Easy Apricot Recipes: Sweet, Savory and Delicious Ideas

Easy Apricot Recipes: Sweet, Savory & Delicious Ideas

Apricots bring a little sunshine to the kitchen. Their naturally sweet, slightly tangy flavor works beautifully in everything from breakfast breads and simple desserts to salads, sauces, glazes, and savory dinners.

Fresh apricots are wonderful when they are in season, but dried and canned apricots make these recipes easy to enjoy throughout the year.

Whether you have a basket of fresh apricots from the garden or a bag of dried fruit in the pantry, here are plenty of easy apricot recipes to try.

1. Easy Fresh Apricot Crisp

A warm fruit crisp is one of the easiest ways to turn fresh apricots into dessert. The fruit becomes soft and jammy while the oat topping gets golden and crunchy.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh apricots, pitted and sliced
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold butter, cut into small pieces

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place the sliced apricots in a greased 9-inch baking dish.
3. Toss with the sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, and vanilla.
4. In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Cut in the butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apricots.
7. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden.
8. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

2. Easy Apricot Jam

Homemade apricot jam captures that bright summer flavor and makes a wonderful spread for toast, biscuits, pancakes, and pastries.

Ingredients

• 4 cups finely chopped fresh apricots, about 2 pounds
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions

1. Combine the apricots, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large saucepan.
2. Let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
4. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, usually about 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate to check the consistency. If it wrinkles slightly when pushed, it is ready.
6. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.

For shelf-stable canning, follow a current tested jam recipe and approved processing instructions rather than relying on refrigerator-jam directions.

3. Apricot Glazed Chicken

Apricot preserves make an incredibly easy glaze for chicken. Add mustard and a little garlic and you get a sweet, tangy sauce that works beautifully for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the chicken in a lightly greased baking dish.
3. Whisk together the apricot preserves, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon about half of the glaze over the chicken.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
6. Brush with the remaining glaze during the final few minutes of cooking.

Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

4. Easy Apricot Chicken Skillet

This simple skillet dinner combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory apricot sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Brown the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
4. Whisk together the preserves, broth, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, and lemon juice.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet.
6. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F.
7. Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.

The sauce is especially good over rice.

5. Fresh Apricot Salsa

Fresh apricots make a gorgeous fruit salsa with just enough tang and heat to keep it interesting.

Ingredients

• 4 fresh apricots, pitted and diced
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Stir gently.
3. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Serve with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, pork, or fish.

6. Apricot Oatmeal

Turn an ordinary bowl of oatmeal into something special with chopped dried apricots, cinnamon, and nuts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups milk or water
• 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

1. Combine the oats, milk or water, apricots, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Sweeten to taste.
5. Top with chopped nuts.

A spoonful of yogurt makes this extra creamy.

7. Easy Apricot Muffins

These tender muffins are an easy way to use dried or fresh apricots for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 cup chopped dried apricots

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apricots.
7. Divide the batter among the muffin cups.
8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool for several minutes before serving.

8. Apricot Almond Bars

Apricots and almonds are a classic combination. These simple bars are buttery, fruity, and perfect with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
4. Mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
5. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the pan.
6. Spread the apricot preserves over the crust.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
8. Sprinkle with almonds.
9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly golden.
10. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

9. Simple Apricot Smoothie

Apricots make a naturally sweet smoothie with a beautiful fresh-fruit flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen apricot pieces
• 1 banana
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp honey, optional
• 1/2 cup ice, if using fresh fruit

Directions

Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth.

For an extra summery version, add a few fresh strawberries.

10. Apricot Chicken Salad

Sweet chopped apricots pair beautifully with savory chicken, crunchy celery, and toasted almonds.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Combine the chicken, apricots, celery, and almonds.
2. In another bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold the dressing into the chicken mixture.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve on lettuce, croissants, toasted bread, or crackers.

11. Easy Apricot Glazed Salmon

Apricot preserves can also make a fantastic glaze for salmon.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/3 cup apricot preserves
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Whisk together the preserves, mustard, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze over the salmon.
5. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon reaches 145°F in the thickest part.
6. Brush with another layer of glaze before serving if desired.

12. Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini

These little bites are easy enough for a casual gathering but pretty enough for a holiday appetizer spread.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, thinly sliced
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• Fresh thyme, optional
• Honey, optional

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. Toast for 7 to 9 minutes.
4. Spread each slice with goat cheese.
5. Add a small spoonful of apricot preserves.
6. Sprinkle with walnuts and fresh thyme.
7. Drizzle lightly with honey if desired.

13. Easy Apricot Chutney

Apricot chutney is a fantastic way to turn dried apricots into a sweet, tangy condiment.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally until the mixture becomes thick and jammy.
5. Cool before serving.

Serve with roasted pork, chicken, turkey, cheese, or sandwiches.

For longer storage or canning, use a current tested chutney recipe and approved processing instructions.

14. Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Apricot and pork are a particularly good match. This easy glaze adds sweetness without making the entire dish taste like dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin, about 1 to 1 1/4 lb
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Season the pork with salt and pepper.
3. Sear it in a hot oven-safe skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
4. Stir together the preserves, mustard, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
5. Brush the pork generously with the glaze.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven.
7. Roast until the pork reaches 145°F in the thickest part.
8. Rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing.

15. Easy Apricot Almond Cake

This simple cake is soft, lightly sweet, and packed with apricot flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup chopped fresh apricots
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
3. Beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extract.
5. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk.
7. Fold in the apricots.
8. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
9. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
10. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool before slicing.

16. Apricot Yogurt Parfait

For the easiest apricot recipe on the list, layer creamy yogurt with fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh or dried apricots
• 1/3 cup granola
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp chopped almonds

Directions

Layer the yogurt, apricots, granola, almonds, and honey in a glass or bowl.

For dried apricots, chop them finely and let them soften in the yogurt for a few minutes before eating.

17. Warm Apricot Brie Bites

Sweet apricot preserves and creamy Brie make a ridiculously easy appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz Brie, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the puff pastry into small squares.
3. Press the squares into a mini muffin pan.
4. Add a small piece of Brie to each cup.
5. Top with about 1 teaspoon of apricot preserves.
6. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Let cool for several minutes before serving.

18. Apricot Rice Pilaf

A handful of dried apricots can transform ordinary rice into a sweet and savory side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the broth, apricots, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer according to the rice package directions, usually about 15 to 18 minutes.
7. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff with a fork.
9. Stir in the almonds and parsley.

This is especially good alongside roasted chicken or pork.

19. Easy Apricot Energy Bites

These no-bake bites are handy for snacks, lunchboxes, or a quick afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Add the apricots to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add the remaining ingredients.
3. Process until the mixture begins to clump together.
4. Roll into small balls.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Store refrigerated in an airtight container.

20. Apricot Apple Crumble

Apricots and apples make a lovely combination in a simple baked dessert.

Ingredients

• 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
• 3 cups sliced fresh apricots
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the apples, apricots, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
3. Spread the fruit in a greased 9-inch baking dish.
4. Mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt.
5. Sprinkle the topping over the fruit.
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
7. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

21. Simple Apricot Salad

Fresh apricots can turn a basic green salad into something much more interesting.

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 4 fresh apricots, pitted and sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
• 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Simple Dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Arrange the greens, apricots, cheese, nuts, and onion in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
3. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.
4. Toss gently.

22. Easy Apricot Sauce

This simple sauce can become one of those refrigerator staples you find yourself reaching for constantly.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

Directions

Warm everything together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Use it as a glaze for chicken, pork, salmon, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.

More Easy Ways to Use Apricots

Once you start looking at apricots as an ingredient rather than simply a snack, the possibilities really open up.

Try adding chopped apricots to:

• Oatmeal
• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Granola
• Trail mix
• Homemade muffins
• Quick breads
• Fruit salads
• Green salads
• Chicken salad
• Couscous
• Rice pilaf
• Stuffing
• Cheese boards
• Yogurt bowls
• Smoothies
• Salsas
• Chutneys
• Sandwiches
• Glazes and marinades

Fresh, Dried, Frozen, or Canned Apricots?

Each type has its place in the kitchen.

Fresh apricots are best when you want bright fruit flavor and a soft, juicy texture. They are especially good in salads, crisps, cakes, salsas, and fresh desserts.

Dried apricots are concentrated and chewy. They work beautifully in oatmeal, muffins, trail mix, rice dishes, chicken salad, chutney, and snack recipes.

Frozen apricots can work well in smoothies and cooked desserts. Thaw and drain them first when excess liquid could affect the recipe.

Canned apricots are convenient for desserts, sauces, and baked dishes. Drain them well before using.

How to Choose Fresh Apricots

Look for fruit that has a fragrant aroma and gives slightly when gently pressed. Very hard apricots usually need more time to ripen.

Avoid fruit with extensive bruising, leaking juice, or signs of mold.

Keep ripe apricots refrigerated if you are not eating them right away. Letting them come closer to room temperature before eating can bring back some of their aroma and flavor.

A Little Apricot Flavor Formula

Want to invent your own apricot recipe?

Think about pairing apricots with one ingredient from each category:

Sweet: honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla

Tangy: lemon, lime, vinegar, mustard

Savory: garlic, onion, herbs, soy sauce

Creamy: goat cheese, Brie, yogurt, cream cheese

Crunchy: almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios

Warm spices: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg

That combination gives you plenty of room to create everything from breakfast bowls to dinner sauces.

Apricots are one of those wonderfully versatile fruits that can move effortlessly from breakfast to dinner and dessert.

Fresh apricots bring brightness to salads and baked desserts, while dried apricots add concentrated sweetness to savory dishes, snacks, breads, and grain recipes. Add apricot preserves to the mix and you have an easy shortcut for glazes, sauces, appetizers, and quick desserts.

So whether you have a pile of fresh summer apricots or simply a jar of apricot preserves waiting in the pantry, there is plenty you can make with them.