Discover the best apricot recipes—from warm crisps and baked brie to savory glazed chicken and fresh arugula salads.
If there’s one fruit that doesn’t get enough spotlight in American kitchens, it’s the humble apricot. As someone who’s been baking, preserving, grilling, and snacking her way through stone fruit season for over three decades, I can confidently say: the best apricot recipes strike that perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and totally unforgettable. Whether you’ve got a bowl of fresh apricots ripening on your counter or a bag of dried ones in the pantry, these recipes are designed to make this golden-orange beauty the star of the show. Each one is packed with detailed, step-by-step guidance so you can confidently recreate them right in your own kitchen.
Best Apricot Recipes
1. Fresh Apricot Crisp with Almond Oat Topping
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 6–8 ripe apricots, pitted and sliced (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or flour)
For the topping:
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or equivalent.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apricots with honey, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch until coated evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until crumbly.
- Stir in sliced almonds and sprinkle topping evenly over the apricots.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Why it works: The tart apricots soften into jammy perfection under a golden, nutty topping. Easy to make, impossible to forget.
2. Baked Brie with Apricot Jam and Pistachios
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese
- ¼ cup apricot jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (or walnuts)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface.
- Place the Brie in the center of the pastry. Spoon the apricot jam on top and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
- Fold the pastry over the Brie, trimming any excess and tucking in the edges to seal. Flip it over so the smooth side is up.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with herbs if desired.
Why it works: This appetizer looks fancy, tastes luxurious, and takes under 30 minutes. The combo of creamy cheese, sweet apricot, and buttery pastry is pure heaven.
3. Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs (Sticky & Savory)
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the glaze:
- ½ cup apricot preserves or jam
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the chicken and brush to coat evenly.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with glaze halfway through.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why it works: Sweet and tangy meets savory and crispy. It’s easy, elegant, and pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or a crisp salad.
4. Apricot Almond Breakfast Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¾ cup diced fresh apricots (or rehydrated dried apricots)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add almond extract and yogurt.
- Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in apricot chunks.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Why it works: This bread is tender, moist, and perfect for brunch, snack time, or toasting the next morning with a little butter.
5. Arugula Salad with Fresh Apricots & Goat Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 cups arugula or spring greens
- 3 fresh apricots, sliced thin
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, gently toss arugula with apricot slices, red onion, goat cheese, and nuts.
- Drizzle with dressing right before serving and toss lightly.
Optional: Add grilled chicken or salmon to make it a meal.
Why it works: The peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and juicy apricots create a salad that’s fresh, bright, and far from boring.
Whether you’re baking up a warm crisp, whipping together a quick appetizer, or grilling something sticky and satisfying, these truly are the best apricot recipes to bring sunshine to your kitchen. Apricots may be small, but their flavor is bold—and with the right Apricot Recipes, they shine in everything from savory glazes to sweet breakfast loaves. So next time you spot these golden gems at the store or farmers’ market, you’ll know exactly what to do.
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