Healthy Apple Compote (No Peeling!)
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This healthy apple compote is easy to make in 25 minutes, no peeling required! Perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or nice cream!
If you’ve never made apple compote at home, I promise it’s so much easier than it sounds! It takes about 20-25 minutes, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and makes your whole kitchen smell like fall. It’s lightly sweetened, full of warm cinnamon flavor, and so good.
I’ve been making this on repeat lately because it’s so simple and you can use it in so many ways! I even created a whole Apple Pie Yogurt Parfait recipe around this compote because it’s that good as a topping. Once you try this apple cinnamon compote, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Ingredient Notes
- Granny Smith Apples: I use Granny Smith apples for this recipe because they hold their shape well when cooked and have a natural tartness that balances the sweetness from the raisins and maple syrup. You can use a sweeter apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp, but the compote will be sweeter.
- Raisins: The raisins add a little natural sweetness as they cook down and soften into the apples. It’s a great way to sweeten the compote without adding a lot of extra sugar!
- Maple Syrup: This is totally optional. Taste your compote toward the end of cooking and add it if you feel like it needs a little more sweetness. If your apples are on the sweeter side, you may not need it at all!
Additions
- Nutmeg or Cardamom: Want a little more warmth? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon. It gives the apple cinnamon compote a really cozy flavor.
Substitutions
- Different Apples: You can swap the Granny Smith for any apple you have on hand. Just know that sweeter apples will give you a sweeter compote.
- Cranberries: Swap the raisins for dried cranberries for a slightly tart, festive twist. Really tasty during the holidays!
How to Make Apple Compote: Step-by-Step
For the full recipe with the exact ingredients, scroll down to the printable recipe card below!
Step 1: Add all compote ingredients (except the extra 1/8 cup water) to a medium sized pot. Heat on medium heat, stirring to mix ingredients well, about 2-3 minutes. Cover and let cook for 2 minutes.
Step 2: Reduce heat to low and stir. Cover again and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes to make sure it’s not burning on the bottom of the pan. Remove the cover and stir. Add the remaining 1/8 cup water and continue to cook uncovered for 5 more minutes, until the apples are soft and the water is absorbed.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Leave the skin on: I know most apple compote recipes have you peel the apples, but leaving the skin on saves so much time (we’re busy moms here!) and you really don’t notice it once the apples cook down. It also adds a little extra fiber!
- Stir it as it simmers: Don’t walk away completely during that last stretch of cooking. Give it a stir every few minutes so nothing sticks or burns on the bottom of the pot.
- Make it ahead: This compote is great for meal prep! Make a batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge to use all week.
Ways to Use Apple Cinnamon Compote
- Spoon it over Greek yogurt or add it to a yogurt bowl for an easy breakfast
- Stir it into oatmeal or overnight oats
- Layer it into my Apple Pie Yogurt Parfait – that recipe was literally made for this compote!
- Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles
- Add the warm compote on top of nice cream for a delicious, healthier treat!
Meal Prep & Storage
- Meal Prep: Make a full batch at the start of the week and store it in the fridge. It keeps well and tastes great all week long. I love using it in my Apple Pie Yogurt Parfait for a quick and easy breakfast!
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! I actually recommend leaving the skin on to save time. Once the apples cook down, you really don’t notice the skin at all.
Warm or cold – both are delicious! I love it warm over yogurt or oatmeal. It’s also great cold, straight from the fridge!
Yes! This recipe makes about 2.5 cups, but you can easily double it. You may need to cook it a few minutes longer to make sure all the water is absorbed and the apples are soft.
It’s totally optional! The raisins add natural sweetness as they cook down. Taste it near the end and add maple syrup only if you feel it needs a little more sweetness.
Of course! Granny Smith is my go-to because it’s tart and holds up well during cooking. But you can use any apple you have on hand. Sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala will give you a sweeter compote, so you likely won’t need the maple syrup.
Did you try this recipe?
Let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and rating below! Or tag me on Instagram and share what you made!
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Healthy Apple Compote
Ingredients
- 4 Granny Smith apples, diced (leave the skin on to make it easier!)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water, + 1/8 cup water, divided
- 2 teaspoons 100% pure maple syrup, optional
Instructions
- Add apples, raisins, cinnamon, vanilla extract, 1/4 cup water, and maple syrup (if using) to a medium sized pot over medium heat. Stir to mix the ingredients. Cover and let cook for about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir and reduce heat to a simmer. Keep pot covered and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes to make sure it’s not burning on the bottom of the pan.
- Remove cover and stir. Add ⅛ cup water to the pot, and continue to cook for 5 more minutes uncovered, until apples are soft and water is absorbed.