Simmered Apple and Pear Compote with Cinnamon
A naturally sweet fruit compote made without added sugars for balanced energy. This northern european-inspired whole30 (sugar-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium (diced 1/2-inch) apples, medium (diced 1/2-inch) pears, cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 95 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (diced 1/2-inch) apples
- 2 medium (diced 1/2-inch) pears
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 2 diced apples, 2 diced pears, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan.
- Step 2: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fruit softens in 12-15 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, and let cool for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Serve warm or chilled, spooning over protein or greens as a side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Apple and Pear Compote with Cinnamon take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Simmered Apple and Pear Compote with Cinnamon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium (diced 1/2-inch) pears from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Apple and Pear Compote with Cinnamon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Simmered Apple and Pear Compote with Cinnamon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Simmered Apple and Pear Compote with Cinnamon sugar-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged sugar-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
