Make this delicious pear compote recipe with fresh pears, warm spices, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a savory pairing.
Pear compote is one of my absolute favorite fruit sauces, especially during the cozy fall season! There’s just something magical about how the pears soften and soak up the spices.
One of the best ways to enjoy this compote is over a bowl of warm oatmeal drizzled with maple syrup.
It’s also a lifesaver for a quick dessert when combined with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Who doesn’t love that?
Honestly, this pear compote is fantastic on its own, too. Just like this apple compote, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall.
With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a versatile fruit compote that’s perfect for any occasion.
Let me show you how easy this is to make!
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Ingredients
- Pears: I like using Bartlett or Bosc pears as they have just the right balance of sweetness and texture.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents the pears from browning too much.
- Brown sugar: I prefer using light brown sugar for its subtle molasses flavor.
- Vanilla bean: Half a vanilla bean, split and scraped, brings a rich, aromatic warmth to the compote.
- Cloves, cardamon and ginger: Warm spices that pair beautifully with the pears.
- Orange peel: Orange peel adds a citrusy brightness that balances the sweetness of the pears and spices.
- Salt (optional): A small pinch of salt can enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness. It’s optional but can make the spices and pears stand out even more.
Step-by-step photos and instructions
- Wash 4-5 pears thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Peel each pear using a vegetable peeler or a small paring knife. I like to cut the pears in half, and scoop out the core using a melon baller. Once cored, chop the pears into small pieces.
- Add the diced pears, 1½ tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, ½ vanilla bean, ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves, ⅛ teaspoon of ground cardamom, a pinch of ground ginger, 2 slices of orange peel, and a pinch of salt (optional) to a large sauce pan.
- Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will dissolve the sugar and allow the pears to release their juices.
- Once the mixture begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Cook the compote gently, uncovered. Stir every few minutes. It takes about 20-25 minutes for the pears to soften.
- If the mixture becomes too thick while cooking, add a few tablespoons of water to prevent scorching.
- Taste the compote during cooking. If it’s too tart, add a little more sugar. If it needs more warmth, add a dash of ground ginger or cardamom.
Tips
- If you prefer a less sweet compote, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Honey or maple syrup are great variations.
- Taste the compote as it cooks.
- Add a splash of water if the compote starts to stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Consider adding a cinnamon stick for extra warmth or even star anise for a hint of licorice.
- Add some freshly squeezed orange juice along with the orange peel for a brighter flavor.
- For a chunky compote, cook until just tender. If you like it smoother, mash the pears slightly or blend part of the mixture.
FAQ
For the best flavor and texture, use ripe pears such as Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou. These varieties offer a nice balance of sweetness and firmness.
For a chunky compote, cook the pears until just tender. If you prefer a smoother consistency, mash the pears lightly with a fork or blend part of the mixture.
Pear compote can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Absolutely! Pear compote freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion, and it will last for up to three months.
Serving suggestions
- Stir a spoonful into oatmeal or yogurt and top it off with crunchy granola.
- Makes a great filling for homemade crepes.
- Serve it alongside freshly baked scones or buttermilk biscuits.
- Spoon the mixture over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple and indulgent dessert.
- Enhance your desserts by drizzling a little compote over a slice of orange chiffon cake, or lemon loaf.
- Pair the compote with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or creamy brie as part of a charcuterie board.
More compote recipes
Recipe origins
Recently, my daughter-in-law’s dad generously gifted me over 10 kilos of fresh pears from his backyard.
After making a batch of pear butter, I thought experimenting and making pear compote would be fun.
Over the past couple of months, I’ve been on a compote journey, trying different seasonal fruits to see how they turn out. I’ve had mostly great success, although my attempt at raspberry compote didn’t quite hit the mark—I’ll definitely need to revisit that one next summer!
Inspired by my pear butter recipe, I decided to incorporate similar flavors into the compote, and I was thrilled with the results. I hope you get a chance to try it out and enjoy it as much as I do!
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you have made this Pear Compote recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Recipe
Pear Compote Recipe with Spices
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Ingredients
- 4-5 large pears about 2.2 pounds (1 Kg)
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar light
- ½ vanilla bean split, seeds scraped
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves ground
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamon ground
- pinch ginger or more to taste, ground
- 2 slices orange peel
- pinch salt optional
- water if needed
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop 4-5 pears into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chopped pears with the remaining ingredients in a large saucepan. Stir everything to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and starting to break down. Add a splash of water if the compote starts to stick to the bottom of the pot or if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Taste to adjust for sweetness.
- Once the pears are soft, remove from heat.
- Let the compote cool for a few minutes before serving. Or, once the compote has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a jar or container and refrigerate.
- WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE RECIPE CARD TO SEE HOW EASY THIS RECIPE IS TO MAKE!
Video
Notes
- If you prefer a less sweet compote, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Honey or maple syrup are great variations.
- Taste the compote as it cooks.
- Add a splash of water if the compote starts to stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Consider adding a cinnamon stick for extra warmth or even star anise for a hint of licorice.
- Add some freshly squeezed orange juice along with the orange peel for a brighter flavor.
- For a chunky compote, cook until just tender. If you like it smoother, mash the pears slightly or blend part of the mixture.
Nutrition
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Sara
Lovely recipe! I never thought about making a pear compote before! Delicious! Thank you 🙂
Maria
My pleasure Sara. Such an easy treat to make any time of the year!