Apricots are small, sweet-tart fruits that can add a burst of flavor to many dishes.

These fuzzy orange fruits are versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. You can enjoy apricots fresh, dried, or canned, making them a great ingredient to use year-round.

You can find apricot recipes for every meal and occasion.

From jams and pies to salads and meat glazes, there are countless ways to incorporate apricots into your cooking.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping dessert, you’ll discover plenty of delicious options to try.

1. Apricot Baked Brie

Apricot baked brie is a delicious appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings.

You’ll need a wheel of brie cheese and apricot jam or preserves.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Spread a generous layer of apricot jam on top of the cheese.

Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is soft and gooey. The warm brie pairs wonderfully with the sweet apricot flavor.

Serve your baked brie with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for dipping. It’s best enjoyed warm right out of the oven.

This easy recipe is sure to impress your guests with its creamy texture and fruity taste. Give it a try at your next get-together!

2. Apricot-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Apricot-glazed pork tenderloin is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors.

You can make it in under an hour, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

To prepare, season pork tenderloins and sear them in a pan. Then roast in the oven for about 30 minutes.

The glaze is made by mixing apricot preserves, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and garlic.

Brush this glaze on the pork during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

The result is juicy, flavorful pork with a delicious apricot coating. Serve it sliced with extra glaze on the side for a memorable meal.

3. Apricot Chicken Tagine

Apricot chicken tagine is a tasty Moroccan dish that combines tender chicken with sweet apricots. It’s cooked in a special pot called a tagine, but you can use a regular pan too.

To make it, coat chicken pieces in a mix of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.

Add onions, garlic, and more spices to build flavor.

Dried apricots go in next, giving the dish a hint of sweetness. As it cooks, the chicken gets super soft and soaks up all the yummy flavors.

You can serve your tagine with couscous or bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a great meal for cold nights or when you want to try something new.

4. Apricot-Almond Granola

Apricot-almond granola is a tasty breakfast treat you can make at home. You’ll need oats, dried apricots, almonds, and a few other simple ingredients.

Start by mixing oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Add some salt for flavor.

Chop the dried apricots into small pieces.

Spread the mixture on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at a low temperature, around 150°C (300°F), until golden and crunchy.

Once cooled, mix in the chopped apricots. Store your homemade granola in an airtight container. Enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or as a snack on its own.

5. Apricot-Salmon Glaze

Apricot-salmon glaze is a tasty way to dress up your fish. You can make it with just a few ingredients.

Mix apricot jam, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a small pot. Heat it up until it gets thick.

Brush the glaze on your salmon before cooking.

You can bake the fish in the oven at 375°F. Put it on the top rack for about 16 minutes.

For extra flavor, add some minced garlic to your glaze. You can also try adding a bit of cayenne pepper if you like spice. The sweet and tangy glaze will make your salmon extra yummy.

6. Apricot Scones

Apricot scones are a delightful treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. These tender pastries combine the sweetness of dried apricots with a buttery, flaky texture.

To make apricot scones, you’ll need flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, butter, and milk.

Chop dried apricots and add them to the dry ingredients. Cut cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix in milk to form a soft dough.

Shape the dough into a circle and cut it into wedges. Bake the scones at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

For extra flavor, try adding orange zest or chopped pecans to the dough.

You can also drizzle the baked scones with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

7. Dried Apricot Energy Bites

Dried apricot energy bites are a tasty and nutritious snack you can make at home. They’re quick to prepare and require no baking.

To make them, soak dried apricots in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and put them in a food processor with other ingredients like nuts, coconut, and dates.

Blend until you get a sticky dough that clumps together.

Roll this mixture into small balls about 1.5 inches in size.

These bites are packed with nutrients and have no artificial sweeteners. They’re great for post-workout snacks or midday munchies at work or school.

Store your apricot energy bites in the fridge in a sealed container. They’ll stay fresh and provide a quick energy boost whenever you need it.

8. Apricot Lavender Jam

Apricot lavender jam offers a unique twist on a classic fruit spread. You can make this fragrant jam at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by chopping fresh apricots and adding them to a saucepan with sugar and lemon juice. For the lavender flavor, use dried lavender buds.

Simmer the mixture until the fruit softens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The jam will thicken as it cooks.

Once ready, pour the hot jam into clean jars. Leave a small space at the top. Seal the jars tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

This sweet and floral jam tastes great on toast, scones, or even ice cream. You can enjoy it for up to a year when stored properly.

9. Apricot Cobbler

Apricot cobbler is a delightful dessert that combines juicy apricots with a sweet, buttery topping. To make it, you’ll need fresh apricots, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Start by creating a filling with sliced apricots, sugar, and spices. Cook this mixture until it thickens slightly. Pour it into a baking dish.

Next, prepare a simple biscuit-like dough to drop on top of the fruit.

Bake the cobbler until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles.

The result is a warm, comforting dessert with a perfect balance of tart fruit and sweet crust. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

10. Apricot Basil Sorbet

Apricot basil sorbet offers a unique twist on traditional fruit desserts. This refreshing treat combines the sweetness of ripe apricots with the aromatic flavor of fresh basil.

To make it, blend fresh apricots with sugar and water. Add chopped basil leaves for a hint of herbal complexity. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker or use a no-churn method.

The result is a smooth, icy dessert with a vibrant orange hue. The basil adds a subtle, unexpected note that complements the apricot’s tang. Serve this sorbet as a palate cleanser or a light end to a summer meal.

11. Apricot Sticky Toffee Pudding

Apricot sticky toffee pudding puts a fruity twist on a classic dessert. You’ll love this moist, sweet treat that combines dried apricots with rich toffee flavor.

To make it, soak dried apricots in boiling water with baking soda. This softens them and creates a smooth puree. Mix this with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter to form the pudding batter.

Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake until set. While it’s in the oven, prepare a toffee sauce with brown sugar, cream, and butter.

When serving, drizzle the warm pudding with plenty of toffee sauce. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the perfect finishing touch.

12. Grilled Apricot Skewers

Grilled apricot skewers are a tasty summer treat. They’re easy to make and perfect for backyard barbecues.

To prepare, cut ripe apricots in half and remove the pits. Thread the fruit onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.

Brush the apricots with a mix of honey and lemon juice. This adds sweetness and prevents sticking.

Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side. The fruit should be soft with light grill marks.

Serve your grilled apricot skewers as a side dish or dessert. They pair well with vanilla ice cream or yogurt.

You can also add other fruits like peaches or plums to the skewers for variety.

13. Apricot Crumble Bars

Apricot Crumble Bars are a delightful treat you can easily make at home. These bars combine a soft cookie base with sweet apricot jam and a crumbly oat topping.

To make these bars, you’ll start by creating a buttery crust. Press this into a baking dish and bake until golden. Next, spread a layer of apricot jam over the crust.

For the topping, mix oats, flour, sugar, and butter to create a crumbly streusel. Sprinkle this over the jam layer. Bake the bars until the top turns golden brown.

Let the bars cool before cutting them into squares. These Apricot Crumble Bars make a great dessert or snack. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with ice cream for an extra treat.

14. Apricot-Glazed Carrots

Apricot-glazed carrots offer a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. You can make this dish easily with just a few ingredients.

Start by cooking carrots until tender. You can boil, steam, or roast them.

While they cook, prepare the glaze using apricot jam, butter, and a pinch of salt.

Once the carrots are ready, coat them in the warm apricot glaze. The result is a colorful side dish with a glossy finish.

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or some fresh parsley. This recipe works well with baby carrots or sliced larger carrots.

Apricot-glazed carrots pair nicely with many main courses. They’re perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners.

15. Apricot Oat Bars

Apricot oat bars are a tasty treat you can make at home. They combine the sweetness of apricot jam with the hearty texture of oats.

To make these bars, you’ll need oats, flour, butter, and apricot jam. Mix the dry ingredients, then add melted butter to form a crumbly dough.

Press half the dough into a baking pan. Spread apricot jam over it, then sprinkle the rest of the dough on top.

Bake the bars at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Let them cool before cutting into squares.

These bars make a great snack or dessert. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee.

16. Ginger Apricot Cake

Ginger apricot cake is a tasty treat that blends sweet and spicy flavors. You’ll love how the apricots and ginger complement each other in this moist cake.

To make it, mix flour, baking soda, and spices in a bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Fold in chopped apricots and grated ginger.

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for about an hour. Check if it’s done by inserting a skewer in the middle – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool before removing it from the pan. For extra flavor, you can brush the warm cake with a rum glaze. Enjoy your ginger apricot cake with tea or coffee!

Nutritional Benefits of Apricots

Apricots pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. These small fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your health in many ways.

Vitamins and Minerals

Apricots are rich in vitamin A, which is great for your eyes and skin. A single apricot gives you about 13% of your daily vitamin A needs.

They also contain vitamin C to help your immune system stay strong.

You’ll find potassium in apricots too. This mineral supports heart health and helps control blood pressure.

Apricots have small amounts of iron, calcium, and magnesium as well.

Fiber is another key nutrient in apricots. It aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.

One apricot has about 0.7 grams of fiber, which is 3% of what you need each day.

Antioxidant Properties

Apricots are full of antioxidants that protect your body from harm. Beta-carotene gives apricots their orange color and turns into vitamin A in your body.

This antioxidant may lower your risk of some cancers and eye problems.

Flavonoids are another type of antioxidant found in apricots. These compounds can help reduce inflammation in your body.

Some studies suggest they might lower your risk of heart disease.

Apricots also contain catechins, which are antioxidants that may boost brain health. These powerful compounds might help protect against age-related mental decline.

Cooking Tips for Apricot Recipes

Mastering a few key techniques will help you get the most out of your apricot dishes. From picking the best fruit to proper storage, these tips will set you up for success.

Selecting Fresh Apricots

Choose apricots that feel heavy for their size. Look for fruits with a deep orange color and a sweet aroma.

Avoid those with green patches or bruises. Ripe apricots will give slightly when gently squeezed.

Don’t shy away from smaller apricots. They often pack more flavor than larger ones.

For cooking, pick fruits that are firm but not hard. This ensures they’ll hold their shape during the cooking process.

If you can’t find fresh apricots, dried ones work well in many recipes. Soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before using to plump them up.

Storage and Preparation

Store ripe apricots in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them in a paper bag to absorb excess moisture.

For unripe fruits, leave them at room temperature until they soften.

Wash apricots just before use to prevent mold growth.

To remove the pit, cut the fruit in half along the natural seam. Twist the halves apart and pop out the pit.

For smoother textures in jams or sauces, peel the apricots. Dip them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skin will slip off easily.

When baking, toss sliced apricots with a bit of sugar. This draws out excess moisture and concentrates the flavor.