If you’re looking for a versatile, flavor-packedet easy fruit compote to elevate your breakfasts, desserts, or snacks, then this Mixed Berry Compote recipe is your new kitchen staple. Whether you’re working with fresh or frozen fruit, this vibrant berry medley brings the perfect balance of sweet and tart to any dish.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make fruit compote with minimal ingredients and effort. It’s perfect as a berry compote for cheesecake, yogurt parfaits, pancakes, or even as a mixed berry coulis for more refined presentations.
🥣 What is a Fruit Compote?
A fruit compote is a simple preparation where fruit is simmered with sugar, and sometimes citrus juice or zest, until soft and syrupy. Unlike jam, compote isn’t preserved for long storage — it’s made fresh and kept in the fridge for quick use.
The result? A juicy, spoonable topping that showcases the natural flavors of fruit with a subtle sweetness and beautiful texture.
🫐 Why You’ll Love This Mixed Berry Compote
- ✅ Easy and fast: Done in under 15 minutes
- ✅ No special tools: Just a saucepan and spoon
- ✅ Flexible: Works with fresh or frozen berries
- ✅ Delicious hot or cold
- ✅ Perfect as a berry compote for cheesecake, waffles, yogurt, ice cream, or toast
- ✅ Easily transformed into a mixed berry coulis
🍓 Ingredients for Mixed Berry Compote
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, and you can swap in whatever berries you have on hand.
⭐ Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- Recommended blend: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar (adjust based on sweetness of berries)
- 1 cuillère à soupe de jus de citron
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (facultatif)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thinning)

🧑🍳 How to Make Fruit Compote
Cette easy fruit compote recette is as straightforward as it gets. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
🔥 Step 1: Prep the Fruit
If using baies fraîches:
- Hull and halve large strawberries
- Leave raspberries and blueberries whole
If using frozen berries:
- No need to thaw — just toss them in the pot!
🍲 Step 2: Cook
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Stir occasionally and let the mixture simmer gently.
- As the berries break down (about 6–10 minutes), the mixture will thicken slightly.
Optional: Add a splash of vanilla extract near the end for extra depth.
💡 Step 3: Adjust Consistency
- Pour un chunkier compote, mash lightly with a fork and stop cooking when the syrup coats the back of a spoon.
- Pour un smooth mixed berry coulis, blend the compote and strain through a fine sieve.
🧊 Step 4: Cool & Store
Let the compote cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 mois.
🍓 Variations & Popular Combos
1. Strawberry Raspberry Compote
Use equal parts strawberries and raspberries. Add extra lemon zest to balance the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of raspberries.
2. Strawberry Blueberry Compote
Perfectly balanced with sweetness and subtle tartness — great for kids’ breakfasts or pancake toppings.
3. Frozen Berry Compote Recipe
Using frozen fruit? No problem! Just increase cook time by 1–2 minutes. Frozen berries are often more affordable and available year-round.

🍰 How to Use Mixed Berry Compote
The possibilities are endless. Here’s how you can enjoy your warm or chilled compote:
🧁 Desserts:
- Berry compote for cheesecake 🧀
- Drizzled over vanilla ice cream
- Swirled into panna cotta ou custards
🥞 Breakfast:
- Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Stir into Le yogourt grec or overnight oats
- Spread on toast ou English muffins
🍷 Entertaining:
- Serve warm over brie cheese
- Use as a base for a berry vinaigrette
- Blend into cocktails or spritzers
🥄 Mixed Berry Compote vs. Mixed Berry Coulis
You might wonder: what’s the difference between compote et coulis?
- Compote is chunkier, with pieces of fruit intact.
- Coulis is smooth — made by blending the compote and straining out seeds and skin.
To turn this compote into a mixed berry coulis, simply:
- Blend the cooled compote.
- Strain using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Perfect for plated desserts, ice cream drizzles, and elegant breakfasts.
💬 Pro Tips for the Best Fruit Compote
- 🍋 Add citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavors.
- 🌱 Infuse herbs: A sprig of mint or basil adds complexity.
- 🌶️ Spice it up: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or even a pinch of black pepper for a unique twist.
- 🍷 Deglaze with wine: A splash of red wine or port turns this into a luxurious dessert sauce.

📦 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 7 days.
- Congélateur: Use freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
📋 Mixed Berry Compote Recipe Card
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Mixed berries (fresh or frozen) | 2 cups |
Sucre | 2–3 tbsp |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Vanilla extract (optional) | ½ tsp |
Water (optional) | 1 tbsp |
Directions:
- Combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 6–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust sweetness or add vanilla as desired.
- Let cool, then store or serve.
❓ FAQs About Fruit Compote
Can I make this with just strawberries and raspberries?
Absolutely! A strawberry raspberry compote is sweet, tart, and incredibly fragrant.
Is it okay to use only frozen berries?
Yes! This frozen berry compote recipe works wonderfully — just cook a minute or two longer.
How long does fruit compote last?
It lasts 5–7 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Is compote the same as jam?
Not quite. Jam is more concentrated and preserved for long-term storage. Compote is softer and quicker to make, meant to be eaten fresh.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes — use maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute. The texture will vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.
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💡 Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Works
Cette mixed berry compote is the ultimate kitchen multi-tasker. Whether you’re topping a cheesecake, dressing up your Sunday brunch, or blending it into a vinaigrette, its vibrant color and flavor bring life to any dish.
So, the next time you spot a bag of frozen berries on sale or your farmer’s market is overflowing with summer fruit — remember this recipe. Because sometimes, the simplest things are the most unforgettable.