From Orchard to Kitchen: Freeze-Dried Cherry Compote
Earlier this year, we shared our Freeze-Dried Apple Compote recipe, a quick, cozy way to turn a pouch of Chelan Ranch freeze-dried apples into a syrupy, fruit-packed topping. This month, I wanted to see if the same magic would work with our freeze-dried cherries. Spoiler: it did, and maybe even better.
To get the 1½ cups of cherries the recipe calls for, I needed two pouches instead of one (cherries are smaller and lighter than apple slices). I was curious how the flavor would develop, especially with the optional ingredients: red wine, cinnamon, almond extract, and a bit of butter. I’ll admit, I was hesitant about adding the wine and spice at first. However, those ingredients, along with the almond and butter, proved to be the key to fully bringing the cherry flavor to life.
The result was a compote that’s rich, bright, and layered, sweet and tart with a lovely depth. It tastes like the essence of summer cherries concentrated into a spoonful. The merlot adds warmth, the almond extract adds that unmistakable cherry-pit perfume, and the touch of butter ties it all together with a silky finish.
This Freeze-Dried Cherry Compote is simple to make yet feels decadent. It’s absolutely delicious spooned over pancakes, drizzled on cheesecake, layered with yogurt, or melting over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you make it for breakfast or dessert, it’s a beautiful way to bring a taste of Chelan cherries into your kitchen any time of year. My grandson gave the Organic Emmer pancakes with cherry and blueberry compote high marks, though he couldn’t decide which he liked better. Every bite demanded a “just one more test!”
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From Orchard to Kitchen: Freeze-Dried Cherry Compote
Description
Enjoy this rich, jewel-toned cherry compote made from Chelan Ranch Organics freeze-dried cherries. It’s tart-sweet, syrupy, and perfect for topping Organic Emmer pancakes from Bluebird Grain Farms, cheesecake, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Chelan Ranch Organics freeze-dried cherries (1 pouch of Chelan Ranch Organics Cherries)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice, apple juice, or red wine (optional, enhances flavor and color)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or sugar (start with 2 and adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional – a pinch complements cherries but don’t overpower them)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional but lovely — highlights cherry flavor)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, adds richness and shine)
Instructions
1. Rehydrate the Cherries
In a small saucepan, combine freeze-dried cherries with water and juice (if using).
Let sit for about 5 minutes to soften.
2. Cook the Compote
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener), cinnamon (if using), and butter (if using).
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries plump up and the liquid thickens slightly.
3. Finish
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extract.
If the compote looks too thick, add a splash more water.
4. Serve Warm
Spoon over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, cheesecake, or even pork tenderloin for a savory contrast.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Add a splash of red wine or port for a luxurious depth.
- For a jam-like texture, mash a few cherries with the back of your spoon as it simmers.
- Make it festive: Add orange zest and a drop of balsamic vinegar to accentuate the cherry’s brightness.
- Serve it chilled as a topping for panna cotta or mixed into sparkling water for a cherry spritzer.
- Thickened sauce dissolve 1 teaspoon corn starch in the 1 cup of water before adding the freeze dried cherries .