This apple compote is a naturally sweetened with dates . A wholesome treat, made without any refined sugar. Gently cooked apples break down into a soft, delicious mixture, enhanced with warm cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a topping, it’s a versatile and healthy addition to your meals. Enjoy it on porridge, yoghurt, or toast!
![Apple Compote With No Refined Sugar [vegan] [gluten free] by The Flexitarian](https://theflexitarian.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Apple-Compote-With-No-Refined-Sugar-vegan-gluten-free-by-The-Flexitarian-v83-683x1024.png)
Apple Compote – Vegan, Gluten-Free & No Refined Sugar
Apple compote (French for applesauce) is a classic. It pleases everyone. So versatile, it is one of the first healthy purée I gave my kids as babies and still one of my dad’s favourite snacks at almost 80.
Apple compote is quick and easy to make. Homemade, it certainly tastes better than store-bought versions which I usually find too sweet. You can use this apple compote to make my delicious apple turnovers. You can use this apple compote to replace eggs in vegan cakes.
This recipe uses dates instead of sugar. You can eat it on its own for breakfast, snack, lunchbox or dessert. It is also a perfect topping for yoghurt (with homemade muesli as on the picture above), pancakes or simply toasts.
I added some vanilla and cinnamon but feel free to tweak with your favourite spice.
Why You Will Love This Apple Compote
- Rich, concentrated apple flavour
- Customisable texture from chunky to smooth
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan
- Contains no refined sugar
- Quick to prepare, often ready in under 30 minutes
- Superior taste compared to store-bought alternatives
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Apple Compote
The beauty of apple compote lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples works best.
- Dates: I am using dates instead of sugar to sweeten.
- Lemon Juice: To prevent browning.
- Cinnamon: The classic spice for apples.
- Vanilla: To enhance the overall flavour.
- Water: To help create the right consistency.
Choosing the right apples
Sweet Apples (For a Naturally Sweeter Compote)
- Gala – Naturally sweet and softens beautifully.
- Fuji – Very sweet with a crisp texture that holds up well.
- Honeycrisp – Sweet with a slight tartness, perfect for a balanced flavour.
Tart Apples (For a More Flavourful, Less Sweet Compote)
- Granny Smith – Adds a bright tartness and holds its shape well.
- Braeburn – Sweet-tart with a rich apple flavour.
- Pink Lady – A great balance of tart and sweet, ideal for a complex flavour.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Apples
- Peel and core the apples. Cut into small chunks and place in a saucepan.
- Add the very finely chopped dates.
- Add the lemon juice and water. Cook covered under medium/ high heat until apples have puréed. Make sure you stir frequently so the compote does not stick to the bottom of the pan. It should take around 20 minutes.
Step 2: Blend the compote
- When the apple are cooked purée them into a compote completely with a fork. Leave to cool down a little.
- Add cinnamon and vanilla to taste.
Storing Apple Compote
You can store this apple compote in the fridge or freezer.
Refrigeration
- Allow the compote to cool completely before refrigerating
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Properly stored, apple compote will last for up to 5 days
Freezing
- For longer storage, freeze apple compote in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Leave some headspace to allow for expansion
- Frozen apple compote can last up to 3 months
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the desired amount in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
I hope you enjoy this apple compote recipe as much as we do. If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
![Apple Compote With No Refined Sugar [vegan] [gluten free] © The Flexitarian - Annabelle Randles](https://theflexitarian.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Apple-Compote-With-No-Refined-Sugar-vegan-gluten-free-%C2%A9-The-Flexitarian-Annabelle-Randles-v8-300x300.jpg)
Apple Compote With No Refined Sugar
Equipment
Disclaimer: the equipment list above includes affiliate links to products I use and like.
Ingredients
- 1 kg apples
- 12 pitted dates
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 250 ml water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – to taste
- 1 tsp cinnamon – to taste
Instructions
- Peel and core the apples. Cut into small chunks and place in a saucepan.1 kg apples
- Add the very finely chopped dates.12 pitted dates
- Add the lemon juice and water. Cook covered under medium/ high heat until apples have puréed. Make sure you stir frequently so the compote does not stick to the bottom of the pan. It should take around 20 minutes.juice of 1/2 lemon, 250 ml water
- When the apple are cooked purée them into a compote completely with a fork. Leave to cool down a little.
- Add cinnamon and vanilla to taste.1 tsp vanilla extract – to taste, 1 tsp cinnamon – to taste
- This apple compote can be eaten warm, at room temperature or cold. It will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for at least 7 days.
Nutrition
Find this recipe online:
Apple Compote With No Refined Sugar
https://theflexitarian.co.uk/recipe-items/apple-compote-with-no-refined-sugar-vegan-gluten-free/
I cannot wait to see your posts!
Other things you might like
This looks good.
How much tweaking would be required if I wanted to use another type of fruit (blueberries, strawberries, etc.)?
Thanks.
Using only berries will be more liquid like a coulis rather than a compote. You could thicken the coulis with 1 or 2 Tbsp of corn flour (diluted in water to avoid lumps). Otherwise you could use 1/3 berries for 2/3 apples and follow the rest of the recipe “as is”. Annabelle
I love this recipe, not refined sugar filled.. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to each Autumn and Winter – thanks!
Thank you Kelly! So glad you like it. Annabelle