Strawberry compote is a delightful, versatile topping that’s thickened with healthy chia seeds instead of starch. With just five ingredients and two easy methods – stovetop and Instant Pot – you can whip up this tasty treat in only 10 minutes.

Sweetened with a touch of honey, our recipe also includes a sugar-free version for those looking to cut down on sweetness. Perfect for spreading, drizzling, topping, or blending, this compote is a delicious addition to many dishes. Let’s get started!

Feature image shows delicious strawberry compote served chilled in a glass jar that's spoonable.
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What is strawberry compote

Strawberry compote is a delicious way to enjoy fresh strawberries. Unlike jams, compotes are made by simmering diced fruit with a simple syrup until the fruit breaks down, releasing its juice while keeping some chunky pieces for texture.

In our healthier version, we use orange juice (or blood orange juice) to naturally sweeten and “stew” the strawberries. This method keeps the compote fresh and flavorful without added sugars.

Fruit compote has a thinner, slightly runny texture compared to jam. It’s also chunkier, with some fruit pieces remaining whole for an interesting contrast.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make our homemade strawberry compote recipe. Each ingredient adds something special to make it delicious and healthy.

  • Fresh Strawberries: The star of the compote, providing a sweet and juicy base.
  • Orange Juice: Adds a natural sweetness and a hint of citrus flavor.
  • Chia Seeds: Naturally thickens the compote and adds a boost of fiber and nutrients.
  • Honey: Sweetens the compote naturally without refined sugar. Use maple syrup for vegan.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.

Substitutions

  • Frozen strawberries: You can cook the berries from frozen. Reduce the orange juice quantity (use 3 tbsp orange juice) and simmer, stir, and gently mash over medium-low to low heat for 10-12 minutes. Follow the same recipe steps.
  • Different berries: Use the same cooking steps with blackberries, blueberries, cherries, or raspberries.

Sugar-free variation

  • For sugar-free version: You can either skip the honey (which will give the compote a more tart flavor) or use sugar-free keto sweetener such as keto honey or keto brown sugar.

How to make strawberry compote

Ready to make this tasty treat? Here’s how to make our healthy stewed strawberries using either the stovetop or an Instant Pot. Both methods are super easy and quick!

  1. Wash strawberries in water. Drain and remove stems with a small knife.
  2. Stovetop method:
    • Chop strawberries and add to a medium saucepan with orange juice. Boil gently for 5 minutes over medium heat.
    • Reduce heat to low. Mash strawberries, leaving some chunks. Stir for 5 minutes.
    • Turn off heat. Stir in chia seeds, honey, and vanilla extract. Cool before storing.
  3. Instant Pot method:
    • Add chopped strawberries and orange juice to the pot. Seal lid and valve. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Natural release for 10-15 minutes.
    • Press sauté. Add chia seeds, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir for 2 minutes, then press cancel. Cool before storing.
  4. Storing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Best used within 10 days.
  5. Freezing: Cool the strawberry sauce, then divide it into smaller portions for easy defrosting. Freeze for up to three months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Strawberry compote made on a stovetop or instant pot, thickened with chia seeds.
Strawberry compote made on a stovetop or instant pot, thickened with chia seeds.
Strawberry compote made on a stovetop or instant pot, thickened with chia seeds.
Photo shows strawberry compote thickened with chia seeds.

How to thicken fruit compote without cornstarch

  • Instead of using starch to thicken the compote, we use chia seeds. Allow the seeds to bloom overnight for a thicker consistency.
  • Keep in mind that compote will never be as thick or dense as jam. It has a beautiful, syrupy consistency that’s spoonable and super refreshing.

How to use strawberry compote

Strawberry fruit compote is incredibly versatile and can add a burst of flavor to many dishes. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:

Korean strawberry milk

Strawberry lemonade vodka

Paleo Granola with Strawberry Yogurt Parfait

Helpful tips

  • Clean Thoroughly: Make sure to wash the strawberries well to remove any dirt or residues. This ensures a clean and fresh flavor.
  • Chop Evenly: Chop the strawberries evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate and break down uniformly.
  • Mash with Care: Mash the strawberries just enough to keep some chunks for texture. Over-mashing can turn the compote into a puree.
  • Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low to prevent the mixture from boiling over and to control the consistency.
  • Bloom Chia Seeds: Stir in chia seeds while the compote is still warm, then let it cool and bloom overnight for the best thickening effect.
  • Sweeten Naturally: Use honey or natural sweeteners to keep the compote healthy and flavorful. Adjust to taste if you prefer it sweeter.
  • Refrigerate Overnight: For the best texture, refrigerate the compote overnight to let the chia seeds fully bloom and the flavors meld.

FAQs

What is the difference between compote and jam?

Compote is thinner and chunkier with whole fruit pieces, while jam is thicker, more uniform, and often contains added pectin for a firm texture.

Can I use frozen strawberries to make compote?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Reduce the orange juice (liquid quantity) to 1 tablespoon less and follow the same cooking steps for a delicious compote.

Can I use strawberry jam instead of compote?

Yes, but the texture will be different. Jam is thicker and smoother, while compote has a lighter, chunkier consistency with whole fruit pieces.

Why use chia seeds instead of cornstarch?

Chia seeds are a natural thickener and add a nutritional boost with fiber and omega-3s, making the compote healthier.

More strawberry recipes

Looking for more delicious and healthy options? Check out these related dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds and keep you coming back for more!

  • Strawberry Almond Milk: A refreshing and frothy drink blended with whole frozen strawberries.
  • Paleo Green Smoothie: A healthy, creamy blend with kale, spinach, banana, and strawberry.
  • Strawberry Men: Strawberry bites made with strawberries and apples, decorated with cute smiley apple faces.
A recipe image shows strawberry compote chilled and served in a glass jar with a spoon.
5 from 12 votes

Strawberry compote recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 20 tablespoons
Author: ChihYu Smith
Learn to make healthy strawberry compote with chia seeds. Quick 10-minute recipe using stovetop or Instant Pot methods, with sugar-free options and versatile uses. Makes 1.25 cups.
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Ingredients 

  • 16 oz fresh strawberries
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1.5 tbsp Honey, or maple syrup, keto honey
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Plunge the strawberries in a big bowl of water a few times to clean. Drain and trim away the stems, using a small paring knife.

Stovetop:

  • Roughly chop the strawberries and add them to a saucepan with orange juice. Cover and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, 5 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low. Use a wooden spoon or a small potato masher to muddle and mash the strawberries but leave some chunky texture. Keep the pan uncovered and string periodically for 5 minutes. Make sure it doesn’t spill over.
  • Turn off the heat. Stir-in chia seeds, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir well and set aside to cool before storing.

Instant pot:

  • Add the chopped strawberries to the inner pot with orange juice. Seal the lid and valve. Press 1 minute on high pressure. Once done, wait for 10 to 15 minutes before quick release.
  • Press saute function, add chia seeds, honey, and vanilla extract. stir about 2 minutes, press cancel/off. Remove the inner pot and allow it to cool completely before storing. The strawberry compote will become thicker and gel further as it cools.

Storing:

  • I recommend storing the compote in an airtight glass jar in the fridge overnight before using so that the chia seeds have time to bloom. After refrigeration, the compote will have a spoonable and light syrupy consistency that’s neither too thick nor too runny. Best use in 10 days.

Freezing:

  • Strawberry compote freezes well in the freezer. Allow it to cool then divide it into smaller portions for easy defrost. Keep in the freezer for up to three months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Notes

  • For sugar-free version: You can either skip the honey (which will give the compote a more tart flavor) or use sugar-free keto sweetener such as keto honey or keto brown sugar.
  • If using frozen strawberries: You can cook the berries from frozen. Reduce the orange juice quantity (use 3 tbsp orange juice) and simmer, stir, and gently mash over medium-low to low heat for 10-12 minutes. Follow the same recipe steps.
  • Refrigerate Overnight: For the best texture, refrigerate the compote overnight to let the chia seeds fully bloom and the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbsp, Calories: 17kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.02g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g, Trans Fat: 0.001g, Sodium: 0.4mg, Potassium: 44mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 9IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 0.2mg
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Strawberry Compote
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