Easy Mixed Berry Compote Cake Filling Recipe

Introduction

This easy mixed berry compote makes a perfect cake filling, bursting with sweet and tangy flavors straight from frozen berries. It’s quick to prepare and thickens beautifully without needing fresh fruit.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 Tablespoons Instant Clearjel or 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 100 grams (1/2 cup) Sugar
• 8 ounces (227 grams, around 2 cups) Frozen Berry Blend (unsweetened)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice (bottled is fine)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk the sugar and your choice of Instant Clearjel or Cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Combine the frozen berries and lemon juice in a nonstick skillet or saucepan.
3. Step 3: (Using Instant Clearjel) Cook the berries and lemon juice on medium heat until the berries are fully thawed and the liquid begins to simmer. Use a sturdy spatula to cut any large berries into about 1/4 inch pieces as they simmer. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the berries soften.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately add the Instant Clearjel and sugar mixture. Stir quickly until dissolved. The compote will thicken immediately and continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Step 5: (Using Cornstarch) Add the cornstarch and sugar mixture directly to the pan with frozen fruit and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then cook on medium heat. As the berries thaw and the liquid simmers, cut any large berries into 1/4 inch pieces. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and coating your spatula with soft berries.

Tips & Variations

• Be sure to use Instant Clearjel if you choose that option; regular Clearjel requires heat to thicken and behaves differently.
• You can substitute the frozen berry blend with any frozen berries you prefer, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• For a brighter flavor, fresh lemon juice can be used instead of bottled.

Storage

Store the berry compote in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use it cold as a cake or cupcake filling. Before using, give it a gentle stir—if it has thickened too much, whisk in a splash of water or juice to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh berries can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since fresh berries release less liquid and soften faster.

What if I don’t have Instant Clearjel or Cornstarch?

You can use other thickening agents like arrowroot powder in similar amounts, but the texture might vary slightly. Instant Clearjel is preferred for quick thickening without heat.

Easy Mixed Berry Compote Cake Filling Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 96 reviews

A simple and delicious mixed berry compote cake filling made with frozen berries, sugar, lemon juice, and either Instant Clearjel or cornstarch as a thickener. Perfect for adding a burst of fruity flavor and moisture to cakes and cupcakes, with a quick stovetop preparation that deepens berry flavors and creates a luscious, thick texture.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup of mixed berry compote filling 1x
• Category: Dessert Filling
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Compote Ingredients

• 2 1/2 Tablespoons Instant Clearjel or 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 100 grams (1/2 cup) Sugar
• 8 ounces (227 grams, around 2 cups) Frozen Berry Blend (unsweetened)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice (bottled recommended)

Instructions

1. Mix Thickener and Sugar: Whisk together the sugar and your choice of 2 1/2 tablespoons Instant Clearjel or 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a small bowl until combined. Set aside for later use.
2. Combine Berries and Lemon Juice: Place the frozen berry blend and lemon juice in a nonstick skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
3. Cooking with Instant Clearjel: When using Instant Clearjel, cook the berries and lemon juice on medium heat until the berries fully thaw and the liquid starts to simmer. Use a sturdy spatula to cut any large berries into approximately 1/4 inch pieces to ensure even softening. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the berries are softened to your liking.
4. Add Thickener Mixture (Instant Clearjel): Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the Instant Clearjel and sugar mixture until it dissolves and the compote thickens. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Ensure you are using Instant Clearjel for this method, as other Clearjel types require different preparation.
5. Cooking with Cornstarch: For cornstarch, add the cornstarch and sugar mixture directly to the pan with the frozen fruit and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then cook over medium heat, stirring frequently and cutting large berries into 1/4 inch pieces with a sturdy spatula as the mixture boils. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes or until the compote thickens to coat your spatula and the berries are soft.
6. Storing the Compote: Transfer the finished compote to a container and chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use cold directly as a filling for cakes or cupcakes for best results.

Notes

• Instant Clearjel thickens without additional heat, unlike regular Clearjel, which requires cooking.
• The compote is excellent when chilled and can be used straight from the refrigerator as a moist, flavorful cake or cupcake filling.
• If you prefer a thinner compote, reduce the amount of thickener slightly or shorten cooking time accordingly.
• Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and burning, especially when using cornstarch.
• You can customize this recipe by using fresh berries, but cooking times may vary.

Keywords: mixed berry compote, cake filling, frozen berries, Instant Clearjel, cornstarch, stovetop berry compote, dessert filling