This Homemade Pear Compote is easy to make and super versatile. Spoon it over ice cream, cakes, yogurt, or pancakes for a sweet touch. It also pairs surprisingly well with savory dishes—try it with pork chops or shrimp for a delicious twist.
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This compote is made with fresh pears, cozy spices, and a touch of sweetener. It’s cooked on the stovetop until it thickens and turns beautifully glazed.
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Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this spiced pear compote recipe:
- Pears - the best pears for making compote are Bosc, Anjou, and Bartlett because they’re firm enough to hold up while cooking. Peel, core, and chop the pears into ¼-inch cubes before you start the recipe
- Brown sugar and honey - to add a touch of sweetness to the dish
- Ground cinnamon and ground cloves
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Just follow the easy steps below, and you’ll have a delicious homemade pear compote ready to enjoy with all kinds of dishes:
Step 1 - Peel, core and chop pears into ¼" cubes. Place pears, honey, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves in a saucepan. Stir to combine.
Step 2 - Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a low boil, stirring often.
Step 3 - When the mixture starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for about 40 minutes. Stir it every few minutes. The pears should be tender and covered in a thick syrup.
Step 4 - Spoon the compote into a heat-safe container and let it cool down to room temperature. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Variations
Feel free to adjust this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Ginger - For a touch of warmth and spice, add 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger along with the other ingredients.
- Non-processed sugar - Looking to skip processed sugar? Simply swap the brown sugar for an equal amount of honey for a natural sweetness.
Equipment
I recommend the following equipment to make this spiced pear compote:
- Heat resistant silicone spatula
- Knife and peeler
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Storage
For best results, store the homemade pear compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Top Tip
Be careful not to overcook the pears—you're aiming for tender, not mushy.
Using a heavy-duty saucepan is ideal, as it distributes heat evenly and helps the pears cook consistently. The pears are ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork, but they still hold their shape.
Desserts to serve with homemade pear compote
Looking for some yummy recipes to serve the compote with? Try these:
I hope you enjoy this homemade pear compote as much as my family and friends have over the years!
📋 Recipe
Homemade Pear Compote
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Peeler
- Saucepan
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2½ Cups Chopped pears (approximately 4 - 5 medium pears) Use a firm pear such as Bosc, Anjou or Bartlett
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Brown sugar light or dark
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground cloves
Instructions
- Peel, core and chop pears into ¼" cubes.2½ Cups Chopped pears (approximately 4 - 5 medium pears)
- Place pears, honey, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves in a saucepan. Stir to combine well.1 Tablespoon Honey, 2 Tablespoons Brown sugar, ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon Ground cloves
- Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a low boil, stirring often.
- When the mixture starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for about 40 minutes. Stir it every few minutes. The pears should be soft and covered in a thick syrup.
- Spoon the compote into a heat-safe container and let it cool down to room temperature. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Honie says
Super easy to make. Thanks for the vid - we used it on pork chops. I have some leftover - can I freeze it?
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for the feedback. Yes, you may freeze it for up to 2 months. To defrost, place in the fridge for a few hours.