Warm Cherry Compote With Yogurt and Chocolate Granola

When I was a kid, my dad always brought home fresh cherries when they were in season. We would eat them like popcorn. They were fresh, sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly juicy. I never really had the desire to cook cherries as I am in love with the taste of fresh cherries. But this cherry compote recipe could be the one to change your mind.

But I just recently realized that there are so many recipes that you can make with fresh cherries! 

You can put them in pies, tarts, cobblers, cherry chocolate cake, or even just make a simple compote. To make a compote, all you have to do is toss the pitted cherries over medium heat with a small amount of coconut oil and a couple of tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Then serve them next to some goat cheese and a toasted crostini. The possibilities are endless! So next time you have fresh cherries, don’t just eat them plain. Instead, get creative and make a fun cherry dish. 

What is Compote?

Compote is a spreadable mix of fruit, and some sugar served warmly. It was originally made in medieval Europe, and it is made with whole or large pieces of fruit. To make the cherry compote, the halved cherries are cooked on the stove with some sugar or orange juice. Orange juice is an excellent addition since it is naturally sweet and flavorful. It can be eaten alone as a dessert or used as a topping. 

How to Serve Cherry Compote?

Traditionally, compote is served warm in a small glass with a dollop of creme fraiche. However, there are many ways you can serve compote. For instance, it can be used as a topping for yogurt, as a side with cheese and crackers, or to sweeten a scone. You can even serve compote with a cheesecake to add a fruity flavor. 

Jam vs. Cherry Compote 

Jam and compote are very similar and can often be used in place of one another in recipes. However, compote tends to have less sugar and larger fruit chunks than jam. Having less sugar also makes it a healthier alternative to jam. Jam can also last longer in the refrigerator since it is loaded with sugar. 

What Can You Add to This Warm Cherry Compote With Yogurt and Chocolate Granola?

I used a chocolate granola recipe with dried cherries and added toasted coconut and honey, but the possibilities are endless. You can even make the cherry compote by itself and just drizzle a little bit of maple syrup and top it off with toasted seeds like pumpkin. You can also add things like chia seeds, sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, dates, walnuts, or maple syrup.

Recipe Notes 

• Chocolate and cherries are a classic combination; they come together nicely in this recipe. 
• For this compote, I didn’t add any sugar. Instead, I used two tablespoons of orange juice. 
• Try not to cut the cherries too small, or they will become more like a jam, which has crushed fruit.