Apple Kompot

This Serbian-style Apple Kompot is a comforting, fruit-infused drink and dessert in one. Made by simmering apples, pears, and dried plums with cane sugar, cinnamon, and lemon wedges, this warm beverage offers a perfect balance of natural fruit sweetness and citrus brightness. Unlike the Americanized versions, this Kompot keeps the fruit whole, making it a delicious spoonable treat as well as a flavorful drink. Whether served warm on a chilly evening or enjoyed chilled the next day, this traditional recipe brings nostalgic flavors of home-cooked Balkan comfort straight to your kitchen.

Kompot is a beloved drink across Eastern Europe and the Balkans, passed down through generations as a way to preserve and enjoy seasonal fruits. In Serbia, kompot is often made during colder months, when fresh fruit is less available. It turns simple ingredients into a heartwarming and nourishing treat. Unlike modern juice-based versions, traditional Serbian kompot retains the whole fruit, allowing families to savor the soft, cooked apples and pears alongside the sweet, spiced liquid.

Historically, this stewed fruit beverage was a staple in many households before commercial juices became widely available. It provided an economical way to use ripe fruit and create a naturally sweet drink without artificial preservatives. Many grandmothers would prepare large pots of kompot to last for several days, filling their homes with its fragrant aroma. This particular version, featuring apples, pears, and a hint of cinnamon, exudes a cozy, old-world charm that makes every sip feel like a comforting hug from the past.

Try šerbet – Serbian caramel milk, rose chai latte, butterfly pea latte, oat milk matcha latte, dirty chai latte, matcha chai latte, matcha turmeric latte, or oat milk hot chocolate for other cozy and warm beverages.

Try this strawberry latte or homemade strawberry cream soda for other creamy and fruity beverages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic & Traditional: This authentic, old-world recipe brings back memories of home-cooked warmth. Many people who grew up with Eastern European and Balkan flavors will instantly recognize the comforting taste of this homemade kompot. Unlike store-bought fruit drinks, this version keeps real fruit’s wholesome, natural flavors intact.
• Two-in-One Treat: This homemade fruit stew is more than just a beverage, it’s also a light dessert. The softened apples and pears become naturally sweet and tender, making it enjoyable to eat with a spoon. The infused liquid offers a warm, soothing drink. It’s a perfect alternative to sugary processed drinks or heavy desserts.
• Warm & Cozy Comfort: The gentle heat of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples and pears, and the citrusy brightness of lemon make this the perfect drink for fall and winter. Whether you savor it on a chilly evening or serve it as a festive holiday beverage, it’s like a hug in a cup.
• Affordable & Simple: This recipe requires only a few basic pantry ingredients, making it an economical way to savor seasonal fruit. It’s also a fantastic method to use up overripe apples or pears that might otherwise be wasted, transforming them into something tasty.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve this warm for a comforting treat or chilled as a refreshing drink the next day. It pairs beautifully with desserts, pastries, or even a hearty breakfast, making it a flexible addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• Apples (Honeycrisp): Honeycrisp apples are naturally sweet with a hint of tartness, making them ideal for kompot without requiring excessive sugar. They maintain their shape well while simmering, offering a tender yet firm bite instead of becoming mushy like softer apple varieties. Additionally, apples are high in fiber and antioxidants, which can support heart health and aid in weight management, according to the Healthline article on the benefits of apples.
• Pears (Bosc): Bosc pears have a firm texture and a subtle spice-like flavor, making them perfect for cooking. Unlike softer varieties, they maintain their shape during the simmering process, ensuring the kompot features delicious, spoonable fruit pieces. Pears are high in fiber and vitamin C, promoting digestive health and boosting the immune system, according to the VeryWellHealth article on the benefits of pears.
• Prunes: For a richer, naturally sweet flavor, opt for soft, juicy prunes instead of dry, hard ones. Prunes’ high fiber content enhances the depth of the kompot and may contribute to bone health. According to the VeryWellHealth article on prune benefits, they also support digestive health.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges provide a bright, citrusy contrast to the fruit’s sweetness. They also help prevent the apples and pears from browning too quickly and balance the overall flavor, keeping the kompot from becoming too sugary.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

• Fruit Variations: Although apples and pears create a classic combination, you can try different fruits to introduce a variety of flavors. Plums, cherries, apricots, or peaches will add a new dimension to the Kompot. Dried fruits such as raisins or figs can also provide extra depth and natural sweetness.
• Sweetener Options: For a different depth of flavor, try using honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar instead of cane sugar. Honey adds floral undertones, while brown sugar brings a slight caramel richness. If you want a no-added-sugar version, rely on naturally sweet fruits like Fuji apples, Bartlett pears, or dried prunes.
• Spice Adjustments: While cinnamon is a traditional choice, whole cloves, star anise, or a small piece of ginger can elevate the flavor. These spices infuse the Kompot with extra warmth and complexity. A vanilla bean or a few drops of vanilla extract can also add a subtly sweet, aromatic touch.
• Citrus Twist: Lemon wedges provide a balanced acidity, but you can swap them for orange slices or a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice. Oranges’ natural sweetness pairs beautifully with apples and pears, giving the Kompot a slightly different citrusy note.
• Alcoholic Version: After removing the kompot from the heat, add a splash of rum, brandy, or spiced liqueur for a festive, adult-friendly twist. This gives it a mulled-wine-like quality, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights.

How to Make Apple Kompot

Step 1: Wash, peel, and core the apples and pears. Cut the apples into small chunks and slice the pears lengthwise into smaller wedges to maintain their texture while simmering.

Step 2: Add the prepared apples, pears, cane sugar, and cinnamon powder to a medium pot. Pour in 3 pints of water (about 6 cups). Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the lemon wedges and dried prunes to the pot. Allow the kompot to simmer lightly, ensuring the fruit cooks slowly and evenly. Avoid stirring too often to prevent the fruit from breaking apart.

Step 4: Once the fruit is tender, remove the pot from heat and let the kompot cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Choose the Right Apples and Pears: The type of fruit you use significantly impacts the final taste and texture. Honeycrisp apples and Bosc pears were chosen for this recipe because they hold their shape well during simmering, ensuring the fruit remains tender but intact. Unlike Granny Smith apples, which can fall apart easily, these varieties keep their structure while beautifully absorbing the spiced syrup.
• Choose High-Quality Dried Prunes: Not all dried prunes are made the same! Soft, juicy prunes will blend effortlessly into the kompot, contributing rich natural sweetness and a pleasing chewiness. If you opt for hard, overly dry prunes, they may not soften correctly and might lack the desired flavor infusion. Seek out moist, plump prunes for the best results.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer allows the fruit to cook evenly while preserving its structure. If the heat is too high and the kompot boils vigorously, the fruit may break down too quickly, and the liquid can turn cloudy. A slow, low-heat simmer ensures a beautifully clear, flavorful drink.
• Balance Sweetness and Acidity: The lemon wedges are essential for balancing the flavors. They keep the kompot from becoming too sweet and contribute a fresh, citrusy brightness. If the kompot tastes too tart, add a little more sugar to adjust it to your preference.
• Let It Rest for More Flavor: This slow-simmered fruit drink is delicious right after cooking, but the flavors deepen over time. Letting it sit for a few hours or even overnight allows the fruit to infuse the liquid more fully, making it even more aromatic and flavorful. This makes it a great make-ahead option for meal prepping or holiday gatherings.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover kompot in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. As it sits, the flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day. If you prefer a clearer liquid, you can strain out the fruit before storing it. However, if you enjoy eating the softened fruit, leave it in and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Always use a clean spoon when serving to maintain freshness.
• Freezing Option: If you want to store this fruit-infused drink for a longer period, strain the fruit and freeze only the liquid in an airtight container or ice cube trays for up to three months. This is an excellent way to preserve the flavored syrup for later, just thaw and reheat it for a warm drink or mix it into other recipes. Frozen fruit cubes can also be added to iced teas, lemonades, or cocktails for a natural fruit infusion. If you prefer to freeze the fruit along with the liquid, store it in freezer-safe containers, but keep in mind that the texture of the fruit may soften further upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Warm Serving: Enjoy apple kompot fresh off the stove or gently reheated for a cozy, comforting experience. The warm liquid is soothing, while the softened fruit offers a naturally sweet and tender bite. This is the perfect way to serve it on chilly evenings or during the winter months when you’re craving something warming and nostalgic.
• Chilled Refreshment: For a refreshing twist, chill the kompot in the refrigerator until it’s cold, then serve it as a naturally sweet, fruity drink. The chilled version enhances the flavors, making it even more aromatic. You can strain the liquid and serve it as a drink, or leave the fruit in for a spoonable, light dessert. This is a great choice for warmer days or as a cooling afternoon refreshment.
• With a Garnish: Enhance your kompot by adding a simple garnish. A cinnamon stick enriches the spiced aroma, while a fresh lemon slice brightens the citrusy flavor. When serving it chilled, a few fresh mint leaves can provide a refreshing contrast. These small touches make kompot feel extra special, whether you enjoy it solo or serve it to guests.

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