I am absolutely smitten with dried apricots right now. They bring that perfect sweet-tart chewiness to everything from cozy curries to buttery cookies. I’ve pulled together 25 incredible ways to use them, and trust me, you’ll want to make every single one.
1. Dried Apricot and Blue Cheese Canapes with Walnuts
If you’re hosting, you really need these little canapes on the table. They’re fancy with zero effort, just a juicy dried apricot, a nugget of bold blue cheese, and a crunchy walnut half.
They disappear fast, so make plenty. Consider yourself warned.
2. Apricot Bars
When I need a grab and go snack that feels like a treat, these apricot bars are my answer. They pull double duty as a quick breakfast or a last-minute dessert.
A sticky layer of apricot jam gets blanketed with a buttery shortcrust topping, then scattered with pecans and toasted coconut. It’s sweet, nutty, and totally irresistible.
3. Apricot Cookies
These cookies are the ultimate fruity chocolate fix. Chewy dried apricots, crunchy almonds, and pools of rich dark chocolate all come together in one irresistible bite.
Crunchy edges, soft centers, and a combo that just works. Consider me obsessed.
4. Oatmeal Soda Bread with Apricots
Love raisin soda bread? This version with dried apricots is about to be your new favorite.
It’s a little kinder on the sugar front, getting its gentle sweetness from a touch of honey and those chewy fruit nuggets. Slice it thick, toast it, and thank me later.
5. Chocolate Apricot Balls
Three ingredients and a few minutes. That’s all it takes.
Soak the dried apricots and almonds, blitz them into a paste, then roll them into little balls. A dip in melted chocolate, and you’ve got the easiest, most decadent little bites.
6. Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Let your slow cooker do the work and your whole house will smell incredible. The chicken turns out melt in your mouth tender, but the real stars are the dried apricots.
They plump up in the broth until they’re juicy and practically falling apart. Scoop it over rice and dinner is done.
7. Almond Apricot Biscotti
My coffee ritual demands a biscotti, and these almond apricot ones are a staple. They bake up crispy and golden, studded with almonds and chewy apricot bits.
I stock my freezer so I can pull out a few whenever the coffee’s hot. They’re made for dunking, and yes, one is never enough.
8. Apricot Fruitcake
Holiday baking just got a whole lot brighter with this apricot fruitcake. I love tossing in glacé cherries and a mix of dried fruits for those festive pops of color.
No heavy spices or molasses here, just pure, fruity flavor where the apricots really get to shine. It’s Christmas in every slice.
9. Traditional Lamb Tagine with Apricots
Apricots bring a lovely little sweetness and texture to this traditional lamb tagine. A tagine, if you haven’t met one, is that iconic two part clay pot from North Africa. The clay works its magic with gentle, slow heat, letting every spice and morsel soak up deep, rich flavor.
10. Cinnamon Granola with Apricot and Almond
Mornings get a whole lot brighter when a jar of this cinnamon granola is waiting. Toasty oats, crunchy almonds, and chewy bits of apricot are tossed with a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s the kind of cereal that makes you hop out of bed, excited for breakfast.
11. Apricot Coconut Crumble Bars
These crumble bars are a must for my holiday cookie platter. They’re buttery, crumbly, and that tangy apricot filling just sings.
Making it couldn’t be simpler: simmer dried apricots with a little sugar and water until it becomes thick and jammy. Press, bake, and try not to eat the whole pan.
12. Curried Chickpea Apricot Stew
For a meatless dinner that still feels hearty, this curried chickpea stew with apricots is everything. Chickpeas and veggies swim in a warmly spiced, Moroccan inspired broth, and the dried apricots add just the right amount of natural sweetness. It’s cozy, toasty, and just right for chilly evenings.
13. Apricot Kuchen
Kuchen is just the German word for cake, and this one is pure comfort. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and boasts a crackly sugar crust on top.
Beneath that, a fluffy sponge is dotted with chewy chunks of dried apricot. A dollop of whipped cream wouldn’t hurt either.
14. Healthy Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Apricots
Next time a salad craving hits, this quinoa bowl is the answer. I call it a pantry salad because it’s all about using up what you have: quinoa, spinach, pecans, and those sweet dried apricots. It’s fresh, healthy, and comes together in no time.
15. White Chocolate, Coconut, and Apricot Balls
Ten minutes, no oven, and a whole lot of yum. These white chocolate, coconut, and apricot balls are a dream to make.
I love getting the kids in on the action because there’s no hot stove involved, just little hands rolling up bite sized treats. They disappear in a flash.
16. Quick and Easy Dried Apricot Jam
Jar empty? No problem.
I just pull out a bag of dried apricots and whip up a batch of this speedy jam. It takes mere minutes and delivers that deep, punchy apricot flavor I love. Tuck a jar into a little gift basket for friends and family, and watch them light up.
17. Perfect Oatmeal Cookies with Dried Apricots
There’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of these oatmeal cookies out of the oven. They’re warm, golden, and studded with zingy bits of dried apricot. The hearty chew of oats meets that sweet tart fruitiness, and honestly, I dare you to stop at just one.
18. Apricot Coconut Scones
I firmly believe a cup of tea isn’t complete without a scone, and these apricot coconut beauties are next level. They’re tender and buttery, loaded with sweet chunks of dried apricot and a whisper of coconut.
Slather one with butter while it’s still warm, and don’t forget your tea. Absolute bliss.
19. Sour Cream Coffee Cake
A moist slice of this sour cream coffee cake is everything I want for an afternoon pick me up. It’s a simple Bundt cake hiding a ribbon of cinnamon spiced dried fruit and nut filling that is just ridiculously good. Sweet, nutty, and wonderful with a cup of coffee.
20. Chicken Tagine
This chicken tagine is an absolute flavor bomb. The sauce is rich and spiced, the kind of thing you can’t stop sopping up with bread.
Blending your own spice mix is the secret to nailing that deep, layered warmth. Trust me, it’s so worth it.
21. Dried Apricot and Almond Cake
This cake is an absolute show off, in the best possible way. A tender sponge made with ground almonds and polenta has the most wonderful texture, then it gets drenched in a glossy orange and almond drizzle. Crowned with toasted almonds, candied seeds, and bright orange zest, every slice is a celebration.
22. Apricot Ginger Salmon with Almond and Thyme Rice Pilaf
This apricot ginger salmon is a healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The real star here is the apricot marinade: sweet, salty, and so good I could eat it with a spoon.
The salmon soaks it all up and then gets baked until flaky. Served with a fragrant almond and thyme rice pilaf, it’s a complete knockout.
23. Mascarpone and Dried Apricot Tart
This tart is my go to when I want an easy summer dessert that feels fancy. The filling is a dreamy blend of mascarpone and heavy cream, so silky and light. One bite and any sweet craving is totally taken care of, promise.
24. Pork Chops with Apricot Brandy Sauce
These pork chops have that savory sweet magic I can’t resist. The sauce is deeply complex, with a splash of fruity, woodsy brandy that seeps into the tender dried apricots. It’s the kind of pan sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything on the plate.
25. Eggplant and Lentil Apricot Curry
When the weather turns chilly, I crave this cozy eggplant and lentil curry. The dried apricots melt into the sauce, lending a soft sweetness that plays beautifully with a swirl of coconut yogurt. A sprinkle of fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon lift everything up, making it feel bright and nourishing.