Warm Spiced Apple Compote

Compote, from the French for fruit gently stewed in syrup, takes a cozy American turn in this warm dessert. Crisp apples simmer with maple syrup, butter, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom until tender and fragrant.

Serves 4 · 12 min prep · 18 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 165 cal
• 12g protein
• 32g carbs
• 6g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 4 medium crisp apples (Gala or Fuji)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1 pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. 1Peel, core, and dice the apples into roughly 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly yet keep some texture.
2. 2Toss the diced apples immediately with the lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning.
3. 3Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it foams and smells nutty.
4. 4Add the apples and stir to coat them in the butter, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges just start to soften.
5. 5Stir in the maple syrup, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, vanilla, salt, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. 6Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape and the liquid has thickened into a glossy syrup.
7. 7Taste and adjust warmth of the spices if needed; the natural apple sweetness should stay front and center.
8. 8Remove from heat and let the compote rest 5 minutes so the flavors settle. Serve warm spooned over yogurt, ice cream, or simply in a bowl as a light fruit dessert.