: Fresh or ground, ginger highlights the fruit’s brightness and adds complexity to the compote.
- Cardamom: With its floral and citrusy notes, cardamom brings out the perfumed aspect of plums.
Do I have to use cornflour (cornstarch)?
I add a little cornflour mixed with water to the plum compote just to thicken the juices. However, this is entirely optional so if you prefer not to use it then your compote will still be super delicious.
Can I make a smaller quantity of Plum Compote?
I make a large quantity of plum compote because I like to use half straight away and freeze the other half. But you can make a smaller or a larger quantity, simply decrease or increase the quantities in proportion.
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 Plum Compote with Orange?
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
Plum Compote contains no animal products and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Gluten Free
There are no products used in this compote which contain gluten. Cornflour (cornstarch) is generally GF but please check the package to ensure it meets your dietary requirements.
For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.
How should I serve Plum Compote with Orange?
One of the best things about plum compote is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas:
- Stir it into yoghurt or porridge (oatmeal) for breakfast
- Spoon it over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or panna cotta
- Serve with roast meats, like duck or pork, for a sweet-tart balance
- Spread on toast, scones, or pancakes.
- Layer into cakes or trifles
- You can even mix the compote into cocktails or mocktails for a fruity twist
- Or use it to make a delicious Plum and Orange Oat Crumble.
Once you start, you’ll find endless ways to use plum compote in your kitchen.
More Plum Preseves
PLUM COMPOTE WITH ORANGE
Equipment
- weighing scales
- chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Medium saucepan
- wooden spoon
- Fine grater or lemon zester
- Lemon squeezer
- Measuring spoons
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 800 grams (6 cups) plums weighed with stones
- 1 large orange
- 200 grams (1 cups) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornflour optional
- 1 tablespoon water optional
Instructions
- Cut 800 grams plums in half and remove the stones.
- Use a fine grater to grate the zest from the orange.
- Put the plums into a large saucepan and add the orange zest.
- Juice half the orange and add this juice to the saucepan.
- Add 200 grams granulated sugar and heat gently until the sugar has melted and the plums are soft.
To thicken the compote (optional)
- If you want the compote to be thicker, then put 2 teaspoons of cornflour and 1 tablespoon of water into a small bowl and mix together.
- Put some of the cooked plums and their juice into a small saucepan and add the cornflour and water.
- Heat gently, stirring until the juices thicken and start to clear, then add the thickened juice back into the rest of the plums.
- Serve warm with custard, on porridge (oatmeal) or cold with Greek yogurt and granola. Plum compote also makes a delicious dessert with cream or ice cream.
I’ve so many plums growing on my tree at home and was looking for something to do with them. This was the perfect recipe – the orange worked really well with the plums too – delicious.
I love plums and this was gorgeous – the touch of orange really made the plums pop!
I’m glad you enjoyed the compote and the orange does make a difference.