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Cherry Cardamom Compote (A Quick, Cozy Favorite)

This quick and easy compote is bursting with fresh cherry flavor and a cozy hint of cardamom. Perfect spooned over yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream. A little jar of sweetness you’ll want to keep on hand all year.
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Open jar of glossy cherry cardamom compote with a floral ceramic spoon inside, set on a table with a plate of stacked pancakes blurred in the background and a blue-and-white striped tea towel nearby
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 kg pitted cherries - 7½ cups
  • 120 g sugar - ⅔ cups
  • 100 ml water (or cherry juice) - 6½ tbsp
  • ½-1 tsp cardamom (or sub vanilla, cinnamon or ginger)
Instructions

Prep the cherries:

  • Sort, stem, and pit cherries. Roughly chop if you wish (optional).

Cook gently:

  • In a medium saucepan, add the cherries, water, sugar, and cardamom. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, letting the cherries soften and release their juices, about 10 minutes.

Adjust:

  • If you want a thicker compote, simmer a few minutes longer, stirring often. For a looser compote, remove from heat sooner. Add a little more sugar if you want it sweeter or a pinch more cardamom for extra warmth.

Hot fill and store:

  • Fill the hot compote into clean, sterilized jars. Turn them upside down for 10 minutes to pasteurize the lids and seal the jars. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer keeping.
Notes
  • Use fresh, ripe cherries — any kind will do for this easy, seasonal compote.
  • I stick to raw cane sugar, but coconut or brown sugar work well too. Honey or maple syrup will change the flavor a bit. (If you love maple, check out my Easy Oven Baked Fruit & Maple Syrup Compote recipe for another take.)
  • Cardamom is key for that cozy warmth, but vanilla, cinnamon, or ginger can stand in if you’re out.
  • Want it smooth? Chop the cherries or blitz briefly. Otherwise, keep them whole for a nice, chunky texture.
  • Hot-fill your jars, keep them in the fridge for up to a week once opened, or freeze for longer.
Servings: 8 servings (½ cup each)
Calories: 120kcal
Author: Sarah | Grains & Greens Kitchen