Go Back

Strawberry Compote

5 from 2 votes
Three jars of strawberry compote on a cutting board next to frozen strawberries.
Strawberry compote is a versatile sweet-tart sauce made with only 3 ingredients. This delicious topping can be used on everything from ice cream to oatmeal, cake, and beyond.
Author: Lindsey Jenkins
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1.5 pounds fresh or frozen strawberries hulled if using fresh
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste or sweetener of choice, see notes below
  • zest of 1 small lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Combine strawberries, maple syrup, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally until the berries are soft and starting to fall apart.
  • After about 5 minutes, lightly mash your strawberries with a fork or a potato masher. Cook for another 2-3 minutes if using frozen strawberries.
  • Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature before storing.

Notes

See the blog post for helpful tips, storage, and recipe FAQs.

Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations

No maple syrup? - you can also use coconut sugar, organic cane sugar, brown sugar, or honey.
Make a mixed berry compote - replace half the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
No lemons? - use lime zest and lime juice instead.
Make it thicker - for a thicker compote without cooking longer, stir in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.
Add-ins - vanilla extract or a sprig of fresh mint or basil to infuse more flavor (remove herbs before mashing).