Strawberry Sunshine Compote: A Burst of Summer, All Year Round!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some sunshine in a jar? this strawberry compote is just the ticket! it's bursting with summer flavour and dead easy to make.

Honestly, it's so good, you'll want to put it on everything!

Brief Overview

This fruit compote has its roots in traditional fruit preserving. it's a doddle to whip up, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe yields about 2 cups, perfect for sharing (or not!).

Main Benefits

One of the best bits? strawberries are packed with vitamin c. this compote recipe is perfect for jazzing up your breakfast or adding a touch of sweetness to dessert.

What makes this strawberry topping so special is that it's homemade with love, and you know exactly what's in it! no nasties, just pure fruit sauce goodness.

Strawberry Sunshine Compote: A Burst of Summer, All Year Round! Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (900g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered if large
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon zest (optional, but adds brightness)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warm spice)
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) water

Instructions:

• Wash and hull the strawberries. Halve or quarter them depending on their size.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), cinnamon (if using), and salt.
• Add the water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce heat to low and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly. You’ll know it's done when it coats the back of a spoon.
• Remove from heat and let the compote cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools. Transfer to sterilized jars (if canning) or an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:60 calories

Fat:Less than 1g

Fiber:Less than 1g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American

Why This Strawberry Compote Is a Must-Try

Right, let's be honest, shop-bought sauces can be a bit pants, can't they? all that sugar and artificial flavourings. this easy compote recipe lets you control the sweetness and use proper, ripe strawberries.

Plus, the smell alone while it's cooking is worth the effort!

From Humble Berry to Luscious Compote

Okay, so i’m not a masterchef, but i know my way around a saucepan. i was always put in charge of making dessert growing up – think trifle, crumble, anything with fruit.

And that’s when my journey with a good old homemade compote started, it's a recipe that's been knocking about for generations, tweaked and perfected over time.

Get Ready to Grab These Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather the troops! You'll need:

• 2 pounds (900g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered if large
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon zest (optional, but adds brightness)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warm spice)
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) water

Making Your Own Strawberry Compote

Right, let’s get to the fun bit! first, give those strawberries a good wash. pop them in a pan with all the other bits and bobs, and let it all bubble away until it thickens up nicely.

Couldn't be easier, could it?

Strawberry Cake Filling

You know, this small batch strawberry compote is not just for your morning porridge. it is amazing as a strawberry cake filling .

Imagine a victoria sponge, but instead of jam it has a thick layer of strawberry compote ! oh my gosh, it is divine!.

You could even add a splash of balsamic vinegar for that extra zing. seriously, you have to try it!

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks! before we get all "mary berry" in the kitchen, let's talk ingredients and kit.

Trust me, having everything prepped makes this strawberry compote experience a total breeze. honestly, ain't nobody got time for rummaging through drawers mid-cook, you know?

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal

Main Ingredients: Strawberry Central

Okay, listen up! Good ingredients equal good grub. It's that simple.

• Fresh Strawberries: 2 pounds (900g) . You need ripe ones. Think vibrant red, juicy, and smelling like pure summer. Avoid pale or mushy strawberries. You want flavour, not disappointment!
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) . This is where the sweetness comes from. Adjust to your taste, of course.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Don't skimp! It brightens everything up.
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (5ml) (optional). Adds a lovely citrusy zing.
• Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For a warm, cosy vibe.
• Sea Salt: A pinch. Enhances the sweetness, like magic!
• Water: 2 tbsp (30 ml) .

I learned the hard way to never underestimate the power of good strawberries. Once, I used some kinda pale, tasteless ones, and the strawberry compote was utterly rubbish. Live and learn, eh?

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Let's jazz things up a bit, shall we?

• Essential Spice Combo: Cinnamon is your best mate here. But a tiny bit of nutmeg? Oh my gosh, it's divine.
• Flavor Enhancers: A splash of vanilla extract after cooking can really elevate this.
• Quick Subs: No lemon juice? A little orange juice will do in a pinch. And maple syrup can sub for sugar.

For me, the lemon zest is a game changer. It gives the fruit compote a freshness. My Nan always said, “a little zest goes a long way”, bless her.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy kit for this compote recipe . We're not building a rocket here, lol!

• Medium Saucepan: Non-stick is your friend to avoid burning!
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring, obvs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, especially when baking.
• Citrus Zester: Only if you're feeling fancy and want lemon zest.
• Sterilized Jars: If you're planning to keep your homemade compote for longer.

No zester? no worries! a fine grater works just as well, or you can skip it. honestly, a good easy compote recipe is all about using what you have.

I once used a potato masher when i couldn't find my wooden spoon. don't judge, it worked!

Right, now you're prepped and ready to create a fantastic strawberry topping . Let's get cooking, my friend!

Alright, let's get this strawberry compote recipe going! i'm gonna tell you how to make this strawberry dessert sauce . it's easier than you think, promise.

Honestly, even if you can barely boil an egg, you can nail this.

Strawberry Sunshine Compote: A Burst of Summer, All Year Round!

This strawberry sunshine compote is basically summer in a jar. bottled sunshine. think back to the old days. preserving seasonal fruits was important.

Plump, juicy strawberries simmered to jam perfection. sweet and tart flavours. you can almost taste the warm spice. even on a dreary tuesday.

This is amazing on scones, pancakes, or ice cream! i swear down.

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Act Together!

First things first, mise en place , darling. That means getting everything ready before you even think about turning on the hob.

• Essential mise en place : Wash, hull, and halve 900g of fresh strawberries. Grab your sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and salt.
• Time-saving organization tips : I like to measure everything into little bowls. Means you won't be scrambling later.
• Safety reminders : Careful with that lemon zest! Don't grate your knuckles. Ouch!

Step-by-Step: Easy Compote Recipe!

Alright, now for the fun bit. Follow my lead!

1. Prepare the strawberries. Wash and hull. Halve them depending on size.
2. Combine strawberries, 100g sugar, 30ml lemon juice, cinnamon (optional), and a pinch of salt.
3. Add 30ml water. Gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir sometimes.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes . Stir sometimes. Strawberries have softened. It's thickened slightly. Coats the back of a spoon? It's done.
5. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Thickens as it cools.

Pro Tips: Strawberry Cake Filling, Sorted!

Want to take your strawberry compote from good to amazing ? Listen up.

• Don't skip the lemon juice! It balances the sweetness.
• Common mistake to avoid: Overcooking. You want it slightly runny, not like glue.
• Make-ahead options: You can make this homemade compote a day or two in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. This makes the best Strawberry cake filling .

There you have it! simple and delicious. this fruit sauce is fantastic. i use it all the time. and it's much better than any store-bought strawberry topping .

Enjoy your small batch strawberry compote !

Okay, let's flesh out those Recipe Notes with some heart, soul, and a good dollop of personality!

Recipe Notes: Your Strawberry Compote Survival Guide!

Right, so you're about to make some amazing strawberry compote . ace! but before you dive in, let's run through a few handy bits and bobs.

These are things i’ve learned the hard way, so you don't have to! think of this as your cheat sheet.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Compote On!

Honestly, the possibilities are endless! plating is key, right? a dollop of homemade compote looks gorgeous next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

You know, really show off those beautiful red flecks.

For a brunch vibe, try it on pancakes or waffles. i even love it with a bit of creamy greek yogurt.

And don’t forget scones! scones and strawberry compote are a match made in heaven. for drinks? a glass of fizz goes perfectly with the sweet strawberry flavor.

You can also get creative with your strawberry cake filling

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Guv'nor!

If you don't polish off the entire batch in one go – which, honestly, fair play if you do! – you’ll want to store it properly.

Once cooled, bung your fruit compote into an airtight container. it'll keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing? yep, you can freeze it! just pop it into a freezer-safe container. it'll last for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. reheating is easy! just warm it gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally.

Don’t boil it, though! no one wants exploded strawberry dessert sauce .

Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!

Fancy a twist? i've got you covered! for a dairy-free version, just make sure you use dairy-free toppings. easy peasy.

Or, if you're watching your sugar intake, you could use a small batch strawberry compote recipe with a sugar substitute.

A little fruit sauce never hurts.

Seasonal swaps are fun too. In the autumn, a pinch of mixed spice or a splash of apple juice can add a cozy touch. In the summer you can use fresh mint

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Spoonful

So, what's the lowdown on the good stuff? well, this easy compote recipe is packed with vitamin c from the strawberries.

Plus, you’re getting some fibre too. remember the simplified info : calories: 60, protein: less than 1g, fat: less than 1g, carbohydrates: 15g, sugar: 13g.

Just remember, it does contain sugar, so enjoy it in moderation, as with anything. but hey, a little bit of what you fancy does you good, right? remember, this nutrition information is an estimate.

Alright, there you have it! with these notes in mind, you're all set to whip up a cracking strawberry compote .

Now get out there and have some fun with it! i'm sure whatever you create will be marvelous!