Easy Mixed Berry Compote Cake Filling Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Combine Berries and Lemon Juice: Place the frozen berry blend and lemon juice in a nonstick skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
