This easy cranberry compote uses frozen cranberries and orange to bring a beautiful winter flavour to a delicious brunch. I make this ahead of the French toast so it’s ready to spoon on and enjoy as soon as the French toast is ready.
Looking for a delicious winter flavour to add to your brunch? This easy cranberry compote made with frozen cranberries and orange is the perfect addition to any meal. Prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it spooned over French toast for a delightful and festive treat.
Top Questions
Can cranberry compote be frozen?
What do you use a compote for?
What is the difference between jam and compote?
How long does a compote last?
Why you’ll love this easy cranberry compote recipe
This cranberry compote is so delicious. It’s not only super fruity but works on so many things including pancakes, cheesecake and even French toast.
This recipe is so easy to make and you don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients.
You can use either fresh cranberries or frozen cranberries. Whatever is easier to find.
Ingredients
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Frozen Cranberries
While fresh cranberries are typically available from late September through December, frozen cranberries offer a convenient alternative that can be enjoyed year-round in making this frozen cranberry compote.
Frozen cranberries are harvested at their peak freshness and then quickly frozen, preserving their vibrant colour and flavour. This means that even if it’s not cranberry season, you can still whip up a batch of delicious cranberry compote whenever the craving strikes.
Fresh Cranberries
Fresh cranberries are the star ingredient of this fresh cranberry compote that brings a vibrant burst of flavour to this irresistible compote. Packed with tartness and a hint of sweetness, these little crimson jewels add a delightful tangy twist to your favourite dishes. As they simmer and soften, the cranberries release their natural juices, creating a luscious texture and a beautiful rich red colour.
Not only do fresh cranberries bring a unique taste to this compote, but they also boast impressive health benefits. Bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C. A little bit of a healthy addition to your fresh cranberry compote.
Orange
Adding oranges to your cranberry compote not only enhances the flavour but also adds a delightful citrusy twist. The combination of tart cranberries and bright, zesty oranges creates a harmonious balance that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Vanilla
Vanilla brings its own distinct and warming flavour to this cranberry compote. Its comforting essence complements the tartness of the cranberries, creating a harmonious balance that is simply irresistible
Sugar
When it comes to sweetness, sugar is the obvious choice. Not only does it add a pleasant taste, but it also helps to balance the tartness of cranberries.
How to make frozen cranberry compote – step by step
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Weigh the frozen cranberries (or fresh cranberries) and add them to a saucepan.
Add the freshly grated orange zest and juice from one orange, sugar and vanilla extract to the cranberries.
Place the saucepan on a medium / low heat and let the cranberries soften.
Stir regularly. The cranberry mixture will go through a wet stage and then the mix will start to thicken. At this point it is ready. It should take about 10 minutes.
Add a bowl and it is ready to serve. Or leave it to cool and store it in the fridge or freezer.
Top Tips for Making Easy Cranberry Compote
If you would like to use alternative sweeteners, there are plenty of options available. Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can all be used as substitutes for sugar in your cranberry compote.
If you prefer a tangier compote, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This will enhance the natural tartness of the cranberries and provide a refreshing contrast to any sweetness. You won’t need much.
To make your cranberry compote even more visually appealing, try incorporating different textures. Consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
For a spiced twist, experiment with warm, aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg. Adding just a pinch of these spices can bring a whole new dimension to your cranberry compote, making it perfect for the holiday season. Remember to start with small amounts and gradually adjust to your desired level.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Compote for cheesecake
A cheesecake’s creamy flavours harmonise beautifully with the tartness of cranberries, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. By incorporating cranberry compote into your cheesecake recipe, you’ll add a burst of vibrant colour and a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavours.
Check out my cranberry cheesecake recipe.
Orange Cranberry Compote
When creating a compote infused with the zesty flavours of orange, it’s all about finding the perfect balance between the tangy cranberries and the bright, citrusy burst of the oranges.
To make an Orange Cranberry Compote that pairs perfectly with cheesecake, start by simmering fresh cranberries in a saucepan with a mixture of orange juice and zest. This extra orange will help boost the flavour.
Cranberry Compote for Pancakes
Just imagine a stack of fluffy pancakes topped with a generous spoonful of tangy Cranberry Compote, each bite bursting with the vibrant flavours of cranberries and oranges.
Cranberry Compote for French Toast
There can’t be anything more perfect than this frozen cranberry compote on top of delicious golden brown French Toast. Especially if you add a drizzle of maple syrup.
Check out my Christmas French toast recipe that pairs with this perfectly or even try a simpler French Toast Recipe that can be whipped up in minutes.
Equipment
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Substitutions and variations
Cinnamon and nutmeg
From adding a touch of warmth with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg is one way to elevate your Cranberry Compote. Try stirring in a pinch of cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg for a cosy, warm flavour. This variation is perfect for those chilly winter mornings when a comforting breakfast is just what you need.
Add apples and pears
If you’re looking to add some extra sweetness and depth to your Cranberry Compote, consider incorporating other fruits. Sautéed apples or pears are a delicious addition that will lend a natural sweetness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the sauce.
Storing cranberry compote / Making ahead of time options
If you’re planning to make your compote ahead of time, it’s important to let it cool completely before storing it. This will not only prevent any heat from building up in the jar, but it will also allow the flavours to meld together and intensify over time.
Once cooled, transfer the compote to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. A jar of compote will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If you want to extend its shelf life even further, you can also freeze your compote. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
The best way to thaw the cranberry compote is by transferring the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and letting it defrost overnight. This gradual thawing will help preserve the texture and flavours of the compote. Once thawed, give it a good stir and it will be ready to enjoy. You could also heat it up and serve it hot.
FAQS
Can cranberry compote be frozen?
Yes cranberry compote can be frozen. Once you’ve made it, allow it to cool and place it in a freezer-safe container. Allow to defrost before use. You can also warm it through if you want to have it hot on pancakes or French toast.
What do you use a compote for?
Compotes are a fruity sauce that is perfect to use on pancakes, on porridge or even overnight oats.
What is the difference between jam and compote?
The main difference between jam and compote is that jam is cooked for longer so it reduces and thickens. Jam lasts a lot longer than compote as jam can be stored in jars. Compote however can stored in the freezer.
How long does a compote last?
Compote lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer.
Other Recipes you might like
Cranberry Sauce Pulled Pork – Slow Cooker and Oven Recipe
Sticky Cranberry Cocktail Sausages
Cranberry Mincemeat – Easy Mincemeat Recipe
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Recipe
Cranberry Compote
Equipment
Ingredients
- 300 g frozen or fresh cranberries
- 1 orange
- 150 g granulated sugar (or caster sugar)
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Weigh the frozen cranberries (or fresh cranberries) and add them to a saucepan.300 g frozen or fresh cranberries
- Add the freshly grated orange zest and juice from one orange, sugar and vanilla extract to the cranberries.1 orange, 150 g granulated sugar, 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Place the saucepan on a medium / low heat and let the cranberries soften.
- Stir regularly. The cranberry mixture will go through a wet stage and then the mix will start to thicken. At this point it is ready. It should take about 10 minutes.
- Add a bowl and it is ready to serve. Or leave it to cool and store it in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
- Store the cranberry compote in the fridge if you are using it within a few days.
- It is perfect to freeze and can last up to 6 months.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg for even more a Christmas flavour.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
I just added extra cranberries to my holiday shopping list. I can’t wait to make this compote as a cheesecake topping!
I love the combination of Cranberry and orange. This is so easy and quick to make. Perfect topping on anything I want.
Looks so festive. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Love this Cranberry Compote recipe, easy and delicious, definitely will make it for anything to put it on. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Enjoyed this with breakfast this morning and started my day off right! Turned out light, sweet and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
I love cranberries and always stash some in the freezer. So I made the compote and oh my, it is delicious.
Cranberry and orange is one of my favourite flavour combinations do I had to make this compote. It’s delicious on top of warm pancakes.
Love the idea of a sweet cranberry sauce option!
Cranberry and orange go so well together. I served this on top of waffles which was delicious and froze the rest for another time.