This Prune Compote recipe features plump, juicy prunes, a sweet and tangy sauce, warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and no added sugar. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast, or dessert. Try it over yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese, pancakes, or toast!
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Compote prunes are really delicious any time of year, but are practically made for the middle of winter when there is no local fresh produce anywhere. We use dried plums that have a long shelf life. And even if they are a little on the tough side, the orange juice simmer will soften them right up!
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Heart Health Benefits of Prune Compote
This dish is a good source of fiber, and potassium, as well as being high in vitamin C and vitamin K.
Prunes are well known for their ability to alleviate constipation (1), and even for their bone strengthening abilities (2). But prunes may also be able to help lower blood pressure (3), lower total cholesterol (4), and lower overall inflammation thanks to their high antioxidant content.
Did know there is a link between constipation and adverse cardiovascular events (5)? It's true. While studies are ongoing to determine the exact pathways involved, it's safe to say that we should all take steps to prevent constipation. And prunes are fabulous at doing that!
We add orange juice to add some sweetness and vitamin C to the dish. Be sure to choose 100% fruit juice, and get the extra pulp variety for extra fiber if you don't mind it!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make the compote prunes.
- Prunes
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Cinnamon stick
- Vanilla
- Cardamom
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Compote only sounds complicated! It's really simple. Let me show you how with these step by step photos!
- Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat, and cover.
- Step 2: Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low.
- Step 3: Simmer until the prunes are softened.
- Step 4: Cool completely, and garnish and serve as desired.
Hint: the sauce will thicken as it cools, so even if you're serving prune compote warm, let it cool just a bit first!
Substitutions
Compote is a preparation method, so individual ingredients can easily vary. Consider these substitutions if you're missing an ingredient.
- Dried fruit - use any dried fruit you like - cut into apricots to allow for easier softening
- Liquid - depending on your fruit, you may want to use a different juice, like apple, cherry, grape, etc. (just choose 100% fruit juice)
- Spices - try any variation of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, fennel seeds, allspice, mint, or nutmeg
If you prefer the dish a little sweeter, add up to two tablespoons of your preferred sweetener.
Equipment
To make this prune compote you'll only need some basic equipment like measuring cups and spoons, a saucepan with a lid, and probably a microplane to zest the orange.
Affiliate links in the recipe card if you need.
Storage
Cool the compote completely, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Not freezer friendly.
Pro tip
Make sure to keep the lid on the saucepan while simmering. You don't want too much of the liquid to boil off.
FAQ
None. That's right! They're the exact same thing.
Either prune juice or whole prunes can work for constipation. Despite prune juice being devoid of fiber, researchers believe the type of sugar naturally occurring in prunes - sorbitol - is responsible for this effect.
Related
Looking for other breakfast recipes? Try these:
How do you eat prune compote?
You can eat a compote all by itself, or use it just like you'd use jam. Here are some suggestions of dishes that compote is delicious on:
- Toast
- Oatmeal
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt
- Pancakes or waffles
- Ice cream
- Crepes
📖 Recipe
Prune Compote with Warming Spices
Equipment
- Saucepan with lid 1.5 quart is adequate
Ingredients
- 2 cups Prunes dried plums
- 2 cups 100% Orange Juice
- Zest of 1 Orange
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Orange slices and ground cinnamon for serving
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan, covered, over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the prunes are very soft.
- Remove from heat, and cool completely.
- Serve with sliced oranges and a sprinkling of cinnamon, as desired, over yogurt, toast, ice cream, etc.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate, and will change based on the brand and individual ingredients and amounts you use. This is provided for your convenience only.
Food safety
Safety is our top priority in the kitchen! Always keep these tips in mind.
- Wash hands before touching food, and after touching raw meat, your hair, face, pets, etc.
- Make sure all needed utensils and equipment are clean
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- Always open the lid of cooking pots away from your face to avoid scalding burns
Janet says
YUM! I have made this recipe a few times now - it is absolutely delicious. A great addition to my breakfast, or as a snack with yogurt. Could even be added to a fruit dessert. It has many options. Great recipe and really easy.
Laura Yautz says
Thanks for your review, Janet! I'm so glad you loved the compote! 🙂