Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote: A Simple & Delicious Summer Dessert

Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote is your answer to an easy, hands-off dessert that tastes like summer in a bowl. This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prep and lets your trusty slow cooker do all the work, transforming fresh and frozen fruit into a luscious, warm compote perfect for spooning over ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt. Plus, it’s as simple as dump, set, and go!

I discovered this easy fruit compote recipe during a busy week when I needed something sweet but low-effort. Traditional stovetop compote recipes mean constant stirring, but with a crockpot? You get to relax while it works its magic. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone juggling a packed schedule but still craving homemade desserts.

Why This Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Toss everything into your slow cooker, set the timer, and let it do the work while you handle other tasks.
• Ultimate timesaver: Traditional compote needs lots of attention and stirring. This crockpot version frees up your time.
• Versatility: Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, waffles, or even swirl it into oatmeal.
• No special prep: Frozen fruits work just as beautifully as fresh, so there’s zero peeling or slicing when you’re in a pinch.
• Big batch potential: Make enough to enjoy now and freeze some for later—yes, it freezes beautifully!

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote

All you need is a trusty slow cooker and a mixing bowl—no fancy tools required! Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Slow Cooker: A 4-quart model works perfectly for this recipe. If you’re feeding a crowd, a larger 6-quart model will also do the job.
• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a small bowl for combining the cornstarch slurry that thickens the compote.
• Pro Tip: Use slow cooker liners for ultra-easy cleanup, especially if you’re not a fan of scrubbing sticky fruit residue.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote

This homemade summer fruit dessert keeps it simple with a mix of fresh and frozen ingredients:

• Pineapple Chunks: Use fresh for the best flavor or canned in 100% juice as a shortcut.
• Frozen Peaches and Cherries: Frozen fruit cuts prep time to zero—grab a bag and you’re good to go.
• Orange Juice Concentrate: Adds a zippy citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
• Dark-Brown Sugar: Brings out deep caramel-like sweetness, but you can substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
• Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this—it adds a subtle warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (hands-off)
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 medium pears, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cups frozen sliced peaches
• 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
• 1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 2 tablespoons packed dark-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

How to Make Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote

1. Combine the pineapple, pears, peaches, cherries, orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a 4-quart slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-1/2 hours or LOW for 5-1/2 hours. (Hands-off cooking means you can forget about it until it’s almost done!)
3. Uncover the slow cooker and remove about 4 tablespoons of the liquid.
4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the reserved liquid and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Stir the cornstarch mixture back into the slow cooker. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until the compote thickens.
6. Serve the compote warm over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote

• Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: This step ensures the compote reaches the perfect consistency.
• Mix up the fruit: Got extras like apples or berries? Add them in! This recipe is super flexible.
• Make it ahead: The flavors deepen as the compote sits, so it’s even better the next day.
• Freeze for later: Spoon cooled compote into freezer-safe bags and lay them flat for easy storage.
• Reheat like a pro: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole batch in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Easy Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote Variations

• Berry Blast: Swap some of the peaches or cherries for mixed berries like raspberries or blueberries for an extra tang.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist.
• Tropical Blend: Mix in mango chunks or papaya for a tropical vibe.
• Less Sugar: Omit the brown sugar entirely if your fruit is naturally sweet enough.

Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches and cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have fresh fruit on hand, just peel and pit them before adding them to the crockpot. Frozen options are great for convenience but fresh works wonderfully.

What if my compote isn’t thick enough?

No problem! Add an extra cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it in and cook for another 10 minutes.

Is this slow cooker fruit dessert freezer-friendly?

Yes! Once cooled, portion the compote into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make this healthy fruit compote for ice cream ahead of time?

Definitely. This compote keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, and the flavors actually improve over time!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm it gently in the microwave for individual servings or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it if necessary.

So, if you’re ready to simplify dessert time while still wowing your taste buds, this Crockpot Summer Fruit Compote is the recipe for you. What’s your favorite way to use compote? Let me know in the comments!