Peach Compote (No-Cook, 5 Minute Prep)
It’s like eating a bit of sunshine. Super easy, no-cook peach compote is a simple and delicious combo of juicy fresh peaches, a touch of brown sugar, zesty lemon, and a hint of cinnamon.
In just a few minutes with a few simple ingredients, you will have a wonderful complement to breakfast, dinner and dessert dishes with this versatile recipe. Or just eat them straight out of the bowl 🙂
The freshness of the peaches shines through big time. The touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches and releases their juices, making the peaches…well, juicier! And the fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness with a bit of tang.
This easy peach compote recipe is a loose guideline. The result depends on the sweetness of your peaches. All you have to do is adjust the amount of sugar and lemon to your taste.
It’s a good idea to let the peaches sit for 10 minutes to release the juices.
What is fruit compote?
A compote is a fruit-based dessert, sauce or topping that is typically cooked slowly with a bit of liquid, sugar and spices. The fruit (or mixture of fruit) softens and releases their natural juices.
Instead of cooking it, we are making a fresh quick peach compote where the peaches hold their shape, still release the natural sugars, and maintain a vibrant flavor and presentation.
What to expect
- The easiest peach recipe ever with just 4 ingredients – it’s hard to even call this a recipe. Perfect for the long-awaited peach season.
- A wonderful complement to dinner or dessert with a variety of sweet and savory ways to use this favorite summer stone fruit. Serve it on top of ice cream, grilled meats, pancakes and more.
Ingredients – tailored to your taste
Peaches: Try to get ripe, freestone peaches as they are much easier to remove pits and dice. They are typically larger than clingstone peaches. There is no need to peel the peaches, but you can if you prefer.
Brown sugar: Or, instead, use maple syrup, white sugar or honey.
Ground cinnamon: is a warm spice that complements the peaches beautifully. It’s optional though and can be left out or substituted with nutmeg, allspice or cardamom.
Variations:
- Mix in a bit of fresh herbs such as chopped mint leaves, basil or lavender.
- Add a touch of vanilla extract for a rich flavor.
- Sprinkle on orange zest
- Splash on a little bourbon, amaretto, rum or sweet wine.
Step by step instructions
How to serve peach compote
This is the fun part. Fresh juicy ripe peaches are extraordinary with so many things. Here are a few different ways to use this simple peach compote recipe.
For breakfast:
- Add the peach compote to plain yogurt, instant pot oatmeal or cottage cheese
- It’s a perfect topping for ricotta pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
For dessert:
- Bake the little tart shells you buy at grocery stores and fill them with the compote, crowned with whipped cream.
- For a simple dessert, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with crushed toasted nuts.
- Cube some store-bought sponge cake, pound cake or these 8-minute microwave brownies, then add the peaches and a scoop of ice cream or whipping cream.
- Freeze the peach compote in a sealed bag (get as much air out as possible) to use in the future for a peach pie or peach crumble filling.
For savory dishes:
- Serve peach compote as a side dish for grilled pork chops, cedar plank chicken or glazed pork tenderloin for a sweet and tangy contrast. This is probably my favorite way to serve this peach recipe.
- Use it in a salad of mixed greens, nuts and goat cheese.
- Another great option is to turn the fresh compote into peach salsa by adding a splash of lime juice and a bit of garlic, ginger, hot sauce and green onion.
Make ahead
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the fridge (they will get a little limp, but still taste great).
- Also see instructions in the recipe notes below to freeze the peach compote to use for desserts or toppings in the future. This is a great way to make summer last!
Peach FAQs
How can you tell if a peach is ripe?
Buy ripe juicy peaches that are not blemished or wrinkled (a sign of over-ripeness). The peaches should have a bit of ‘give’ when pressed and they will have a fragrant smell at the stem. If they are hard, give them a pass unless you have days to let them ripen on the counter.
What are the best peaches to buy for peach compote?
Freestone peaches are best for this peach compote recipe as the pit is easy to remove from the flesh, making slicing and dicing easier. The flesh of clingstone peaches “clings” to the pit and is harder to remove, but they are a bit sweeter and juicier and smaller.
What is the easiest way to peel peaches?
Drop whole peaches in a pot of boiling water for 60 seconds. Drain and rinse in cold water or ice bath for a minute. The skins will just slip off. Use a paring knife for any stubborn parts. Here’s a video on how to blanch peaches.
Other peach recipes
If you love peaches like I do, then here are a few recipes to satisfy those cravings.
- peach jam recipe without pectin
- easy peach tarte tatin
- the best peach crumble with oats
- maple salmon with peach salsa
Or check out our full list of delicious peach recipes.
Love a fresh fruit compote? Then also try our easy tropical fruit salad (just 4 ingredients).
If you like this recipe, please leave a 5 star rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟with a comment in the recipe card below. Thanks so much!
Peach Compote Recipe (No-Cook, 5 Minute Prep)
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds fresh ripe peaches, about 4-5 medium peaches (preferably freestone_
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste) (or maple syrup, honey or white sugar)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
- pinch ground cinnamon (optional) (or nutmeg, cardamon, allspice, lavender)
Instructions
- PREPARE PEACHES: There is nneed to peel the peaches unless you want to, Note 1. Slice around the middle of each peach. Twist in opposite directions to split it in half. Remove peach pit. Repeat with all peaches. Slice peaches into 1/2 inch/1.27 cm wedges on a cutting board. Then dice into small pieces. Transfer to a bowl.
- FINISH PEACH COMPOTE: Add a little sugar and a touch of lemon juice at a time. Taste and keep adding until you're happy with the level of sweetness and tang. Add cinnamon or other spices if using. And other add-ins as you like, Note 2. Let sit for 10 minutes for juices to release and flavors to blend.
Recipe Notes
- Best way to peel peaches quickly: Drop whole peaches in a pot of boiling water for 60 seconds. Drain and rinse in cold water or ice bath for a minute. The skins will just slip off. Use a paring knife for any stubborn parts. Here’s a video on how to blanch and peel peaches.
- Variations and add-ins:
-
- Mix in fresh herbs such as chopped mint leaves, basil or lavender.
- Add a touch of vanilla extract for a rich flavor.
- Sprinkle on orange zest
- Splash on a little bourbon, amaretto, rum or sweet wine.
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- Ways to use peach compote: as a side dish for fish or grilled meats, on top of ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal, over pancakes, french toast or waffles, as a base of peach salsa, as a topping for fish tacos, freeze for future desserts like peach crumble or pies.
- Make ahead:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the fridge (they will get a little limp, but still taste great).
- To freeze,make recipe, lay peaches in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for an hour. Then transfer frozen cubes to a zipper-sealed bag (with the air removed as much as possible). Freeze for up to 3 months.
