Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need raspberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, water, and vanilla extract if you’re opting to use it. Make sure to choose fresh, ripe raspberries for the best flavor.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients and coat the raspberries with the sugar and lemon juice.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring regularly. The raspberries will start to release their juices, creating a lovely syrup.
After about five minutes of cooking, you should see the liquid bubbling gently. Keep stirring to ensure that the sugar dissolves fully and the raspberries break down slightly.
Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for about ten minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the compote to thicken. You’ll notice the mixture will start to become more syrupy.
Once the desired thickness is reached, stir in the vanilla extract. This step is optional, but it adds a wonderful warmth to your Raspberry Compote.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the compote cool slightly. It will thicken a bit more as it cools. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the compote through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
Transfer your Raspberry Compote to a clean jar or container. Serve it warm over your favorite desserts, or allow it to cool completely and store it in the refrigerator for later use.
Enjoy this lovely compote over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream, and savor the deliciousness of homemade goodness!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You’ll find yourself reaching for it to top off many dishes!
