Homemade apple compote, or compota de manzana, is peeled apple wedges simmered covered for 15 to 20 minutes in water with lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and sugar until tender, then left chunky or blended into a smooth purée and served chilled. It takes 15 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking, and serves 6.
A simple, traditional apple and cinnamon purée that children love, soft and easy to digest for the whole family.
How to Make Apple Compote?
Use fresh apples, green or red, ideally from the market, and try different varieties. The syrup is brought to a boil, the apples cook until a knife slides in easily, and the cinnamon is removed before mashing or blending.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of apple compote contains approximately 100 kcal, 1 g of protein, 0 g of fat, 25 g of carbohydrates, 3 g of fiber, 20 g of sugars, and 0 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Homemade Apple Compote Recipe
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 kg of apples
- 500 ml (2 cups) of water
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Wash and peel the apples, ideally green apples, though any variety works. Cut them into 8 wedges and remove the cores and seeds. In a large pot, combine the water, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and sugar.
- Bring to a boil, add the apples, cover, lower the heat, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a knife. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and, if you like, blend the apples into a purée with a hand blender or simply mash them with a fork. Keep refrigerated and serve cold, alone or with other desserts.
Additional Tips
Natural thickening
Gentle cooking breaks down the apple cell walls and releases pectin, which gives the compote its natural body.
Add the cinnamon early
Cinnamon sticks release their oils slowly in hot liquid, so adding them from the start flavors the apples all the way through.
Too runny?
Pour off some of the cooking liquid before mashing to adjust the thickness.
| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar | No sugar, for babies | Omit | Natural fruit sweetness |
| Green apples | Red apples | 1 kg | Sweeter |
| Cinnamon sticks | Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | Stronger color |
| Lemon | Orange juice | 1 orange | Fruitier |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make sugar free compote for my baby?
Yes. Ripe apples have enough natural sugar. Leave out the 5 tablespoons of sugar for a milder purée suitable for starting solids.
2. How long does it keep in the fridge?
4 to 5 days in an airtight jar. Discard it if the smell changes or mold appears.
3. Why is my compote too runny?
There was too much water or the apples did not cook long enough. Remove some liquid before mashing to adjust it.
4. Do I need to peel the apples?
For a classic smooth compote, yes, because the peel does not soften in the same time. You can simmer the peels separately for an apple tea.
Benefits of Apples
Apples contain antioxidants and soluble fiber that help lower cholesterol and support digestion.
Did You Know?
Apples are low in calories and rich in fiber and water, which helps you feel full quickly and for longer.
How to adapt this recipe to a vegan or vegetarian version?
How to adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version?
How to adapt this recipe to a keto (ketogenic) version?
Recommended
- Chilean Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
- Chilean Apple Kuchen Recipe
- Chilean Rhubarb Compote Recipe
- American Apple Pie Recipe
