Spiced Fruit Compote with Whipped Cream

This spiced fruit compote is a simple dessert made with tender fruit, warm spices, and a generous spoonful of whipped cream.

It is fragrant, comforting, and easy to serve in small glasses or dessert bowls.

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Ingredients

For the compote:

• 3 apples
• 2 pears
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole star anise
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1/2 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the whipped cream:

• 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Peel the apples and pears, remove the cores, and cut the fruit into medium-sized cubes.
2. Place the fruit in a saucepan with the sugar, water, cinnamon stick, star anise, and ground cinnamon.
3. Add the orange zest and stir gently.
4. Cook over medium heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. As the fruit softens, reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking until the liquid has reduced and the compote is thick, while still keeping visible pieces of fruit.
6. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Let the compote cool before serving.
9. To make the whipped cream, place the cold heavy whipping cream in a bowl with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
10. Beat until soft to medium peaks form.
11. Spoon the compote into dessert glasses or bowls and top with a generous amount of whipped cream.
12. If desired, finish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a little extra orange zest.

Tips and Advice

• Use firm fruit so it keeps some shape while cooking.
• Cut the apples and pears into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Do not add too much water, since the fruit will release liquid as it cooks.
• If the compote is too thin, cook it uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• You can reduce the sugar if the fruit is already very ripe.
• Avoid grating the white part of the orange peel, since it can taste bitter.
• Keep the heavy cream very cold so it whips properly.
• Do not overbeat the cream if you want a soft, smooth texture.
• The compote can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• It can also be served slightly warm with cold whipped cream on top.

The warm spices and soft fruit pair especially well with the cool whipped cream, making this an easy dessert with plenty of flavor.