Dried apricots are like sweet little golden gems, ready to add a pop of sunshine to whatever you're cooking. And the best part?
You don't have to wait for summer to enjoy them. They bring all the wholesome benefits of fresh apricots, right from your pantry. I've gathered 25 of my favorite dried apricot recipes for you to try, and they're all bursting with color and flavor.
1. Oatmeal Soda Bread with Apricots
Love raisin soda bread? Then you'll flip for this oatmeal soda bread loaded with dried apricots.
It's a smart way to enjoy something sweet while keeping added sugar low. Instead of white sugar, you'll use a touch of honey and let the dried apricots bring natural sweetness. So simple and so good.
2. Apricot Coconut Scones
I'm pretty sure a cup of tea just isn't complete without a fluffy scone, and these apricot coconut scones are next level. They're tender, coconutty, and studded with sweet chunks of dried apricot.
Slather one with a little butter while it's still warm, and don't forget the tea. Pure bliss.
3. Dried Apricot and Almond Cake
If you need a true show stopper, this dried apricot and almond cake is calling your name. It gets drenched in a dreamy orange and almond drizzle, then finished with sliced almonds, candied seeds, and bright orange zest.
The sponge is made with ground almonds and polenta, which gives it an unbelievable texture. Every slice is a little celebration.
4. Cinnamon Granola with Apricot and Almond
Mornings will feel so much brighter when you've got this cinnamon granola waiting for you. It's a mix of crunchy almonds and sweet, chewy bits of dried apricot, all tossed with warm cinnamon.
A drizzle of maple syrup ties it all together into the most perfect cereal. Just add milk or yogurt and you're set.
5. Apricot Ginger Salmon with Almond and Thyme Rice Pilaf
This apricot ginger salmon with almond and thyme rice pilaf is a healthy, delicious dinner win. The real star is that apricot marinade: it's so good you'll want to eat it straight off the spoon.
A gorgeous salmon fillet gets smothered in the sweet and salty mixture, then baked until perfectly flaky. Serve it with the nutty, herby pilaf and you've got a meal to remember.
6. Apricot Kuchen
Kuchen is just the German word for cake, and this apricot kuchen is a cozy, comforting dessert. It's quick and simple enough for a weeknight treat.
The fluffy sponge is dotted with sweet chunks of dried apricot and finished with the most amazing sugar crust on top. So good with a cup of coffee.
7. Eggplant and Lentil Apricot Curry
This comforting eggplant and lentil curry with apricots is exactly what you want on a chilly evening. As the dried apricots simmer into the sauce, they release a gentle sweetness that plays beautifully with cool coconut yogurt.
A sprinkle of fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon lift everything up, making it surprisingly refreshing. It's a cozy, flavorful hug in a bowl.
8. Perfect Oatmeal Cookies with Dried Apricots
These oatmeal cookies studded with dried apricots are honestly some of the best homemade cookies you'll ever bake. Pull them warm from the oven and try to resist.
I dare you! Hearty oats meet tangy, chewy apricot pieces in a combo that's pure magic. They're cozy and absolutely irresistible.
9. Chicken Tagine
This chicken tagine is a total flavor explosion. The chicken braises in a rich, spice infused sauce that's seriously drool worthy.
For the deepest, most balanced flavor, I recommend whipping up your own spice blend. It makes all the difference.
10. Apricot Fruitcake
Ready for the holidays? Kick off the festive season with this apricot fruit cake.
Toss in some glacé cherries and mixed dried fruit to make it extra special, the colors are pure Christmas joy. What I love most is that all the flavor comes from the fruit itself. No spices or molasses here, just the bright, natural taste of dried apricots and friends shining through.
11. Curried Chickpea Apricot Stew
Looking for a vegetarian stew to warm you up tonight? Dive into this curried chickpea apricot stew.
It's loaded with chickpeas, vegetables, and Moroccan inspired spices, with dried apricots adding a natural fruity sweetness. The warm, fragrant spices are just the thing to keep you toasty on a cold weeknight. Yum!
12. Chocolate Apricot Balls
All you need are three ingredients and a few minutes to make these chocolate apricot balls. Just soak dried apricots and almonds in water, then blitz them in a food processor.
Roll the mixture into little balls and smother them in chocolate. That's it! So simple and so delicious.
13. Apricot Coconut Crumble Bars
One bite of these crumble bars, and you'll instantly want them in your holiday cookie lineup. They're crumbly, sweet, and have that perfect tangy edge.
The apricot filling couldn't be easier: just simmer dried apricots with sugar and water until they turn into a jammy, luscious layer. Absolutely irresistible.
14. Pork Chops with Apricot Brandy Sauce
These pork chops with apricot brandy sauce hit that perfect savory sweet spot. The sauce that smothers them is wonderfully complex, the kind you'll want to spoon over everything.
A generous splash of fruity, woodsy brandy adds incredible depth and soaks right into the dried apricots. It's a dinner that feels fancy but comes together surprisingly easily.
15. Traditional Lamb Tagine with Apricots
Dried apricots bring a beautiful sweetness and tender texture to this traditional lamb tagine. If you've never encountered one, a tagine is a two part clay pot widely used in North Africa.
That clay design allows for the gentlest slow cooking, infusing every bite with deep, rich flavor. It's the kind of meal that feels like a journey.
16. Apricot Bars
Need a grab and go treat? These apricot bars are just the thing for rushed mornings or a quick after dinner sweet.
A layer of sunny apricot jam gets crowned with a buttery shortcrust topping, crunchy pecans, and golden toasted coconut. They're simple, fruity, and ridiculously good.
17. Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Nothing beats a supremely moist slice of cake, and this sour cream coffee cake is wonderfully sweet and nutty. It's an easy Bundt cake that's just right for an afternoon pick me up.
Inside, you'll find a mouthwatering ribbon of cinnamon spiced dried fruit and nuts. It's the kind of treat that makes any day feel special.
18. Dried Apricot and Blue Cheese Canapes with Walnuts
Your next get together absolutely needs these dried apricot and blue cheese canapes with walnuts. They're elegant, effortless, and packed with flavor.
These little bites are made for passing around and sharing. Fair warning though: they disappear fast, so you might want to make a double batch!
19. Almond Apricot Biscotti
A cup of coffee without a biscotti? I just can't.
Whip up a batch of these almond apricot biscotti and you'll always be ready. They're crispy, sweet, and utterly delicious, and I guarantee you won't stop at just one.
Stash them in the freezer so you can grab a couple with your morning brew. Perfect for dunking!
20. Mascarpone and Dried Apricot Tart
On the hunt for an easy summer dessert? This mascarpone and dried apricot tart is wonderfully light and creamy.
One slice will totally satisfy your sweet tooth. The filling is a luscious blend of mascarpone cheese and heavy cream, creating the silkiest, dreamiest texture. It's pure sunshine on a plate.
21. Quick and Easy Dried Apricot Jam
Running low on jam? Pull those dried apricots from the pantry and stir up this quick and easy apricot jam.
It comes together in just minutes and delivers a bold, delicious punch. This also makes a lovely homemade gift. Share that vibrant fruity flavor with everyone you love!
22. Apricot Cookies
These apricot cookies are the ultimate fruity chocolate fix. They're crunchy, chewy, and perfectly sweet.
Chewy bits of dried apricot mingle with crunchy almonds and pools of rich dark chocolate. This combo is seriously, ridiculously good.
23. White Chocolate, Coconut, and Apricot Balls
These no bake white chocolate, coconut, and apricot balls come together in just 10 minutes. It's a fantastic recipe for getting the kids into the kitchen, no hot oven to worry about.
They'll have a blast rolling up all those little balls. Sweet, coconutty, and totally irresistible.
24. Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Your house is going to smell absolutely incredible while this slow cooker apricot chicken simmers away. And the flavor?
Just as amazing. The chicken turns melt in your mouth tender after hours of gentle cooking.
Even the dried apricots plump up, soaking in the chicken broth until they're juicy and practically fall apart. This is comfort food at its easiest.
25. Healthy Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Apricots
Next time you're craving a salad, give this healthy quinoa salad with spinach and dried apricots a try. I call this a 'pantry salad' because it's all about using up what you've got on hand.
Toss together dried apricots, quinoa, pecans, and fresh spinach. It's fresh, filling, and ridiculously easy.
