Apricots are a tasty summer fruit that can be used in many yummy dishes. These small orange fruits have a sweet and tangy flavor that works well in both sweet and savory recipes. You can use fresh apricots when they’re in season or dried apricots year-round to add flavor to your cooking.

Apricot recipes range from simple snacks to fancy desserts and main courses. You might try adding chopped apricots to cookies or muffins for a fruity twist. Or you could use apricot jam as a glaze for roasted meats. With so many options, you’re sure to find new ways to enjoy this versatile fruit in your meals.

1. Apricot Jam

Apricot jam is a sweet spread you can easily make at home. To start, wash and pit fresh apricots, then chop them into small pieces.

Mix the chopped apricots with lemon juice and sugar in a large pot. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Keep cooking and stirring until the jam thickens, which usually takes about 25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and skim off any foam on top. Let it cool before transferring to jars.

This homemade apricot jam is perfect for spreading on toast or using in baked goods.

2. Apricot Tart

Apricot tarts are a delightful dessert that showcase the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apricots. To make one, you’ll need a buttery pastry crust and ripe apricots.

Start by preparing a simple tart dough and pressing it into a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.

For the filling, mix together almond paste, sugar, and sour cream. Spread this mixture over the crust.

Arrange halved apricots on top of the filling, cut side up. Sprinkle with a bit of sugar for extra sweetness.

Bake the tart at 375°F until the crust is golden and the apricots are tender. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

3. Apricot Glazed Chicken

Apricot glazed chicken is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. To prepare it, mix apricot preserves with other ingredients like mustard, soy sauce, and spices.

Coat your chicken pieces in this glaze before baking. You can use chicken thighs or a whole chicken, depending on your preference.

Bake the glazed chicken in the oven at 350°F for about an hour. The apricot glaze will caramelize, creating a sweet and tangy coating.

For extra flavor, add garlic, ginger, or herbs like thyme to your glaze. The result is juicy chicken with a delicious apricot-flavored crust.

This dish pairs well with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Try it for a new twist on your usual chicken dinner.

4. Apricot Almond Cake

Apricot almond cake is a delightful summer dessert that combines the sweetness of apricots with the nutty flavor of almonds. You can make this cake easily, even without special baking skills.

The cake features a soft base topped with fresh apricot slices and almonds. The batter includes almond flour or meal, which gives the cake a moist texture and nutty taste.

You can use fresh apricots when they’re in season or canned apricots for year-round baking. Some recipes add a glaze made from apricot preserves for extra sweetness and shine.

This cake stays moist for days, making it perfect for snacking. You can enjoy a slice with tea or as a light dessert after dinner.

5. Apricot Smoothie

Apricot smoothies are a tasty and healthy drink you can enjoy any time of day. They’re quick to make and packed with nutrients.

To create this refreshing beverage, you’ll need fresh or frozen apricots, a banana, and Greek yogurt. Add almond milk or oat milk as the liquid base.

Blend all ingredients until smooth. For extra flavor, try adding vanilla protein powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you prefer a thicker texture, toss in some oats or chia seeds.

This smoothie works great as a breakfast option or post-workout snack. It’s full of fiber and protein to keep you satisfied until your next meal.

6. Apricot Ice Cream

Apricot ice cream is a delightful summer treat you can make at home. It captures the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh apricots in a creamy frozen dessert.

You can use fresh apricots or apricot preserves to make this ice cream. For the freshest taste, cook apricots with sugar to create a reduction before adding it to your ice cream base.

No-churn recipes are an easy option if you don’t have an ice cream maker. Mix heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and apricot puree for a quick version.

For added texture, try folding in chopped apricots or a swirl of apricot jam just before freezing. You can also pair apricot ice cream with almond meringue nests for an elegant dessert.

7. Apricot Chutney

Apricot chutney is a tasty way to use fresh apricots. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.

To start, cut the apricots in half and remove the pits. Combine them in a pot with vinegar, sugar, and spices like ginger and cayenne pepper.

Simmer the mixture for about 30-45 minutes until it thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

You can add other flavors like roasted garlic or onions for extra depth. The chutney is ready when it has a jam-like consistency.

Serve your homemade apricot chutney warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with spicy foods or as a spread on flatbread for a quick snack.

8. Apricot Crumble

Apricot crumble is a tasty dessert that combines sweet apricots with a crunchy topping. To make it, you’ll need fresh or canned apricots, sugar, and cinnamon.

Mix the apricots with sugar and cinnamon, then place them in a baking dish. For the crumble topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter.

Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apricots. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-45 minutes until golden brown.

Serve your apricot crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect summer treat. It’s an easy dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apricots.

9. Apricot BBQ Sauce

Apricot BBQ sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment that’s perfect for grilling and dipping. You can make it at home in just 15 minutes.

The main ingredients are apricot preserves or jam, mixed with classic BBQ sauce flavors. These often include apple cider vinegar, onion, garlic, and spices.

This sauce works great on many grilled meats. Try it on chicken wings, pork ribs, or smoked ham. You can also use it as a marinade or dipping sauce for salmon and beef.

The sweet apricot flavor pairs nicely with smoky BBQ taste. It’s an unexpected combo that adds a unique twist to your grilled dishes.

10. Apricot Granola Bars

Apricot granola bars are a tasty and nutritious snack you can easily make at home. You’ll need oats, dried apricots, nuts, and a binding agent like honey or almond butter.

Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a bowl. Chop the apricots finely for even distribution throughout the bars.

Melt your chosen binding agent with some sugar or maple syrup. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.

Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking pan. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Store them in an airtight container for a quick and healthy snack on the go.

11. Apricot Scones

Apricot scones are a delightful treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. You can make them with dried or fresh apricots, depending on what’s available.

To prepare the scones, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in chopped apricots and any other add-ins like nuts or orange zest.

Add cream or milk and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Shape it into a disk and cut into wedges.

Brush the tops with milk or egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

12. Apricot Sorbet

Apricot sorbet is a refreshing summer treat that’s easy to make at home. You only need a few ingredients: ripe apricots, sugar, water, and a splash of vanilla extract.

To make it, start by cutting fresh apricots in half and removing the pits. Simmer the fruit with sugar and water until soft. Blend the mixture until smooth and add vanilla.

Pour the puree into a container and freeze for several hours, stirring occasionally. The result is a creamy, intensely flavored dessert that captures the essence of fresh apricots.

You can serve apricot sorbet on its own or with a sprig of mint for added freshness. It’s a great way to enjoy apricots beyond their short season.

13. Apricot Muffins

Apricot muffins are a tasty treat you can enjoy for breakfast or as a snack. To make them, you’ll need flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, butter, oil, buttermilk, and eggs.

The star ingredient is fresh or dried apricots. If using dried, soak them in boiling water for 5 minutes to soften.

Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. Fold in the apricots gently. For extra flavor, add some orange zest or chopped nuts.

Fill your muffin tins and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes. The result is soft, moist muffins bursting with apricot goodness.

14. Apricot Salsa

Apricot salsa is a bright and zesty twist on traditional salsa recipes. You’ll love how the sweet apricots balance out the spicy and savory elements.

To make apricot salsa, chop fresh apricots and mix them with diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Add cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

For a spicier kick, include jalapeño or habanero peppers. You can also add pineapple or green onions for more variety. Refrigerate the salsa for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Serve your apricot salsa with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for tacos and burritos. It’s a versatile condiment that pairs well with many dishes.

15. Dried Apricot Energy Bites

Dried apricot energy bites are easy, no-bake treats packed with nutrients. You’ll need dried apricots, nuts, and oats as your main ingredients.

Soak the apricots in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them. Drain and add to a food processor with the other ingredients.

Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky dough. If it’s too dry, add a little water. Roll the dough into small balls with your hands.

You can enjoy these bites right away or chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes. They make a great portable snack for busy days.

Health Benefits of Apricots

Apricots pack a nutritional punch with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These small fruits offer big health perks for your body.

Nutritional Profile

Apricots are low in calories but rich in nutrients. A single apricot has about 17 calories. They’re a good source of fiber, with 2 grams per 100 grams of fruit. This helps keep your digestion smooth.

Apricots contain carbs, mostly in the form of simple sugars. The natural sweetness comes from fructose and glucose. These fruits have almost no fat and very little protein.

Vitamins and Minerals

Apricots are loaded with vitamin A. This nutrient is key for eye health and immune function. You’ll also find vitamin C, which supports your skin and helps fight off infections.

These fruits offer potassium, important for heart health and blood pressure control. They also contain small amounts of iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Vitamin E in apricots acts as an antioxidant. It protects your cells from damage. B vitamins like thiamin and niacin help your body turn food into energy.

Antioxidant Properties

Apricots are rich in antioxidants that protect your body from harm. Beta-carotene gives them their orange color and turns into vitamin A in your body. It’s good for your eyes and skin.

Flavonoids in apricots fight inflammation. This may lower your risk of heart disease and other health issues. Catechins, another type of antioxidant, might help prevent cancer.

The antioxidants in apricots can boost your immune system. They help your body defend against illnesses and recover faster when you’re sick.

Cooking Tips for Apricot Recipes

Mastering a few key techniques will help you get the most out of apricots in your cooking. Proper selection and storage are crucial for the best flavor and texture.

Choosing Fresh Apricots

Pick apricots that are slightly soft when gently squeezed. They should have a rich orange color with a hint of red. Avoid fruits with green spots or bruises.

Smell the apricots – ripe ones have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If they smell too strong, they may be overripe.

For cooking, slightly firmer apricots work well. They hold their shape better when baked or cooked.

Smaller apricots are often sweeter and more flavorful than larger ones.

If you can’t find fresh apricots, canned or frozen ones can work in many recipes. Dried apricots are great for baking and snacking.

Storage and Preservation

Store ripe apricots in the fridge for 3-5 days. Place them in a paper bag to keep them fresh longer.

If your apricots are firm, let them ripen at room temperature for a few days.

To freeze apricots, cut them in half and remove the pits. Lay them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags.

You can also make apricot jam or preserves to enjoy year-round. Use pectin for a firmer set.

Dried apricots keep for months in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.