Vanilla Cranberry Compote

Cranberry compote in a white ramekin with cranberries and vanilla beans beside it.

This Vanilla Cranberry Compote is a chunky, sweet sauce, featuring warm, inviting notes of pure vanilla. It's slightly tart, but a mixture of brown and white sugars helps to balance out the tanginess. Use it as a topping for toast, pancakes, waffles, or ice cream, or layer it in sandwiches for the ultimate fall treat.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Resting Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 1.5 cups

Calories 77 kcal

Equipment

1 medium pot

Ingredients

▢ ¾ cup water
▢ ½ cup brown sugar
▢ ¼ cup white granulated sugar
▢ 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (unthawed)
▢ ½ teaspoon orange zest
▢ 1 vanilla bean seeds scraped and pod (see notes)
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground spices such as cinnamon, cloves or nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugars to a boil.
¾ cup water, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup white granulated sugar
Once boiling, add the cranberries orange zest and vanilla bean seeds, and pod. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, uncovered until the cranberries start to pop, and the liquid is reduced, about 5-7 minutes.
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (unthawed), ½ teaspoon orange zest, 1 vanilla bean
When the cranberries are soft and split, remove the pot from the heat, and let stand 10 minutes. Add spices if using, After 10 minutes, remove the vanilla bean pod and discard. Use immediately or store for later use.
¼ teaspoon ground spices such as cinnamon, cloves or nutmeg (optional)

Notes

How to split a vanilla bean:

Lay the vanilla bean on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife, slice the vanilla bean down the middle, lengthwise, creating two halves.
Next, take the back side of the knife and run it down the length of each half, scraping and collecting the seeds. Add the seeds and pod to the pot.

Storage: Cranberry compote can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you like it warm, you can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove, until warmed through.

Nutrition*

*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, measurements, and substitutions.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment and a star rating below. If you snapped a photo, tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram!