This easy blackberry compote is super quick to make - only 10 minutes! Yeah...so you can totally whip up a berry sauce a la minute, then add it to your favorite desserts like cheesecakes, use it to spice up a drink, top off your Jiggly Japanese Soufflé Pancake, you name it. It'll add some sweetness, some tang, and color to whatever you pair it with...yup, a worthy recipe to keep in your back pocket for emergencies.
With the warm weather kicking in and the days looking beautiful and sunny, it means only one thing - blackberry picking! Although our backyard isn't filled with blackberries, we are lucky to find a whole field full of wild blackberries at one of our favorite parks. And because it's blackberry season, tons of blackberries are ripening daily. So what do you do when you end up picking a few container full of wild blackberries? Make this easy blackberry compote!
If you're looking for some other back pocket recipes to help you pull off an emergency like a walk in the park, check out:
- 3 ingredient homemade corn tortillas
- soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies
- cheddar green onion scones
Now let's talk tips and FAQs for making this blackberry compote easier than easy!
What is a compote?
Compote is basically any fruits cooked in sugar, water, with or without additional spices, and sometimes alcohol. The fruits are usually kept in large chunks, so I guess you can consider it a fruit preserve. But the question to ask is, are canned fruits and those fruit bowls in syrup water compotes? 🤔
How do I wash wild blackberries?
If wild blackberry picking has just become a thing for you like it did for us, this is our recommendation for preparations before eating:
Look at all these wild blackberries we picked!
First, rinse the blackberries in cold water a few times. Then put the blackberries in a bowl of water, just enough to cover them. Sprinkle in some baking soda and stir it into the water. (We used 2 tablespoon of baking soda to about 3 cups of blackberries.) Next, add 2-3 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar and let the blackberries soak for about 30 minutes. (The vinegar will react to the baking soda like a science experiment so make sure your bowl is large enough!) Lastly, rinse the berries thoroughly in a colander with cold water and then let them drain on a paper towel lined plate or tray. Now you have squeaky clean blackberries ready to go!
Do I need to can the compote?
That depends on what you're using the compote for. If you're planning on using the compote within the next 3-4 days, simply keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. However, if you are turning your blackberries into a compote so that you can keep it longer, you can absolutely can the compote in a sterilized canning jar. Just note that the compote will only last for about 2 weeks canned and needs to be consumed within 3-4 days of opening since it contains more moisture and less sugar than normal canned fruit products.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can definitely make a big batch and freeze it. I recommend freezing it in either a vacuum bag or freeze it in an ice cube tray then store them in an airtight container to keep frozen. This way, you can thaw out as much as you need.
Can I make it sweeter or more tart?
Yes! The great thing about compotes is that it is very flexible in terms flavor and sweetness. You can simply add more or less of the sweetener to your preference. I actually would prefer it if you do taste the compote and adjust the sweetness to your liking because not all blackberries are created equal, unfortunately.
As for the flavor, I recommend adding some lemon juice for some brightness and some lemon zest for some nice lemony flavor because lemon and blackberry pairs fabulously. But don't limit yourself to these classic pairings! For example, you can add spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice for a more festive flavor for the fall holidays or herbs like rosemary and thyme for a more savory compote. So feel free to experiment and let us know how it goes!
Can I use this recipe to substitute other fruits?
Absolutely! You can easily replace the blackberries with other fruits, just adjust the sweetness as needed, or to your preference. Do note that you may or may not need to add a small amount of water for fruits that do not have a lot of juice.
Some common compotes includes mixed berries, blueberries, tropical fruits, figs, and pears.
Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes! Actually, it's probably even easier to make compote with frozen fruits than fresh fruits since the freezing process already started breaking down the fruit and liquifying them.
Have fun making some delicious compote!
Cook with love!
Mei💜
If you made this recipe or any recipe from our blog, please tag us on Instagram @twoplaidparons! We would love to see your creations! It absolutely makes our day! 
Easy Blackberry Compote
Ingredients
- 3 cups blackberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or as needed)
- 2 Tablespoon lemon juice (or 1 lemon juiced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or 1 lemon zested)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally. Cook the berries until softened and the juice thickens, about 8-10 minutes. You can also mash the berries up for smaller chunks.*You should be able to draw a line in the saucepan, and the line should stay for a couple of seconds. It will become even thicker when cooled.*
- Once the compote has thickened, remove from heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then transfer the blackberry compote into a heatproof bowl if using soon or a sterilized canning jar if you wish to can it.
- Enjoy your blackberry compote on your favorite brunch item, drinks, desserts, and more!
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