Simple Blueberry Compote

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Blueberry compote is an unbelievably quick and easy way to enhance your favorite dishes! Try this sweet, vibrant, and juicy sauce over ice cream, oatmeal bowls, French toast, pancakes, and more!

Blueberry compote on a spoon. — Perfectly thickened blueberry compote

Table of Contents

💙 Why you’ll love this recipe

Nutritious: Blueberries provide a natural sweetness that reduces the amount of overall sugar needed. Plus, blueberries are a great source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber!
Quick: This blueberry compote is ready in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect to prep ahead of time and keep on hand.
Allergy-friendly: As a gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free sauce, this recipe is suitable for a wide variety of dietary needs.
Versatile: Use it to top French toast, pancakes, overnight oats, ice cream, and so much more. The serving options are virtually endless!

If you enjoy this blueberry compote, you should really check out our strawberry compote, vegan cajeta, chamoy sauce, and mango chamoy.

🫐 What is a blueberry compote?

Blueberry compote is a simple fruit sauce made by simmering blueberries with a pinch of sugar. The berries are cooked low-and-slow to enhance their sweetness and create a thickened texture.

In general, fruit compotes come in a wide variety of flavors and textures. Some versions are smooth and puréed while others contain large chunks of fruit.

In this recipe, we include a little cornstarch to further thicken the texture, but it’s not always necessary. We also love to add a dash of vanilla extract, which enhances the blueberries and creates an even more complex flavor.

As you can see, there is really no right or wrong way to do it! Feel free to experiment to discover which textures and flavors you like best. No matter what, this blueberry compote is guaranteed to become a new staple!

🤨 Compote vs jam

While jams and compotes are sometimes used in place of one another, they are not quite the same. These are the primary differences:

Spreadability: More often than not, compote contains larger chunks of fruit than jam, making it less spreadable.
Sugar content: Jam is designed to last months in the fridge, with sugar being its main preservative. Compotes are meant to be eaten quickly, meaning they have significantly lower sugar content.
Flavor components: Unlike jam, which is always sweet, compotes sometimes have savory elements such as black pepper, star anise, or cinnamon.

🍋 Do I need lemon juice for compote?

Some recipes (like our strawberry compote) call for lemon juice, but it’s not entirely necessary. Other than acting as flavoring, it is added to slow the browning process of certain fruits. It also helps preserve low-acid fruits, like apples or pears, making compote safe for canning.

Given that this recipe is meant to be enjoyed right away, lemon juice is not required. But if you prefer a little tartness, feel free to include a squeeze of lemon juice or zest.

Blueberry compote in a glass jar. — Compote has been around for hundreds of years!

📜 History

The origins of compote stem from medieval Europe. In fact, the name “compote” is derived from “composites,” which is the Latin word for “mixture.” At the time of its invention, it was widely believed to help balance the effects of humidity on the body.

Compotes were originally served alongside sour cream and biscuits for an afternoon snack. It then became commonplace to serve compote towards the end of a multi-course meal, often accompanied by pottage.

Due to their budget-friendliness, ease of making, and the fact that they’re dairy-free, compotes quickly became popular amongst Jewish populations throughout Europe. Now, they are considered a staple in Jewish cuisine.

🌱 Is blueberry compote vegan?

You’ll be happy to know this blueberry compote recipe is 100% vegan! Unlike jams and jellies, compotes don’t contain animal-based gelling agents (think gelatin).

Make sure to opt for organic cane sugar in place of refined white sugar, which is not always vegan.

Blueberries, constarch, vanilla, and cane sugar on a table. — Fresh or frozen berries both work

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

Blueberries: It’s always best to use fresh blueberries, but frozen berries work just as well (especially if they’re not in season). Frozen blueberries can be cooked straight from the freezer, but you will need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
Cornstarch slurry: While not entirely necessary, a cornstarch slurry perfectly thickens the compote. If you don’t have any cornstarch on hand or prefer a thinner consistency, just leave it out completely!
Sugar: We use organic cane sugar for this blueberry compote recipe, but any granulated sugar can be used. Alternatively, opt for a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or agave.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is ideal to enhance the natural sweetness of the berries, but artificial vanilla will work in a pinch.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make a blueberry compote

Step 1: Simmer the blueberries

If they are fresh, rinse and drain the blueberries to remove any excess dirt. Then, add the blueberries, sugar, and vanilla extract to a medium saucepan, and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.

Blueberries and sugar in a pot. — Simmer the berries straight from frozen

Step 2: Add the cornstarch

Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make your cornstarch slurry. Add it to the saucepan with the blueberry mixture, and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Blueberry compote in a saucepan. — Make a slurry first

Step 3: Thicken the sauce

Using a slotted spoon, remove the blueberries from the pan and set aside. Continue to simmer the liquid for another 3-5 minutes, or until your desired consistency has been reached.

Blueberries in a glass bowl beside a pot. — Remove the berries to prevent overcooking them

Step 4: Combine the compote

Add the cooked blueberries back to the mixture, and stir to combine. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let the compote stand for about 10 minutes.

Blueberry compote in a pot. — The compote will thicken more as it sits

Serve your blueberry compote warm or chilled over your favorite breakfasts, snacks, or desserts. Happy eating!

If you have questions about this blueberry compote recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🥞 How to use blueberry compote

Blueberry compote is an incredibly versatile sauce, and the ways to use it are seemingly endless. Try pairing it with one of these dishes:

Sourdough French toast: The sweet flavors of blueberry compote balance out the tanginess of sourdough perfectly.
Dairy-free bread: If you prefer a less tangy option, try it on a slice of fresh-made bread.
Blueberry pie oatmeal: Add a dollop to this dessert-inspired oatmeal.
Coconut yogurt: Spruce up plain yogurt with a swirl of compote.
Mini pancakes: Transform your plain pancakes with a spoonful of blueberry compote and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Vegan biscuits: Smear some vegan butter and blueberry compote on warm vegan buttermilk biscuits.

🌡️ Storage & reheating

For any leftover blueberry compote, keep these simple storage tips in mind:

Fridge: If stored in an airtight mason jar or container, blueberry compote will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. We find glass preserves the flavors best.
Freezer: Once fully cooled, transfer the compote to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Let your compote thaw in the fridge overnight, and serve it chilled. Or, add it back to a saucepan (frozen or thawed) over medium heat until it has warmed through.

♻️ Variations

Blueberries: Both fresh and frozen blueberries work equally well for compote. Depending on availability, you can substitute either variety 1:1 in this recipe.
No cornstarch: This blueberry compote doesn’t absolutely need cornstarch. For a slightly thinner consistency, omit the cornstarch and water completely.
Different fruits: Try experimenting with strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, apples, or peaches! The concept of making a compote remains the same.
Flavor enhancers: For a unique flavor, add cinnamon, ginger, almonds, grated coconut, lemon, orange, or dried fruit. Or, add a dash of balsamic vinegar or freshly cracked black pepper for a savory twist.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

Simmer lightly: You want the sauce to remain at a light simmer. If it begins to boil, turn down the heat to prevent it from burning.
Adjust the consistency: For a thicker blueberry compote, simmer it longer, or add more cornstarch. If you prefer it to be thinner, add an extra tablespoon or two of water.
Have patience: It can be difficult not to dig in right away, but we highly recommend letting the compote rest for at least 10 minutes to allow it to fully thicken.
Blend: For a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender to purée the berries.

💬 FAQ

How do you thicken blueberry compote?

The easiest way to thicken this compote is with a mixture of cornstarch and water. However, you can also reduce the amount of water used, prepare a roux, make a beurre manié, or use another gelling agent such as pectin.

Can I use this recipe for canning?

Due to the low sugar content, this blueberry compote recipe is not safe for canning.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes! You will just need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes in order to achieve the same thickness.

🍴 More sauce recipes

If you enjoyed this blueberry compote recipe, be sure to check out some more flavorful vegan sauces like the following:

Mango Habanero Salsa: A sauce that features both sweet and fiery flavors.
Mango Pico de Gallo: Chunky salsa fresca made with fresh mango cubes.
Creamy Balsamic Dressing: A sweet and tangy condiment that will liven up all of your favorite dishes.
Salsa Taquera: A vibrant recipe that is downright addicting!
Cherry Compote: A similar recipe bursting with sweet, vibrant cherry flavor.