Roasted Plum Compote
Looking for a delicious way to use fresh plums? This easy roasted plum compote recipe transforms ripe summer plums into a sweet-tart topping that’s perfect for Greek yogurt, oatmeal, toast, pancakes, cheesecake, and more.
There are only so many fresh plums I can eat before I start looking for new ways to use them. If you have a plum tree or picked up a bag of perfectly ripe plums at the farmers market, this roasted plum compote is one of my favorite recipes.
This bowl of creamy Greek yogurt topped with roasted plum compote and crunchy walnuts has been my favorite breakfast lately. It’s one of the easiest ways I know to use up ripe summer plums, and it feels a little more special than plain yogurt without much extra effort.
Roasting concentrates the fruit into a rich, jammy compote with a bold sweet-tart flavor. I love serving it over rich and creamy cheesecake, or thick Greek yogurt with crunchy walnuts because the creaminess balances the intensity of the roasted plums. It’s equally delicious spooned over oatmeal, pancakes, ricotta toast, or vanilla ice cream. When you add nuts, it’s a lot like a plum crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Plum Compote
- Great way to use up ripe plums
- Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup
- No pectin or canning required
- Easy to make
- Delicious warm or cold
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
What Is Plum Compote?
Plum compote is simply fruit gently cooked until soft and syrupy. While it’s traditionally simmered on the stovetop, I love roasting it in the oven.
Roasting concentrates the juices and caramelizes the fruit slightly, creating a deeper flavor with very little hands-on work.
The finished compote has a bold, sweet-tart flavor that’s more intense than fresh plums, making it perfect as a topping rather than something you’d typically eat by the bowlful.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients:
- Fresh ripe plums
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh lemon juice
- Pure vanilla extract (optional)
- Orange zest (optional, but lovely for a brighter citrus flavor)
How to Make Plum Compote
Making roasted plum compote couldn’t be easier. Simply add the sliced fresh plums to a small baking dish with honey or maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and optional vanilla and orange zest. Toss everything together right in the baking dish – no extra mixing bowl required.
As the plums roast, they’ll soften and release their juices, creating a thick, jammy compote with very little hands-on work. Once it cools slightly, it’s ready to spoon over Greek yogurt, oatmeal, olive oil cake, ricotta toast, pancakes, or your favorite dessert.
How to Serve Plum Compote
This is where this recipe really shines. Since roasted plums have such a concentrated flavor, I love pairing them with creamy foods that balance their natural sweet-tart richness.
Try serving it with:
- Thick Greek yogurt with walnuts
- Oatmeal
- Ricotta toast with honey
- Cottage cheese
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cheesecake
- Pancakes or waffles
- French toast
- Pound cake
- Chia pudding
- Olive oil cake
Storage
Store plum compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
It’s delicious cold straight from the fridge or gently warmed before serving.
Tips for the Best Plum Compote
Use ripe plums
Soft, fragrant plums create the sweetest, richest compote. This recipe is perfect for when you end up with a basket of ripe plums that are getting too ripe all at once.
Expect an intense flavor
Roasting concentrates the fruit dramatically. The finished compote has a rich, jammy sweet-tart flavor that’s wonderful paired with creamy yogurt, ricotta, or ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze plum compote?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Do I need to peel the plums?
No. The skins soften while roasting and add beautiful color to the finished compote.
Is plum compote the same as plum jam?
Not quite. Plum compote is looser and fruitier than jam and isn’t cooked with pectin or prepared for long-term canning.
Roasted Plum Compote
This easy roasted plum compote is one of the best ways to use up ripe summer plums. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, it's delicious spooned over Greek yogurt, oatmeal, ricotta toast, pancakes, cheesecake, or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and cut into roughly quarters
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the sliced plums to a baking dish. Drizzle with the honey or maple syrup and lemon juice. Add the vanilla and orange zest, if using, then gently toss everything together right in the baking dish.
- Roast for 35–45 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the plums are very soft and have released their juices but aren't so broken down that they become applesauce consistency.
- For a chunkier compote, leave the fruit as is. For a smoother, jammy texture, gently mash some of the softened plums with the back of a spoon.
- Let the compote cool before serving, or refrigerate overnight for the best flavor. The sweetness becomes more balanced as it chills, and if the compote thickens too much in the refrigerator, simply stir in a splash of fresh orange juice before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe, fragrant plums for the best flavor. This recipe is perfect for using up plums that are getting too ripe.
- The lemon juice brightens the fruit and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla and orange zest are optional but add extra warmth and citrus flavor.
- Roasting concentrates the plum flavor, creating a rich, sweet-tart compote that's best enjoyed over rich or creamy foods like pancakes, Greek yogurt, oatmeal, ricotta toast, cheesecake, or vanilla bean ice cream.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serving Tip: I love this compote cold over Greek yogurt, but it's equally delicious gently warmed. Reheat in the microwave in 15–20 second intervals or warm in a small saucepan over low heat. If it thickens after chilling, stir in a splash of fresh orange juice to loosen it.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1/4 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 56Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 1g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your favorite calculator.
