Name: Spiced Prune Compote Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups dried prunes; 2 cups water; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 cloves; 1 strip of orange peel (from 1/2 orange, avoid the white pith); 1 tbsp orange juice

Why You’ll Love Spiced Prune Compote Recipe Recipe

This spiced prune compote balances deep fruit sweetness with bright citrus and warming spices, creating a versatile treat that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor, ideal for holiday gatherings and cozy meals alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup California prunes, finely chopped
1 ½ cup fresh-squeezed navel orange juice
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
Zest of one orange
Optional for serving: foie gras or cheeses

Directions

In a small pan over medium‑low heat, combine the chopped prunes and sugar.
Sauté until the mixture begins to simmer.
Pour in the strained fresh orange juice to deglaze the pan.
Add the cinnamon stick and scrape in the seeds from the vanilla bean (or add vanilla extract).
Stir in the Grand Marnier.
Bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15–20 minutes, until thick like jam.
Sprinkle orange zest on top and remove from heat.
Let cool until just above room temperature before serving — too warm and it may melt accompanying items like foie gras.
If the compote becomes too dry while cooking, add a few tablespoons of hot water.
Adjust sweetness with a bit more sugar if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4–6 servings.
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~15–20 minutes
Total time: ~20–25 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover compote in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen and reheated gently before serving.

FAQs

What is prune compote?

Prune compote is fruit cooked gently with liquid and sweetener until soft and syrupy, similar to jam but typically chunkier.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Yes — bottled orange juice works fine if fresh juice isn’t available.

Can I skip the alcohol?

Grand Marnier adds depth but can be omitted or replaced with a splash of juice or water.

What spices go well in prune compote?

Cinnamon and vanilla pair beautifully, and other spices like cardamom, cloves, or nutmeg can be added for variation.

Is prune compote sweet?

It’s naturally sweet from the prunes, with additional sugar adjustable to taste.

What can I serve it with?

Serve it with foie gras, cheeses, toast, yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes — it stores well in the fridge and can be made a day or two before serving.

How thick should it be?

The compote should be thick and jam‑like when finished.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Absolutely — taste and add more sugar if needed.

Can this be served warm?

Yes — it can be served warm or slightly cooled depending on the dish.

Conclusion

Spiced prune compote is a deceptively simple yet flavorful dish that elevates everyday meals and special occasions alike. Its rich fruit base enhanced with citrus and spices makes it a versatile addition to both savory and sweet menus. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings and spice variations to make this compote your own.