With only two ingredients, this simple and nutritious Strawberry Apple compote is equally suited for babies or adults. And it can be made in under 30 minutes!
When my daughter Sienna was younger, I made all of her food. After all, I was in the midst of testing baby food recipes for my cookbook Natural Baby Food so she was my taste tester!
Now that she’s older, she’s moved on from purees but she still enjoys dishes like this Strawberry Apple Compote.
It’s a simple and nutritious recipe that just involves cooking apples and strawberries together on the stovetop. Depending on how old your baby is and his ability to chew, you can either puree it until it’s completely smooth or you can mash it with a potato masher or fork for a chunkier texture.
If your baby can’t tolerate strawberries, you can also make this dish by combining apple with other fruits like apricots, cherries, plums or other berries.
The compote can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Unlike a traditional compote, this dish has no added sugar or syrup. This is because you shouldn't add any sugar when preparing food for babies less than 1 year of age.
If you’re making this dish for yourself, you can add a small amount of honey or sweetener of your choice (honey should not be given to babies less than 1 year of age because of the risk of botulism).
In today’s world, children are so used to eating processed food filled with salt, sugar, artificial colors and flavorings. When you make your own baby food, you can use fresh, wholesome, natural ingredients. By doing this, your baby will learn to appreciate and love these real flavors.
Also, I prefer to use organic fruit for this recipe because conventionally raised apples and strawberries are consistently listed on the "dirty dozen." The "dirty dozen" are the fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues.
The list is published yearly by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit environmental research organization.
Don’t have a baby? No worries, this compote has a wide range of applications.
- It makes a great topping for yogurt or ice cream.
- It’s also perfect to pour over your pancakes or waffles in the morning.
- Try layering some of the compote with Greek yogurt, granola and fresh berries for a delicious breakfast parfait.
- Make fruity hand pies with store-bought pie crust dough.
- For a grown up treat, it’s delicious added to cocktails. Stir some into a glass of Prosecco for a unique twist on a bellini.
Interested in more baby food recipes? Check out my post on How to Make Homemade Baby Food.
More Baby and Toddler Recipes
Recipe
Strawberry Apple Compote
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large apple (8 ounces), peeled and chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Place the apples and strawberries in a medium saucepan with ¼ cup water. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cover. Simmer 15-20 minutes until fruit is tender.
- Mash with a potato masher or fork or puree to desired consistency.
Cathleen says
Love when the egg yolk drips into the pasta for extra sauce. This looks delicious!
sonaliruder says
Isn't that the best! Thanks Cathleen!
Farrah says
So...I think I'm making ice cream for breakfast tomorrow just so I can put this on top. It looks so, so good, and I love how simple it is! <3 <3 <3
sonaliruder says
Sounds like a plan! Thanks Farrah!!
Jessica Levinson says
So pretty, so easy, and so flavorful. This would be great on so many things-especially at brunch (mmm...pancakes, yogurt, Bellini)!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Jessica! That sounds like the perfect brunch- I'll bring the pancakes if you make the bellinis 🙂
Marissa says
This looks wonderful! Though I don't have a baby, I'd gladly slather this on toast. 🙂
sonaliruder says
Haha, sounds like a plan 🙂
Rebecca Pytell says
Wow, this is so easy! I am all about no added sugars! I'd make a huge batch, freeze some...and devour some!
sonaliruder says
That sounds like the perfect plan! Thanks Rebecca 🙂
Ben Maclain @ havocinthekitchen says
Such a pity I didn't have such a lovely compote when I was a baby! Or I just don't remember that fact:) Anyways, you reminded me about chilled fruit (dessert) soupes which I haven't made for ages, and now I've got to make a few!
sonaliruder says
Such a pity indeed 🙂 Chilled fruit soups...yum! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Min Kwon says
Such a quick and easy recipe! Yes to all your suggestions, esp the bellini 😉
sonaliruder says
As always, we're on the same page 😉
Katie Serbinski says
What's funny is that now Joey has moved on from purees he's still trying to get his little hands on Anthony's pureed food when I'm feeding him! Love that this compote has ZERO added sugar!
sonaliruder says
Hey, who doesn't love a good puree 🙂 Thanks Katie!
Shashi Charles says
You are right, Sonali - this delicious 2-ingredient compote can be enjoyed in so many, many ways! I would love this on some plain Greek Yogurt - am thinking it would make for a way better fruity yogurt bowl than those fruit on the bottom store bought ones!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much Shashi! Putting it on vanilla Greek yogurt is exactly what we did with some it and it was great 🙂
Lauren @ Eating with a Purpose says
Yum! This looks like it would be delicious on vanilla ice cream 🙂 Do you think you could make it in the crock pot?
sonaliruder says
Thanks Lauren! Sure, you could definitely make it in a crock pot 🙂
athletic avocado says
I love making compotes! I made one yesterday that was peach-rhubarb, it was perfect in oatmeal 🙂 Love that this has no added sugar!
sonaliruder says
Thanks! Peach-rhubarb sounds amazing!