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One surefire way to use up strawberries that are close to expiring is to convert them into a delicious, fast and easy Strawberry Compote (or Strawberry Sauce). It’s a great way to reduce food waste and make something you (and your kids) will love!

You can put this on banana splits, ice cream sundaes or use as a cake filling!

Strawberry compote on vanilla ice cream in a blue glass dish

How to make Strawberry Compote (Strawberry Sauce)

Compote is basically a quick jam that doesn’t need to be cooked as long and isn’t supposed to be as thick. I don’t even add water to my strawberry compote during the summer peak harvest as strawberries are bursting with flavor and juice. You might have to add in a little water with winter strawberries, but this strawberry sauce was perfect without.

First, add the berries and the sugar into a heavy saucepan.
Crush the berries slightly in the pan.
Cook the mixture on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
The compote is done when it thickens up and the berries are done to your liking.

Additions to the Compote

You can add a few things, know however that it will alter the consistency of the compote! If you add in the juices or the liquor you might have to thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry ( see the tips below for thickening it).

You can try adding:

1-2 tbsp orange juice
1-2 tbsp Triple sec or Cointreau for a boozy sauce! YUM! (you can see that this would be my favorite addition and will be happening soon!)
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Freezing Strawberry Compote

Fruit compotes freeze extremely well! Simply divide the cooled compote into freezer safe containers, place the lids on top and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply let defrost on the counter and use. This is handy if you want to double or triple this recipe.

How Long Compote Lasts

Compote is close in texture to a strawberry freezer jam that has no pectin in it, so it will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. It’s meant to be eaten soon (and this is a smaller recipe so I have faith in you, you can eat it within those two weeks!)

Thickening Fruit Compotes

I rely on only berries and sugar, once you start adding in juices then you might need to thicken it as you don’t cook a compote as long as you cook a jam. To thicken you can make a cornstarch slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water. Whisk into the hot strawberry sauce once it’s cooked to your liking, making sure to whisk rapidly to ensure that there are no lumps. Add just enough to thicken it to your liking.

More Uses for Strawberry Compote

Try this right away on my homemade pancakes from scratch, Belgian waffles or my classic waffle recipe!
Be wild and crazy and pair it with cottage cheese pancakes or my banana pancakes! YUM!
Toast! Just use it like jam.

More Strawberry Recipes

Want to use up the bounty of summertime strawberries? Try these delicious recipes!

Happy cooking! I am going to make this again as I’m going to make sundaes soon as we are getting a nice heat wave this weekend and I can’t freaking wait!

Love,

Karlynn

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