This healthy strawberry compote is perfectly sweet and subtly tart. If you don't like watery compotes, this is the recipe for you! It's nice and thick, making it the perfect topping for pancakes, oatmeal, ice cream, and more!
I came up with this healthy strawberry compote recipe to use as a topping for my strawberry cheesecake parfaits, but you can use it for so much more. It's so delicious that I can eat it with a spoon. Oh, and I don't feel guilty because this version has been lightened-up.
Sometimes I'll make a berry compote without any sweeteners and it tastes great. But this time, I wanted something a little sweeter and more decadent- without all the calories. And this recipe turned out just perfect!
You don't need many ingredients for this easy recipe. Let's get to it.
Healthy Strawberry Compote Ingredients
For healthy strawberry compote, you will need:
- Strawberries- I used fresh, but frozen will work as well.
- Lemon Juice- This is optional.
- Sugar- I use just one tablespoon of cane sugar for this recipe. I find that when you combine just a little bit of sugar with stevia, it taste so much better. See here for vegan cane sugar.
- Stevia- Or any other sweetener of your choice.
- Cornstarch- This gives the compote a nice thick consistency.
- Water
How to Make Strawberry Compote
- Prepare Strawberries. Prep strawberries by rinsing, removing the hull, and slicing in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- Make a Cornstarch Slurry. Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until no lumps remain. Set aside.
- Add to a Saucepan. Add the lemon juice, sugar, stevia, and strawberries to a medium saucepan and heat over medium.
- Simmer. Simmer stirring frequently until the strawberries begin to release some juices (about 4-5 minutes). You can break up some of the strawberries with the back of your spoon if you like.
- Thicken. Stir in the cornstarch/water mixture and simmer until you have a thick, syrupy consistency.
- Cool. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Other Fruit Options
You can swap out the strawberries for:
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Raspberries
- Cherries
- Apples
- Peaches
- Plums
- Cranberries
- Or any fruit combo you like
Optional Flavoring Ideas
Strawberry compote is great as it is. But if you're feeling crazy, try one of these flavoring ideas:
Add these in before cooking:
- Orange Zest
- Lemon Zest
Add these in after cooking:
- Fresh Mint
- Fresh Basil
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla
- Balsamic Vinegar
Serving and Storing
Healthy strawberry compote can be served warm or cold. Try it over:
- Oatmeal
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Toast
- Ice Cream
- Cheesecake
- Cake
- Pudding
Store your compote in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to a month. Or try freezing in ice cube trays for easy single serve.
Want more strawberry dessert recipes?
Check these out:
Healthy Strawberry Cake (made with oats)
Light Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits (Vegan)
Please let me know how you like the healthy strawberry compote in the comments! I love to hear from you and your star ratings encourage others to give the recipe a try.
Enjoy!
Crystal
📖 Recipe
Healthy Strawberry Compote
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon stevia more to taste, I use Sweetleaf
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Prep strawberries by rinsing, removing the hull, and slicing in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together until no lumps remain. Set aside.
- Add the lemon juice, sugar, stevia, and strawberries to a medium-sized saucepan and heat over medium.
- Simmer, stirring frequently, until the strawberries begin to release some juices (about 4-5 minutes). You can break up some of the strawberries with the back of your spoon if you like.
- Stir in the cornstarch/water mixture and simmer until you have a thick, syrupy consistency.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Deb says
I love this lower sugar compote recipe, it really lets the strawberries flavour shine!
nancy says
great easy recipe that came out perfectly sweet and a little tart. LOVE it
Crystal Yentzen says
I'm so glad you like it!
Chef Mireille says
love the idea of adding in the balsamic vinegar. That a common Italian combo with Ricotta Cheese. Thanks for the reminder!
Crystal Yentzen says
You're welcome!
Bobbie says
I love using stevia and have never tried using it for a compote. Great idea for a lighter version.