Blueberry Compote (Easy Recipe)

This blueberry compote is the perfect topping for pancakes, cake filling, or sweet addition to a bowl of vanilla ice cream

With only 4 ingredients and 15 minutes to make, this recipe is a must-try.

If you’re looking to make your morning oatmeal or protein bowl more appetizing, this blueberry sauce is the way to go.

It’ll add a pop of color to waffles, pancakes, French toast, and more! And that bright berry flavor is unmatched.

I highly suggest you double the recipe because, with its many uses, this blueberry compote won’t last long.

Blueberry Compote

Need a delicious and effortless way to enjoy blueberries all year long? Great – you’ve come to the right place.

Unlike traditional blueberry jam, which requires hours of cooking, this compote comes together in just 15 minutes.

Yet it’s thick and sticky and explodes with a bright flavor that perfectly showcases the natural sweetness of blueberries. 

Spoon it over yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream, or use it as a filling for cakes and pastries.

This compote is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. 

Ingredients

Blueberries – I mean, duh. You can use either fresh, canned, or frozen blueberries for this recipe. There’s no need to thaw the berries if they’re frozen.

Sugar – For sweetness and also to preserve the compote longer. Adjust the measurement to your liking. 

Lemon Juice – Because blueberries and lemon are a match made in heaven. Lemon juice brings out the flavor of the blueberries even more. 

Water – To thin out the compote and keep it from burning as it cooks down.

How to Make Blueberry Compote

It’s so easy, you’ll be done in less than 20 minutes!

1. Rinse the blueberries, if you haven’t yet.

2. Cook the first half of the blueberries.

To a saucepan, add half of the blueberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice.

Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The berries will start to burst and release their juices after this time. 

3. Cook the remaining blueberries.

This technique of adding the blueberries in two batches will give your compote chunks of whole blueberries that haven’t completely burst yet. 

That said, if you like your blueberry compote completely chunk-free, add all the berries at once.

Continue stirring until the blueberry sauce has thickened to your liking, about 8 more minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Note that the compote will continue to thicken as it cools.

You can serve blueberry compote either warm, at room temperature, or cold.

Expert Tips and Variations

• If your compote turns out too thin even after cooling, use a slurry to thicken it. It won’t likely happen, though, because blueberries contain pectin, a thickening agent that helps give the compote that jammy gel-like, consistency.  
• To make a slurry, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into your compote over medium heat. It’ll start to thicken right away.
• This recipe uses frozen blueberries. If you’re using fresh, you may not need to cook them as long.
• If you prefer a thinner blueberry sauce, add more water, bit by bit.
• You can serve the compote either warm or cold.
• For a vegan compote, use organic sugar. You can also try other sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, and monkfruit sweetener. Just note that it won’t taste the same depending on which one you use.
• For more flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick to the compote as it cooks.
• Aside from lemon juice, you can also use other citrus fruits to flavor your sauce, such as orange and lime.
• For an adult-friendly compote, add a splash of rum or bourbon towards the end of cooking.

How to Serve Blueberry Compote

Here comes the fun part: using the blueberry compote to transform breakfasts and desserts!

There are so many ways to use this heavenly sauce, and here are some of my favorites:

1. As an ice cream or yogurt topping. 

2. As a pancake, waffle, or French toast topping. You can also swirl the sauce into your pancake/waffle batter.

3. As an oatmeal or chia pudding mix-in.

4. As a spread for toasts, bread, biscuits, and scones.

5. As a smoothie or milkshake mix-in.

6. As a cupcake or cake filling. You can also blend it into your choice of frosting to give it a blueberry twist.

7. On its own, with a spoon.

How to Store

To Store

Allow the compote to cool completely, and then transfer it into an air-tight container. Refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks.

To Freeze

Pour cooled compote into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months. That way, you can use single portions without having to thaw the entire batch.

To Thaw and Reheat

Transfer the compote to the fridge and leave it overnight. Reheat it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through.

Best Ways to Use Blueberry Compote

Old-Fashioned Pancakes
No-Bake Cheesecake
Lemon Cupcakes
Cream Cheese Danish