Which fruit item, when cooked, can be transformed into a dessert topping?

Fruit compote is a cooked fruit preparation that is commonly used as a dessert topping. When fruits are simmered with sugar and perhaps a splash of water or juice, they break down and release their natural flavors and juices, resulting in a sweet, syrupy mixture. This transformation enhances the flavors of the fruit and creates a beautiful, cohesive topping that can be served warm or chilled.

In contrast, a fruit smoothie is a blended beverage that incorporates fruits but is not typically used as a topping. A fruit salad consists of fresh, uncooked fruits mixed together, which does not undergo the cooking process to change its form or flavor. A fruit tart is a dessert in itself, featuring a pastry crust filled with fruit, but it is not a topping in the same sense that compote is served along with other desserts. Therefore, fruit compote stands out as the option that specifically represents a cooked fruit item designed for use as a dessert topping.