Apricots are a versatile fruit that can add a sweet and tangy flavor to many dishes. These fuzzy orange fruits are perfect for both sweet and savory recipes.

From desserts to main courses, apricots can elevate your meals with their unique taste.

You can use fresh apricots when they’re in season or dried apricots year-round for these recipes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an impressive dinner party dish, there’s an apricot recipe for every occasion.

Try using apricots in jams, pies, salads, or even as a glaze for meats to add a burst of flavor to your cooking.

1. Apricot Upside-Down Cake

Apricot Upside-Down Cake is a tasty dessert that’s easy to make. You start by melting butter and brown sugar in a cake pan. This creates a sweet base for the fruit.

Next, you arrange apricot halves on top of the sugar mixture. The fruit becomes caramelized as it bakes, giving the cake a rich flavor.

For the batter, mix flour, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients. Pour this over the apricots and bake until golden brown.

When done, flip the cake onto a plate so the fruit is on top.

This cake is best served warm. The soft apricots and moist cake make a perfect pair. It’s a great way to use fresh apricots when they’re in season.

2. Apricot Glazed Chicken

Apricot glazed chicken is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need apricot preserves, Catalina dressing, and dry onion soup mix for the glaze.

Mix these ingredients in a bowl. Pour the glaze over your chicken pieces and spread it evenly.

Bake the chicken uncovered for about an hour at 350°F. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For extra flavor, you can add mustard, soy sauce, and thyme to the glaze. Some recipes suggest marinating the chicken for at least an hour before baking.

This sweet and savory dish pairs well with rice or vegetables. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.

3. Roasted Apricot Salad

Roasted apricot salad is a tasty summer dish you’ll love. It combines sweet roasted apricots with fresh greens for a perfect mix of flavors.

To make this salad, start by halving and pitting ripe apricots. Roast them in the oven until they’re soft and caramelized.

Mix the roasted apricots with arugula or mixed greens. Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangy touch. Sprinkle in some chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch.

For the dressing, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle it over your salad just before serving. This simple dressing enhances the apricots’ sweetness.

You can customize your roasted apricot salad with other ingredients you like. Try adding grilled chicken or prosciutto for extra protein.

4. Apricot Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Apricot jam thumbprint cookies are a tasty twist on a classic treat. You’ll love the sweet and tangy apricot flavor paired with buttery shortbread.

To make these cookies, start by creaming butter and sugar. Mix in flour to form a soft dough.

Roll the dough into small balls and press your thumb in the center to create an indentation.

Fill each indent with a dollop of apricot jam. Bake the cookies until lightly golden around the edges, about 12-15 minutes.

Let the cookies cool before enjoying. The apricot jam will be warm and gooey at first. As it cools, it sets into a fruity center that complements the crisp cookie perfectly.

5. Grilled Apricots with Honey

Grilled apricots with honey make a quick and tasty treat. Start by cutting apricots in half and removing the pits.

Brush the cut sides with oil and place them face down on a hot grill. Cook for about 5 minutes until grill marks form.

Flip the apricots and grill for a few more minutes until soft. Remove from heat and drizzle with honey.

For extra flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon or fresh thyme. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or ricotta cheese. This simple dessert highlights the natural sweetness of apricots.

6. Apricot and Almond Tart

Apricot and almond tart is a delicious dessert that combines sweet fruit with nutty flavors. To make it, you’ll need a buttery pastry crust filled with almond cream and topped with fresh apricots.

Start by preparing the pastry and chilling it in a tart pan. While it chills, make the almond cream by mixing ground almonds, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla.

Spread the almond cream in the chilled pastry shell. Arrange sliced apricots on top in a pretty pattern.

Bake the tart until the almond cream puffs up and turns golden brown.

This tart works well as a summer dessert when apricots are in season. You can serve it warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

7. Apricot Chutney

Apricot chutney is a sweet and tangy condiment that pairs wonderfully with many dishes. You can make it easily at home with fresh or preserved apricots.

To prepare apricot chutney, combine apricots with vinegar, sugar, and spices in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture for about an hour until it thickens.

Popular spices for apricot chutney include ginger, cayenne pepper, and garlic. These add depth and a hint of heat to balance the sweetness.

You can serve apricot chutney with flatbread as a snack or use it as a condiment for spicy foods. It’s also great with cheese or meats.

For the best flavor, let your homemade chutney sit for a few days before eating. Store it in airtight jars in the fridge.

8. Apricot Smoothie

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

To create an apricot smoothie, you’ll need fresh or frozen apricots, a banana, and Greek yogurt. Add some almond milk as your liquid base.

Wash and pit the apricots, then cut them into quarters. Peel and slice the banana. Put all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.

For extra flavor, try adding vanilla protein powder or a dash of cinnamon. You can also toss in some oats for more fiber and a thicker texture.

Apricot smoothies make great after-school snacks or quick breakfasts. They’ll keep you full until your next meal.

9. Apricot Sorbet

Apricot sorbet is a refreshing frozen treat perfect for hot summer days. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by simmering fresh apricots in water until they’re tender. Blend the cooked apricots with sugar syrup to create a smooth puree.

Chill the mixture in the refrigerator. Then pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the machine’s instructions.

For a firmer texture, freeze the sorbet for 2-3 hours before serving. If it gets too hard, let it thaw for 10-15 minutes to make scooping easier.

You can store leftover apricot sorbet in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy this fruity, dairy-free dessert on its own or as a side to other sweets.

10. Apricot-Glazed Pork Loin

Apricot-glazed pork loin is a tasty main dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need pork loin, apricot preserves, and some basic seasonings.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Rub the pork with salt, pepper, and thyme. Place it in a roasting pan.

Mix apricot preserves with a bit of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Brush some of this glaze over the pork before putting it in the oven.

Roast the pork for about 30-40 minutes. Brush on more glaze every 10 minutes or so. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. The sweet and tangy apricot glaze pairs perfectly with the juicy meat.

11. Apricot Scones

Apricot scones are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apricots with buttery, flaky pastry. You can make these easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by mixing flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped dried apricots.

Add milk or cream and mix until just combined. Shape the dough into a disk and cut into wedges.

Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake the scones at 400°F for about 18 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm with butter or clotted cream for a tasty breakfast or afternoon snack.

12. Apricot and Brie Crostini

Apricot and Brie Crostini is a tasty appetizer that combines sweet and savory flavors. You’ll need baguette slices, brie cheese, and apricot jam.

Start by toasting the baguette slices until they’re golden brown. Then, top each slice with a piece of brie cheese.

Place the crostini under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Once melted, take them out and add a dollop of apricot jam on top.

This appetizer is perfect for parties or as a light snack. The creamy brie pairs well with the sweet apricot jam, creating a delicious bite-sized treat.

13. Apricot Bread

Apricot bread is a tasty treat that’s easy to make at home. You can bake this sweet loaf without yeast, making it a quick bread recipe.

To make apricot bread, you’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the dry ingredients. The wet ingredients include eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla. Don’t forget the star – chopped dried apricots.

Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. Fold in the apricots and any nuts you like.

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F.

Your kitchen will smell amazing as the bread bakes. Once it’s done, let it cool before slicing. Enjoy your homemade apricot bread as a snack or breakfast treat.

14. Moroccan Lamb with Apricots

This tasty dish combines tender lamb with sweet apricots for a flavorful Moroccan-inspired meal. You’ll need lamb, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices like coriander, cumin, and cinnamon.

Brown the lamb in a tagine or Dutch oven. Then sauté onions, garlic, and ginger.

Add the spices and return the lamb to the pot with apricots.

Simmer the mixture for about 1.5 hours until the lamb is tender. The apricots will soften and infuse the dish with sweetness.

Serve your Moroccan lamb with couscous or flatbread for a delicious meal.

15. Apricot Galette

Apricot galette is a rustic, free-form tart that’s easy to make. You’ll need pie dough and fresh apricots.

Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of frangipane filling in the center, leaving a border around the edges.

Arrange sliced apricots on top of the filling in a pattern. Fold the edges of the dough over the fruit.

Bake the galette at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes. The crust should be golden brown and the fruit soft.

This dessert is perfect for summer when apricots are in season. It’s a simpler alternative to traditional pies.

Health Benefits of Apricots

Apricots pack a nutritional punch and offer several health advantages. They contain important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your wellbeing.

Nutritional Profile

Apricots are low in calories but rich in nutrients. A single apricot has about 17 calories. They provide vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Vitamin A in apricots helps maintain healthy vision and skin. One apricot gives you 13% of your daily vitamin A needs.

Apricots are a good source of vitamin C. This vitamin boosts your immune system and aids in collagen production.

The potassium in apricots supports heart health and regulates blood pressure. Fiber promotes digestive health and helps you feel full.

Antioxidant Properties

Apricots contain powerful antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. Beta-carotene gives apricots their orange color and converts to vitamin A in your body.

Flavonoids in apricots may reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease. These compounds can also improve blood sugar control.

Apricots have catechins, which may help prevent certain types of cancer. The antioxidants in apricots can slow skin aging and protect against sun damage.

Eating apricots regularly can boost your antioxidant intake. Fresh, canned, and dried apricots all offer these benefits.

Cooking and Baking Tips

Apricots are versatile fruits that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Proper selection and storage are key to getting the most out of these delicious stone fruits.

How to Choose Fresh Apricots

Pick apricots that feel heavy for their size and have a sweet aroma. Look for fruits with a deep orange color and slight give when gently squeezed. Avoid apricots with green patches or bruises.

Ripe apricots should be soft but not mushy. If they’re still firm, let them ripen at room temperature for a few days. Once ripe, store them in the fridge for up to a week.

When buying, get a mix of ripe and slightly underripe fruits. This way, you’ll have some ready to eat and others that will ripen over time.

Preserving Apricots for Later Use

Freeze apricots to enjoy them year-round.

Wash, halve, and pit the fruits. Lay them cut-side down on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags.

You can also make apricot jam or preserves.

Simmer chopped apricots with sugar and lemon juice until thick. Pour into sterilized jars and process in a water bath.

Dried apricots are another great option.

Slice fruits thinly and dry in a food dehydrator or low-temperature oven until leathery but still pliable. Store in an airtight container.