Apple and pear compote with no added sugar

A soft, melting homemade compote with no added sugar at all: the apple and pear are more than sweet enough. Perfect for children as well as a light dessert, it takes 20 minutes with next to nothing and has little in common with shop-bought compotes, which are often far too sweet.

Preparation: 10 min  |  Cooking: 15 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Very easy

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities listed. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 100 kcal · 0 g protein · 23 g carbohydrate · 0 g fat

Ingredients

• 3 apples
• 2 pears
• 1 pinch of cinnamon
• a little water

Method

1. Peel the apples and pears, remove the cores and cut the flesh into chunks.
2. Put the fruit in a saucepan with a splash of water and the cinnamon.
3. Cover and leave to stew for 12 to 15 minutes over a low heat, stirring from time to time.
4. Blend for a smooth compote, or mash with a fork for a chunkier texture.

Nutritional benefits

With no added sugar, this compote is a healthy dessert for the whole family: it contains only the natural sugar of the fruit, along with its fibre (pectin), which is good for digestion and fullness. Far better than shop-bought compotes, which are often sweetened, it helps children’s palates get used to natural sweetness. The cinnamon lifts the flavour without adding calories. Naturally vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.

Variations and substitutions

• Other fruit: add quince, banana, berries or rhubarb.
• Texture: leave some chunks for a rustic compote.
• Spices: vanilla, star anise or a little lemon zest.
• More filling: serve with rolled oats or yoghurt.

Storage and making ahead

The compote keeps for 4 to 5 days in the fridge in a jar and freezes well. Make a large batch for ready-to-eat snacks. For babies starting solids, keep it plain and follow your paediatrician’s advice.

💡 Good to know

There is no need to add sugar: choose very ripe fruit, which is plenty to sweeten the compote. It is also an excellent way to use up slightly wrinkled apples and pears.

Read more

Discover more: kids’ recipes · vegan recipes · lactose-free recipes · gluten-free recipes.

Foods in this recipe: apples · pears · cinnamon.

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