Apricots offer a unique blend of sweet and tart flavors that make them perfect for many dishes.
These small, golden fruits can be used in desserts, salads, drinks, and even savory meals. You might find them fresh during summer or dried year-round.
With these 21 best apricot recipes, you can transform this versatile fruit into everything from luscious desserts to tangy drinks.
Whether you’re looking to make a bubbly cobbler, homemade jam, or add a sweet-tart element to your salad, apricots provide the perfect balance of flavor.
Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with nuts, buttery pastry, crisp greens, and savory proteins.
1. Classic Apricot Jam
Classic apricot jam is one of the simplest and most delicious ways to preserve this summer fruit.
You only need three basic ingredients: fresh apricots, sugar, and lemon juice. No pectin is required for this easy recipe. The natural pectin in the apricots helps the jam set properly.
To make this jam, simply combine pitted and chopped apricots with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Cook until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
Spread your homemade apricot jam on bread for a sweet breakfast treat. This versatile preserve also works well as a filling for pastries or a topping for yogurt.
2. Apricot Almond Galette
A galette is a free-form pastry that’s easier to make than a traditional pie. The Apricot Almond Galette combines buttery, flaky crust with sweet apricots and rich almond flavors.
Many recipes include an almond cream or frangipane layer under the apricots, adding a luxurious taste that makes it seem like you spent all day baking. The truth is, you can make this impressive dessert in about an hour.
For the best results, use ripe, seasonal apricots. You can also try variations with strawberries or mangoes mixed with the apricots for different flavor combinations.
The rustic folded edges give this dessert a charming, homemade look that’s always impressive when served.
3. Fresh Apricot Cobbler
Fresh Apricot Cobbler combines juicy apricots with a sweet, buttery topping. This dessert showcases the fruit’s natural sweetness balanced with warming spices.
To make this cobbler, you’ll need about 6 cups of halved fresh apricots, sugar, water, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Some recipes also add cornstarch to thicken the fruit mixture.
The topping typically includes butter, sugar, flour, and baking powder. For extra flavor, try adding almond elements or a hint of lemon zest to complement the apricots.
This cobbler works well served warm with vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for using an abundance of fresh apricots during their peak season.
4. Grilled Apricots with Honey
Grilled apricots with honey make a simple yet elegant dessert that highlights summer fruit at its best. The heat caramelizes the apricots’ natural sugars, creating a sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with honey.
To prepare this dish, halve and pit fresh apricots, then brush them with a little melted butter or olive oil. Grill the fruit cut-side down for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear.
Serve your grilled apricots warm with a drizzle of honey. You can elevate this dish by adding honey whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chopped walnuts on top.
This versatile recipe works as a light dessert, a side for grilled meats, or even as an appetizer when paired with brie and prosciutto.
5. Apricot Chicken Salad
Apricot chicken salad offers a sweet twist on a classic dish. You can make it with either fresh or dried apricots, depending on the season.
To prepare this refreshing salad, combine diced chicken breast with chopped apricots and onions. Mix yogurt, mayonnaise, and mustard for a creamy dressing.
For a mayo-free version, try a rosemary dijon dressing instead. It’s lighter but still flavorful.
Add extras like grapes, mandarin oranges, or cashews for more texture. Blue cheese or mild goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet apricots.
Serve your chicken salad on lettuce leaves or in cups for an elegant presentation.
6. Apricot and Cinnamon Cake
Apricot and cinnamon cake combines sweet, tangy apricots with warm cinnamon flavors. This delightful dessert features a moist, soft crumb and bursts of apricot in every bite.
You can make this cake with fresh seasonal apricots for the best flavor. The recipe typically includes a buttery base that provides the perfect foundation for the fruit.
Some versions add a cinnamon crumble topping that creates a wonderful contrast to the cake’s texture. Bill Granger’s recipe from his “Every Day” cookbook offers a quick, homely version that’s perfect for casual baking.
This cake works well as both a coffee cake and dessert. The combination of apricots and cinnamon creates a comforting treat that’s sure to please.
7. Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This dish combines juicy pork tenderloin with a sweet and tangy apricot glaze. You can easily make it by searing the tenderloin and then finishing it in the oven.
The glaze typically features apricot preserves or jam as the star ingredient. Many recipes add flavor with honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and balsamic vinegar.
Begin by seasoning your pork with salt, pepper, and thyme. For extra flavor, you can use a chili rub and let it marinate for 2-24 hours before cooking.
The final dish offers a perfect balance of savory meat with fruity sweetness. It makes an impressive yet simple main course for any dinner.
8. Apricot Shortbread Cookies
Apricot shortbread cookies combine buttery, crumbly texture with sweet, tart apricot flavors. These treats make excellent additions to your holiday cookie platter or as a special snack any time of year.
You can enhance your shortbread cookies by adding chopped dried apricots directly into the dough. Some recipes also include complementary ingredients like pistachios or almonds for extra flavor and texture.
For a variation, try making apricot shortbread bars with a fruit preserve filling. These bars feature a buttery shortbread base topped with apricot preserves and a crumbly topping.
The simple, buttery nature of shortbread makes it the perfect canvas for the bright, tangy flavor of apricots.
9. Apricot Coconut Fruit Bars
Apricot coconut bars combine sweet, chewy dried apricots with tropical coconut for a delicious treat. These energy-packed bars make a perfect on-the-go snack.
You can make these bars easily at home using simple ingredients. Most recipes call for dried apricots, shredded coconut, nuts, and a binding agent like agave syrup.
To prepare them, you’ll typically blend the ingredients in a food processor until they form a sticky mixture. Then press the mixture into a pan and refrigerate until firm.
For gluten-free options, look for recipes using oats, seeds, and nuts instead of flour. These nutritious bars provide a satisfying alternative to store-bought snacks.
10. Moroccan Apricot Tagine
Moroccan tagine combines sweet and savory flavors in a hearty stew that’s perfect for any season. The dish gets its name from the cone-shaped cooking vessel it’s traditionally prepared in.
You can make tagine with chickpeas for a vegan option or add chicken or lamb if you prefer meat. The star ingredient is dried apricots, which become jammy and sweet during cooking.
Warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and saffron create the distinctive Moroccan flavor profile. For a complete dish, top your tagine with crunchy toasted almonds before serving.
This one-pot meal is family-friendly and deeply satisfying. Serve it over couscous or with bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
11. Apricot Oatmeal Muffins
Apricot oatmeal muffins combine wholesome oats with sweet dried apricots for a nutritious breakfast treat. These muffins are simple to make and perfect for busy mornings.
The basic recipe includes flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar for the dry ingredients. Many recipes use both white and whole wheat flour for a good balance of texture.
You can customize these muffins by using fresh or dried apricots. Fresh apricots add juicy bursts of flavor, while dried ones provide concentrated sweetness.
Bake these at 350°F until golden brown. Standard-sized muffins usually need about 20 minutes, while larger ones may require a bit longer.
12. Apricot Nectarine Julep
The Apricot Nectarine Julep is a refreshing twist on the classic bourbon cocktail. This summer drink combines bourbon’s warm vanilla notes with sweet, roasted stone fruits.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need bourbon, fresh mint, and a puree of roasted apricots and nectarines. The fruit puree brings out the whiskey’s nutmeg undertones.
This cocktail comes together quickly and makes for an impressive drink to serve at summer gatherings. You can use either fresh or tinned apricots if fresh aren’t in season.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative.
13. Apricot Glazed Duck
Apricot glazed duck creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. You can make the glaze by combining apricot jelly, maple syrup, orange juice, honey, and soy sauce in a small saucepan.
Season your duck with salt and pepper before roasting. The rich fat of the duck pairs wonderfully with the sweet tanginess of the apricot glaze.
For a southwestern twist, try adding chipotle to your apricot glaze. The smoky heat complements the sweet apricot flavor nicely.
Dried apricots steeped in orange juice can also make a delicious sauce for duck breast. This combination brings out the natural sweetness of the meat.
14. Apricot Mustard Sauce
Apricot mustard sauce is a versatile condiment that combines sweet and tangy flavors. You can make it in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
The base typically includes apricot preserves or jam, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings. Some recipes add honey or orange juice for extra sweetness and depth.
This sauce works wonderfully with a variety of foods. You can use it as a dipping sauce for fries or roasted potatoes. It also pairs excellently with chicken, pork, or meat alternatives.
For a spicier version, add red chili flakes to the mixture. The contrast between sweet apricots and zesty mustard creates a balanced flavor profile that enhances many dishes.
15. Spicy Apricot Salsa
Apricot salsa brings a sweet-spicy twist to your table with minimal effort. This vibrant condiment pairs diced fresh apricots with spicy elements like jalapeños or habaneros for a balanced heat.
Mix your apricots with red onion, bell peppers, and fresh cilantro for color and flavor depth. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a dash of cumin to enhance the taste profile.
For extra dimension, some recipes include pineapple or cherry tomatoes. Others suggest roasting the peppers first for a smoky flavor.
Serve your apricot salsa with grilled meats, fish tacos, or simply with tortilla chips. Its bright flavors make it perfect for summer gatherings.
16. White Chocolate Apricot Cheesecake
This no-bake dessert combines smooth white chocolate with sweet apricots for a refreshing treat. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with a crisp cookie or coconut biscuit base.
You can make this cheesecake with fresh apricots when they’re in season. During other times of year, dried apricot compote works wonderfully as a topping.
The recipe requires few ingredients and is simple to prepare. You’ll appreciate how the tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the fruit and white chocolate.
This cheesecake is ideal for summer gatherings when you want an impressive dessert without turning on the oven.
17. Apricot-Pecan Scones
Apricot-Pecan Scones offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness in every bite. These tender treats feature a flaky exterior with a soft, buttery interior.
To make these delectable scones, you’ll need dried apricots, toasted pecans, flour, sugar, and basic baking ingredients. The dough comes together quickly in a food processor or large bowl.
For the best texture, avoid overworking the dough. Many recipes suggest baking at 400-425°F until golden brown. Some versions include a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
Serve these scones warm with apricot honey butter for an extra special touch that elevates breakfast or teatime.
18. Apricot Stuffed French Toast
Apricot Stuffed French Toast takes regular French toast to a whole new level with its sweet, fruity filling. To make this delicious breakfast treat, you’ll need to create a pocket in each slice of bread using a paring knife.
Mix apricot jam with softened cream cheese for the filling. Some recipes add a touch of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Spread this mixture inside each bread pocket.
Dip the stuffed bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, then cook on a hot griddle until golden brown on both sides. For a more fruity version, you can add chopped fresh apricots to the filling.
Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or orange syrup for a breakfast that feels special enough for guests.
19. Roasted Apricot Ice Cream
Roasted Apricot Ice Cream combines sweet, caramelized apricots with creamy frozen custard. The roasting process intensifies the apricots’ flavor and reduces their liquid content.
You can sweeten this dessert with honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup depending on your taste preference. Some recipes add complementary flavors like cinnamon, cardamom, or amaretto for depth.
For a richer version, try adding a ripple of almond praline. You might also consider pairing it with shortbread for contrasting texture.
This ice cream works well as a standalone dessert or alongside other apricot treats. The roasted fruit provides a more complex flavor than using raw apricots.
20. Spinach and Apricot Quinoa Salad
This healthy quinoa salad combines fresh spinach and sweet dried apricots for a perfect balance of flavors. The dish is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt it based on what’s in your pantry.
To prepare this nutritious meal, cook quinoa and let it cool. Then toss it with fresh spinach, chopped dried apricots, and red onion in a large serving bowl.
Add a simple lemon dressing for brightness. Some recipes include extras like feta cheese, pine nuts, or pecans for added texture and protein.
This salad works great as a light lunch or dinner option. You can make it ahead of time for quick weekday meals.
21. Apricot Glazed Carrots
Apricot glazed carrots combine sweetness and nutrition in one simple side dish. You need just a few ingredients: carrots, butter, apricot preserves, and some basic seasonings.
Start by peeling and slicing about 2 pounds of carrots diagonally. Cook them until just tender, about 15-20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with apricot preserves. Some recipes add lemon juice for tang and spices like nutmeg or mace for depth.
Pour this glaze over your drained carrots and toss until well coated. The preserves create a shiny, sweet coating that complements the natural flavor of the carrots.
This colorful side pairs well with poultry or pork dishes.
The Health Benefits of Apricots
Apricots offer impressive nutritional benefits while adding sweet-tart flavor to your diet. These golden fruits pack a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that support overall health.
Nutritional Overview
Apricots are naturally low in calories while being nutrient-dense. A serving of three fresh apricots contains just 50-60 calories but provides substantial fiber to support digestive health and help you feel full.
These fruits are particularly rich in vitamin A, providing about 20% of your daily needs in just a few fruits. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision and immune function.
Apricots also contain significant amounts of vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron and supports skin health. They provide potassium for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
The fiber in apricots (about 2-3 grams per serving) helps keep your gut healthy and may assist with managing blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant Properties
Apricots contain powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. These include beta-carotene, which gives apricots their characteristic orange color, and vitamins A, E, and C.
These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in your body, potentially reducing inflammation and lowering your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.
The beta-carotene in apricots specifically supports eye health and may help protect your vision as you age. Research suggests it may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Apricots also contain flavonoids and other plant compounds that have protective effects throughout your body. Regular consumption may benefit skin health, giving you a natural glow from within.
Choosing and Storing Apricots
Getting the most flavor from apricots depends on selecting perfect fruit and storing it properly. The right techniques help extend freshness and ensure you enjoy these delicious stone fruits at their peak.
Selecting Ripe Apricots
Look for apricots with a deep golden-orange color. Avoid pale yellow fruits as they were likely picked too early and won’t develop full flavor. Ripe apricots should yield slightly to gentle pressure but shouldn’t be mushy.
The most flavorful apricots will have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If they don’t smell like anything, they probably won’t taste like much either.
Small brown spots on apricots aren’t necessarily bad—they often indicate higher sugar content. However, avoid fruits with large bruises, mold, or wrinkled skin.
When shopping at farmers’ markets or grocery stores, try to select apricots that feel heavy for their size, which indicates juiciness.
Proper Storage Techniques
Slightly underripe apricots can ripen at room temperature.
Place them in a single layer in a paper bag to speed up ripening. Check daily as they can ripen quickly.
Once apricots reach peak ripeness, refrigerate them to extend their life.
Store in the crisper drawer, preferably in a single layer to prevent bruising.
Properly stored ripe apricots will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat or use them in recipes.
For longer storage, consider freezing or drying.
To freeze, slice apricots and toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning, then place in freezer bags. Frozen apricots work wonderfully in smoothies and baked goods.
