Apricots are versatile fruits that bring a sweet-tart flavor to many dishes. From luscious desserts to savory meals, these golden gems add brightness and depth to your cooking repertoire.
You can enjoy these fuzzy fruits fresh in summer salads and drinks. Dried apricots enhance winter stews and baked goods.
Whether paired with nuts, buttery pastry, or savory proteins, apricots offer a delightful contrast that elevates everyday meals.
1. Fresh Apricot Cobbler
Fresh Apricot Cobbler showcases the natural sweet-tart flavor of apricots. This classic recipe uses simple ingredients like fresh apricots, sugar, butter, and basic baking ingredients.
Use about 6 cups of halved fresh apricots. Combine the fruit with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg for warmth.
The batter comes together quickly with flour, sugar, and baking powder. Some recipes add lemon zest for brightness or almonds for texture.
When you bake the cobbler, juicy fruit bubbles underneath a golden, cake-like topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Apricot Crisp with Buttery Topping
Apricot crisp celebrates the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apricots. You’ll need about 4 cups of halved apricots as your base.
Toss the fruit with white sugar and sometimes almond extract to enhance the flavor. This mixture creates a juicy, flavorful foundation.
The buttery topping uses brown sugar, flour, oats, and melted butter. When baked, it forms golden, crispy clumps.
Sprinkle the oat mixture generously over the prepared fruit. Bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden.
3. Apricot and White Chocolate Cheesecake
Apricot and white chocolate create a perfect flavor match in this creamy dessert. The tangy apricots balance the sweet white chocolate for a cheesecake that isn’t too heavy.
Use fresh apricots when in season or soak dried apricots in warm water to soften them. Some recipes call for an apricot compote on top, while others mix apricot pieces into the filling.
The crust often uses almond flour or crushed graham crackers. Let your cream cheese reach room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
4. Apricot, Cinnamon & Olive Oil Cake
This cake combines the sweet tanginess of apricots with warm cinnamon notes and rich olive oil. The olive oil keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
Spelt flour creates a soft, tender crumb that complements the juicy apricots. Greek yogurt helps maintain moisture and adds a pleasant tanginess.
Top the cake with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence, but add it just before serving. Hints of lemon brighten the flavor profile.
Use fresh apricots when in season, or substitute dried apricots soaked in warm water during other times of the year.
5. Easy Apricot Tart
Making an apricot tart doesn’t have to be complicated. Use store-bought crust to save time.
This tart showcases the bright, summery flavor of apricots. Use fresh apricots when they’re in season, or substitute with tinned apricots (about 1kg) if fresh aren’t available.
Drizzle a mixture of lemon juice, sweetener, and vanilla over the arranged apricots before baking for extra flavor. Slivered almonds make a perfect crunchy topping.
Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes until the crust is golden and the fruit is tender.
6. Apricot Shortbread Cookies
Apricot shortbread cookies combine buttery, crumbly shortbread with sweet, tart apricots for a delicious treat. Dried apricots add a chewy texture and fruity flavor that balances the rich cookie base.
You can make these cookies with just a few simple ingredients. The dough comes together quickly, and most recipes take about 30 minutes to bake.
Add chopped pistachios or almonds for variety. These nuts complement the fruit and add a pleasant crunch.
Apricot shortbread cookies work well for holidays, special occasions, or everyday snacks.
7. Apricot and Jalapeño Jam
Apricot and jalapeño jam combines sweet fruit with spicy peppers for a perfect balance of flavors. This versatile condiment adds excitement to your cheese boards and appetizers.
You’ll need fresh apricots, jalapeño peppers, sugar, vinegar, and sometimes bell peppers for color. Combine these ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
The sweet apricots complement the heat from the jalapeños. Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer peppers.
Use this jam as a glaze for meats, a topping for crackers and cheese, or spread it on your morning toast for a kick-start to your day.
8. Almond-Apricot Food Processor Cake
This moist cake combines the sweetness of almonds with tart apricots for a perfect balance of flavors. You only need a food processor to blend the ingredients.
The cake features a crisp exterior and gooey interior, making it ideal for an after-school snack or casual dessert. It’s naturally gluten-free when made with ground almonds and no wheat flour.
Process sugar and almonds until finely ground, then add other dry ingredients. Pit and coarsely chop the apricots before incorporating them into the batter.
9. Chicken Salad with Apricots, Celery, and Blue Cheese
This refreshing summer dish combines sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors in one no-cook meal. Juicy apricots balance with crunchy celery and savory shredded chicken.
Start with a rotisserie chicken for convenience, removing the skin and shredding the meat. Add thinly sliced celery stalks (including the leaves) for a fresh crunch.
The apricots add a sweet-tart flavor that works perfectly with the mild blue cheese. Substitute goat cheese if you prefer a less intense cheese flavor.
This salad makes an excellent light lunch or dinner when you want something substantial but refreshing.
10. One-Hour Apricot and Almond Galette
This quick galette looks impressive but only takes an hour to prepare. The secret is a rich almond cream base that adds depth to the sweet-tart apricots.
Pulse almonds with sugar in a food processor until finely ground, then mix with egg and extracts. Spread this mixture on prepared dough and top with halved apricots.
The recipe works with other stone fruits too. If you use larger fruits like peaches, quarter them instead.
Add a touch of almond and vanilla extract to enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit.
11. Lamb and Butternut Squash Tagine with Apricots
This North African-inspired dish combines tender lamb with sweet butternut squash and dried apricots for a perfect balance of flavors. The meat becomes incredibly tender as it simmers with warm spices like those found in ras el hanout.
Use a traditional clay pot or an Instant Pot for convenience. Sweet apricots complement the savory lamb, while chickpeas add texture and heartiness.
The combination of spices, honey, and olives creates a complex flavor that’s both exotic and satisfying.
12. Toffee-Apricot Oat Cookies
These cookies offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures. They combine tart dried apricots with chunks of salty-sweet toffee and milk chocolate.
The recipe typically calls for softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla. Rolled oats give these cookies their signature texture.
When baked, they become lacy, delicate cookies that are both chewy and crisp. The contrast between sweet chocolate, tangy apricots, and buttery toffee creates a balanced treat.
13. Sárgabarack Lekvár (Apricot Fruit Butter)
Sárgabarack Lekvár is a Hungarian apricot fruit butter that sits between preserves and fruit butter in texture. This thick, smooth spread won’t run when used as a filling, making it perfect for baked goods.
Use this apricot butter as a filling for cookies, hamantaschen, pastries, and kolaches. The basic recipe is simple: cook dried apricots with water until soft, then purée until smooth.
The result is a concentrated apricot flavor that adds a sweet-tart dimension to your baking projects.
14. Apricot-Nectarine Julep Cocktail
This refreshing summer cocktail combines the sweet-tart flavors of apricots and nectarines with bourbon. The fruit puree enhances bourbon’s natural vanilla and nutmeg notes for a delicious twist on the classic julep.
Roast apricots and nectarines until soft and blend them smooth to create a fruit puree. Mix this puree with bourbon in a julep cup or old-fashioned glass.
Add crushed ice and garnish with fresh mint. This cocktail is perfect for hot days and backyard gatherings.
15. Apricot Ice Cream
Apricot ice cream captures the essence of summer in each spoonful. Use fresh roasted apricots or apricot preserves for year-round enjoyment.
For a simple no-churn version, mix apricot preserves with sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream. Freeze for a few hours until firm.
If you have an ice cream maker, roast fresh apricots with a bit of olive oil first to deepen their flavor. Blend with coconut milk, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Add a splash of amaretto or create an almond praline ripple for extra flavor. The natural tartness of apricots balances perfectly with the creamy sweetness.
16. Apricot Sorbet
Apricot sorbet is a refreshing frozen dessert that captures the bright flavor of fresh apricots. You don’t need cream or milk to make this treat creamy and smooth.
Combine fresh apricot wedges with water and sugar in a saucepan. Some recipes add a splash of sparkling wine or vanilla for extra flavor.
After cooking the mixture, blend it until smooth and strain to remove any fibrous bits. Freeze according to your ice cream maker’s instructions.
Serve your apricot sorbet as a float with additional sparkling wine, or pair it with complementary flavors like coconut water or jasmine.
17. Apricot and Rosemary Pan Sauce
Apricot and rosemary create a perfect flavor combination in this versatile pan sauce. The sweetness of apricot preserves balances beautifully with the earthy, pine-like notes of fresh rosemary.
You can make this sauce in minutes using the drippings from chicken, pork, or even fish. After cooking your protein, add 1/2 cup of apricot preserves, a tablespoon of white wine or water, and a sprig of fresh rosemary to your hot pan.
Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce pairs wonderfully with pork tenderloin or chicken thighs.
18. Apricot Curry Stew
Apricot curry stew combines sweet and savory flavors in one hearty dish. Dried or fresh apricots add pleasant sweetness that balances the warm curry spices.
You can make this stew with chicken, lamb, or even eggplant and lentils for a vegetarian option. The apricots soften during cooking and infuse the sauce with their fruity essence.
For extra flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of apricot jam. This enhances the apricot taste and adds richness to the curry sauce.
Serve your apricot curry stew with rice, naan bread, or couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce.
19. Apricot and Thyme Glazed Chicken
Apricot and thyme glazed chicken combines sweet and savory flavors for a delicious main dish. This recipe features chicken breasts coated with a bright glaze made from apricot preserves and fresh thyme.
To make this dish, use bone-in chicken breasts, apricot preserves, and fresh thyme. Add balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Bake the chicken until tender while the apricot glaze caramelizes on top. You can prepare this dish in about 30 minutes.
Serve this glazed chicken with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
20. Fresh Apricot Salad with Mint and Feta
This simple yet elegant salad highlights the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apricots. Halve ripe apricots, remove the pits, and cut them into quarters.
Combine the apricot pieces with fresh tomatoes in a large bowl. Add a generous handful of mint leaves, saving some for garnish.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
Arrange the salad on a serving plate. Crumble feta cheese over the top and garnish with the remaining mint leaves before serving.
This refreshing salad works perfectly as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled meats.
21. Apricot Muffins with Honey Glaze
Apricot muffins bring a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors to your breakfast table. These soft, pillowy treats feature dried apricots that add chewy texture and bright taste.
Top your freshly baked muffins with a simple honey glaze for extra sweetness. Warm some honey and brush it over the warm muffins.
For added crunch, sprinkle honey-roasted almonds or pistachios on top. Toasted sesame seeds also add nutty flavor.
These muffins stay moist thanks to buttermilk in the batter. Enjoy them for breakfast, tea time, or as a light dessert.
Tips for Baking With Apricots
Baking with apricots adds a delightful sweet-tart flavor to desserts and savory dishes. Knowing how to select, prepare, and balance apricots in your recipes will elevate your baking results.
Choosing the Best Apricots
Fresh apricots should feel slightly soft with a sweet fragrance. Look for fruits with a deep orange-gold color and avoid those with green patches or bruising.
For baking purposes, slightly underripe apricots often work better than very soft ones. They hold their shape better during cooking and won’t turn mushy.
When fresh apricots aren’t in season, dried apricots make an excellent substitute. Choose plump, moist dried apricots with good color.
Avoid overly dry or discolored dried apricots. Frozen apricots also work well in many recipes, especially for sauces, jams, and baked goods.
Prepping Fresh vs. Dried Apricots
Fresh Apricots:
- Wash thoroughly under cold water.
- Cut in half and remove the pit.
- Leave the skin on for color and texture in most baking recipes.
- Slice into wedges or dice depending on your recipe.
Dried Apricots:
- Soak in warm water for 15-30 minutes to rehydrate if needed.
- Chop into smaller pieces for even distribution in batters.
- Pat dry before adding to dry ingredients to prevent clumping.
Toss fresh apricots with a small amount of sugar to draw out juices and intensify flavors. This technique works well for tarts and cobblers.
Cooking apricots with their skin on adds pectin and helps create better texture in jams and sauces.
Balancing Flavors in Sweet and Savory Recipes
Apricots pair beautifully with almonds, honey, and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Add a teaspoon of almond extract to your apricot desserts for enhanced flavor.
When making sweet treats, balance apricots’ natural tartness with enough sweetener. Taste your batter or filling before baking and adjust accordingly.
For savory dishes, apricots complement poultry, pork, and lamb. The fruit adds a sweet contrast to salty or savory elements.
Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil work surprisingly well with apricots in both sweet and savory applications.
Consider texture when using apricots. In cakes or muffins, smaller pieces distribute better. For tarts or galettes, larger slices create an attractive presentation.
Nutritional Benefits of Apricots
Apricots pack a powerful nutritional punch in a small, sweet package. These golden fruits offer impressive health benefits while being low in calories and high in essential nutrients.
Key Vitamins and Minerals
Apricots are excellent sources of vitamin A, with just three fresh apricots providing about 40% of your daily requirement. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.
They also contain significant amounts of vitamin C, which supports your immune system and helps with collagen production for healthy skin. A serving of fresh apricots provides about 15% of your daily vitamin C needs.
Potassium is another key mineral found in apricots. This essential nutrient helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in your body.
Apricots also provide smaller amounts of vitamin E, B vitamins, and iron. Fresh apricots are low in calories (about 17 calories per fruit) while providing 0.5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per fruit.
The fiber content helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling fuller longer.
Apricots and Antioxidants
Apricots contain powerful antioxidants that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. The bright orange color comes from beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant your body converts to vitamin A.
Other important antioxidants in apricots include:
- Flavonoids
- Catechins
- Quercetin
- Vitamin E
These compounds reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your body. Eating antioxidant-rich foods like apricots may lower your risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers.
Dried apricots retain many of these antioxidants in more concentrated amounts, but also contain higher sugar content. Just a quarter cup of dried apricots provides significant antioxidant benefits.
