Blackberry Compote Recipe {Quick with 3 Ingredients}

Name: Blackberry Compote Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound (450 grams) blackberries (fresh or frozen); 4 tablespoons granulated white sugar (See Note 1); 1 tablespoon lemon juice ((fresh or bottled) See Note 2)

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This easy Blackberry Compote is a rich, vibrant sauce that is perfect for topping mascarpone ice cream, Sicilian cheesecake, or Italian panna cotta.

If your dessert needs a little something extra, this quick compote adds both color and flavor. It’s ready in 20 minutes with just three ingredients!

Blackberry compote being spooned into a glass jar.

There’s something about compotes, particularly a berry compote, that I just can’t resist. Like this simple Blackberry Compote recipe, they’re fast to make and are big on flavor. This is one of the many compotes I make—along with raspberry compote, blueberry compote, and strawberry compote—all simple, fruity, and perfect whenever you need a quick dessert topping.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe

Minimal Ingredients: This recipe doesn’t need a long list of ingredients. Just three simple ingredients will bring the best out of this delicious summer fruit!
Easy to make: All you need is a saucepan and a spoon to prepare this recipe. Simmer all the ingredients until soft and fragrant, and the compote is done. It’s really that easy!
Adds color and flavor: Fruity compotes add vibrance and delicious flavor to sweet treats, whether it’s a Lemon and Ricotta Cake, Norwegian Waffles, or Sourdough French Toast.
Naturally gluten free: Being gluten free is a wonderful bonus.

For complete ingredient quantities and full instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients

Blackberries – Either frozen or fresh blackberries will work in this recipe. Both are easily available at most grocery stores. You will have to wait for the blackberry season if you choose to use fresh rather than frozen berries.
Granulated white sugar – Any white sugar you have in your pantry will be fine. Brown sugar will also work, as will honey. If using honey, reduce the amount.
Lemon juice – My preference is fresh lemon juice because I have a huge lemon tree in the backyard that seems to produce an endless supply of lemons. However, bottled lemon juice is a good substitute. Substitute lime juice if you prefer.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Blackberry Compote

Follow along with my easy instructions below to see how to make blackberry compote in your own kitchen.

Lemon juice being spooned into a saucepan of blackberries and sugar.

Add blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan.

Stir over medium heat until the berries start to release their juices.

Blackberries simmering in a saucepan being stirred with a spatula.

Simmer, stirring often, until the berries break down and the juices become syrupy.

Berry compote being poured into a shallow bowl.

Pour into a shallow bowl and let cool.

Marcellina’s Hint: Taste the finished compote. If the berries are tart, stir in a little extra sugar to balance the flavor.

Variations

Spiced – Just a sprinkle of ground cinnamon turns this compote into a richly spiced sauce.
Minty – stir through some chopped fresh mint at the end of the cooking.
For Adults – Add a splash of crème de cassis, Kirsch, or Grand Marnier after cooking for an adult version!

Try this Dried Fruit Compote when summer is over and chilly days call for something comforting.

How long does it last

What I love about a fruit compote is how well it keeps. I’ve stored this compote in the fridge for up to a week, and it’s still been great. Of course, how long it lasts will depend on how fresh your berries are, so start with the best you can find for the best keeping quality.

Top tips

Overhead view of a berry compote in a glass bowl.

With only three ingredients, the success of this recipe relies on top-quality blackberries. Be choosy at the grocery store and buy the best you can afford. It will make all the difference.
Taste the blackberries before making the compote. If the blackberries are particularly bitter, adjust the amount of sugar added.
With only a small amount of liquid, the compote must be stirred gently but regularly so that it doesn’t burn. Have patience, because in just a short time, the berries will release their juices.
On cooling, the compote will thicken. However, cornstarch can be added to make it thicker. If you need to keep it gluten-free, be sure to check the cornstarch ingredients. Check the recipe card below for instructions.

FAQ

What is the difference between blackberry compote and jam?

Compotes, whether made with blackberries or other fruit, have less sugar, are thinner, and don’t keep as long as jam.

What enhances the flavor of blackberries?

Adding sweetness in the form of sugar or honey brings out the natural flavor of blackberries, which can be slightly bitter.

Can you freeze blackberry compote?

Yes, absolutely! Freezing compote made with blackberries or other berries is an excellent way to preserve this delicious sauce to use later. It will freeze well for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

A berry sauce partially mixed through plain yogurt in a shallow glass.

It takes hardly any effort to turn store-bought (or homemade) ice cream or cake into something special. Just spoon over this compote for a pop of color and a boost of flavor. And don’t forget—it’s just as good at breakfast over Cinnamon Granola or Sourdough French Toast!

Serve warm or chilled, either way, this Blackberry Compote will put a smile on everyone’s lips!

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