6 Irresistible Apricot Recipes to Celebrate Summer’s Sweetest Fruit

Apricots are one of summer’s most underrated gems — soft, golden, and bursting with bright, tangy sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh, dried, or preserved, apricots add a pop of sunshine to both sweet and savory dishes.

Their delicate balance of tart and sweet makes them incredibly versatile, whether you’re baking a rustic tart, stirring them into a salad, or simmering a sticky glaze for chicken.

In this roundup, we’re diving into 6 standout apricot recipes that make the most of this stone fruit’s unique charm.

From classic desserts to creative mains, these dishes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend brunch.

1. Fresh Apricot Crisp

A juicy, bubbling fruit filling topped with buttery oat crumble — it doesn’t get much better than this easy dessert.

Ingredients:

• 5–6 fresh apricots, pitted and sliced
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ⅓ cup flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss sliced apricots with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Place in a greased baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Mix until crumbly.
3. Sprinkle over the apricots. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
4. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

2. Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs

This simple main dish hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, sticky, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ¾ cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, soy sauce, mustard, and garlic.
3. Place chicken in a baking dish and spoon glaze over top.
4. Bake for 30–35 minutes, basting halfway through, until chicken is cooked and the glaze is caramelized.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions or parsley and serve with rice or roasted vegetables.

3. Apricot Jam (No Pectin Needed)

Capture the taste of summer in a jar with this easy homemade apricot jam — perfect for toast, yogurt, or gifting.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
• 1½ cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Use a spoon to mash or blend the apricots if you prefer a smoother texture.
4. Test for doneness: the jam should coat the back of a spoon and wrinkle slightly when chilled on a plate.
5. Pour into sterilized jars and refrigerate or water-bath can for longer storage.

4. Dried Apricot and Goat Cheese Salad

This elegant salad combines creamy, tangy, and sweet in every bite — a great starter or light lunch.

Ingredients:

• 5 oz mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
• ½ cup dried apricots, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
• ¼ cup toasted almonds or pecans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss greens with olive oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper.
2. Top with dried apricots, goat cheese, and toasted nuts.
3. Serve immediately, optionally with grilled chicken or crusty bread.

5. Apricot Chia Pudding

A healthy, make-ahead breakfast or snack that’s naturally sweet and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• ½ cup fresh or dried apricots, chopped
• Dash of cinnamon or vanilla (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine milk, chia seeds, and sweetener in a bowl or jar.
2. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, stirring once after 30 minutes.
3. When ready to serve, top with apricots and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nuts.

6. Rustic Apricot Galette

Less fussy than a pie but just as impressive, this galette is a beautiful way to showcase fresh apricots.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of store-bought pie crust or homemade pastry
• 4–5 ripe apricots, sliced
• ¼ cup sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pie crust on parchment paper.
2. Toss apricots with sugar and flour. Pile them into the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border.
3. Fold edges over the fruit. Dot with butter and brush crust with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar.
4. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
5. Cool slightly before serving with whipped cream or ice cream.

Tips for Cooking and Baking with Apricots

• Choose ripe but firm fruit for baking — overripe apricots can get mushy.
• Fresh apricots offer a bright, tart flavor — ideal for crisps and galettes.
• Dried apricots are chewy, sweet, and great for salads, snacks, or granola.
• Jam tip: Add lemon juice to balance sweetness and help with thickening.
• Pairing ideas: Apricots go beautifully with almonds, honey, vanilla, goat cheese, thyme, and rosemary.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a sweet tooth, a savory food lover, or someone who just wants to use up a bowl of ripe fruit, these apricot recipes offer something for every craving and occasion.

From rustic desserts to elegant salads and flavorful mains, apricots bring a touch of sunshine to your kitchen.

So grab a handful (or a basket!) of apricots and let their golden glow inspire your next meal. These recipes prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special.