Apple Cinnamon Pear Compote For Pancake Topping

Who can resist the delightful fall flavors of apple, cinnamon, and pear? I certainly can’t! This apple cinnamon pear compote is the perfect pancake topping for a cozy weekend breakfast. This easy recipe is ideal for swapping out the usual maple syrup for something more seasonal. Fresh, crisp apples and soft, ripe pears are gently simmered in a sweet cinnamon syrup, creating a thick, mouthwatering topping that’s simply irresistible. So why wait? Start stacking those pancakes and add a generous dollop of this delicious compote!

As a parent, pancakes are a staple in our household, and over my 20+ years of making them, I’ve tried countless recipes. My family’s favorite is the fluffy buttermilk pancakes from Sugar Spun Run. The buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to make a thick pancake batter. They are simply the fluffiest pancakes imaginable when cooked on the hot griddle.

As a Canadian, some might think it’s sacrilege to forgo good ol’ maple syrup. But variety is the spice of life, right? I was staring at a sad bag of overripe apples, wondering what to do with them, when I had a lightbulb moment for this apple cinnamon pear compote. It’s a delightful blend of fruit simmered in thick sugar syrup, reminiscent of old-fashioned pie filling. The best part? You can make this compote and store it in the fridge for up to a week—talk about a great way to meal prep!

If you love apple treats in the fall, try our apple blackberry mini cinnamon dumplings. It’s the perfect way to end a fall dinner. 

Why You Will Love This Apple Pear Compote

Simple Ingredients: This recipe transforms fresh apples and ripe pears into a luscious compote, making it an excellent way to use overripe fruit. Combining these fruits in a sweet, spiced syrup creates a delicious topping that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Fast Cooking Time: This compote is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a flavorful, homemade topping ready in no time, making it an easy breakfast option.

Great Make-Ahead Meal Prep: This compote can be made and kept in the fridge for up to a week. It’s a great way to ensure you have something delicious ready for busy mornings or spontaneous brunches. Warm it up and spoon it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a tasty meal.

Let’s Get Started Making This Delicious Compote

Start by gathering all your simple ingredients; the list is short and straightforward. Begin by washing the apples and fresh pears thoroughly. Once cleaned, peel and core them, removing any seeds and stems. Cut the fruit into small, uniform dice to ensure even cooking. Add the fruit to a medium saucepan, combine the diced pears and apples with water, sugar and cinnamon then heat over medium to high heat, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes to soften the fruit slightly, but be careful not to let it become mushy.

At this point, you’ll notice that the syrup is still relatively thin. To thicken it, measure one rounded tablespoon of cornstarch into a small measuring cup and add a couple of tablespoons of water. Mix until smooth to create a slurry, then add it to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.

Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about one more minute. The syrup will begin to thicken almost immediately. Stir the fruit around in the syrup to ensure it thickens evenly. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sauce has thickened to the desired consistency.

This apple cinnamon pear compote is now ready to be served. Spoon it generously over a stack of fluffy homemade pancakes or alongside French toast for a delightful breakfast that the whole family will love. It is one of my new favorite ways to enjoy the taste of seasonal fruits in every bite!

Ingredients:

Apple: This recipe can be made with any variety of apple. However, some of the best cooking varieties are MacIntosh, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp Apples. All of these are in abundant supply in grocery stores during the fall season when apple orchards are at peak production. 

Pear: For this recipe, I used Bartlett pears, which are crisp, sweet pears. Look for slightly soft fruit that yields when gently pressed.

Water: Keeps the fruit from sticking and forms the base for the syrup.

Sugar: Sweetens the syrup.

Cinnamon: A warm fall spice that complements the fruit.

Cornstarch: Thickens the syrup, ensuring the fruit becomes extra saucy.

Substitutions And Add-Ins For This New Favorite Topping:

Apple: You can use only pears if you prefer a straight, delicious pear compote.

Pear: Similarly, all apples can be used if pears aren’t available. 

Cinnamon: Other warm spices like a pinch of nutmeg or chai spice could make a lovely variation the next time you make this. 

Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the syrup. Avoid using flour; it will take longer and soften the fruit too much.

Go the extra mile with a big dollop of whipped cream on top of the compote to create a holiday breakfast extraordinaire! Or take the apple cinnamon flavor one step further with a cinnamon pancake recipe. If you serve it, this easy recipe will surely be a hit. 

Expert Tips, Serving, And Storing Suggestions For This Fruit Sauce:

Cut Uniform Pieces: Dice apples and diced pears evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a consistent texture.

Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the compote as it cooks. Add more sugar if needed, but remember it will taste slightly sweeter once cooled.

Prevent Lumps: Make a cornstarch slurry with cold water before adding it to the hot mixture. Stir well to avoid lumps.

For a great addition to breakfast, serve this apple cinnamon pear fruit compote over fluffy pancakes to embrace the flavors of apple season. But don’t stop there—this versatile compote also pairs beautifully with savory dishes like pork chops or even as a fruit topping for vanilla ice cream. It’s a delicious way to add a seasonal touch to any meal.

Once the apple cinnamon pear compote has cooled, transfer it to a covered container and store it in the refrigerator. For more extended storage, the compote can also be frozen. Thaw the frozen fruit compote overnight in the fridge and warm it up before serving.

I’d love to hear how your apple cinnamon pear compote turned out! Please drop a comment below and let me know how you enjoyed it. Did you try it on pancakes or find a new favorite way to use it? Let’s chat in the comments.