Apricots are unusually cheap now: 9 simple recipes to make the most of this short, sweet season

Monday 20 July 2026 18:00 - Adèle Peyches

In the summer, there are little pleasures you just can’t resist. A basket of ripe apricots, the sweet scent of fruit that makes you want to hurry home, and that question that pops into your head almost immediately: what on earth are we going to make with all of this?

Because, let’s face it, when apricots are especially affordable, it would be a shame to limit yourself to munching on just two or three over the sink. Of course, you can enjoy them plain, still a little warm from the market, but their true magic often comes out in the kitchen. Once baked, blended into a mousse, incorporated into dough, or turned into jam, they take on an incredible sweetness while retaining that slight tang that livens up desserts.

We can already see you hesitating: “What if my apricots are too ripe?”, “What if I don’t feel like spending three hours in the kitchen?”, “What if I mess up the tart?” Rest assured, apricots are pretty forgiving when you’re in a hurry. They love simple recipes, ready-made pastry dough, easy custards, moist cakes, and no-fuss desserts to share. In short, they tick all the boxes for the perfect fruit when you want to treat yourself without overcomplicating things.

And since the season never lasts long enough for our liking, you might as well enjoy them while prices are low. Here are 9 apricot recipes to celebrate this golden fruit (from family desserts to impromptu snacks) not to mention a little idea to keep in a jar to extend the summer.

Apricot desserts that smell like summer

If there’s one category of recipes where apricots truly feel at home, it’s family desserts. The ones you place in the center of the table, the ones that fill the kitchen with their aroma while baking, the ones that have everyone asking, “Is there a slice left?”

Clafoutis, for example, is a timeless classic that pairs perfectly with apricots. Their juice blends into the batter, their tartness balances the dessert’s sweetness, and the result is just as delicious served warm as it is cold. Same goes for the tart: some pastry, some fruit, a little sugar, and you’re all set. You don’t have to go overboard to make it taste good, and that’s exactly what we love about it.

As for the apricot cake, it has that comforting feel of a homemade snack. Simple, moist, and generous, it lets you use ripe fruit without overthinking it. You prepare the batter, add the apricots, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. Efficient, right?

Easy apricot clafoutis

Let's make a delicious clafoutis for dessert! You'll love the taste of roasted apricot and the softness of this cake.

Apricot and almonds tart - video recipe !

Want a nice summer tart ? Try out this easy and tasty recipe, where apricots become your best friends !

Simple and quick apricot cake

At dessert time, indulge in a moist and fruity recipe: the upside-down apricot cake! A star of sunny days, apricot will add a melting and slightly tangy touch to your meal's end. And for even more indulgence, don't hesitate to caramelize the bottom of...

Quick recipes for when you've bought a large quantity of apricots

We’ve all been there: apricots were on sale, so we grabbed “just a few more,” and before we knew it, we had a basket full of them sitting on the counter. Good news: that’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity.

To whip them up quickly, go for easy apricot recipes that don’t require too much prep. A thin-crust tart, for example, always makes a great impression while remaining very simple to make. Sliced apricots, a crispy crust, and just the right baking time and you’ve got an elegant dessert without having to break out all your baking equipment.

Another option: an apricot mousse. Fresh, light, and perfect for hot weather, it offers a nice change from baked desserts and lets you enjoy the fruit in a milder form. And if your apricots are starting to get really ripe, a crumble becomes your best friend. The fruit melts in your mouth, the crust is crispy, and everyone goes back for seconds without needing to be asked.

No bake apricot mousse super easy to make, and with few ingredients!

Discover our super easy to make and no bake apricot mousse recipe, and with just a few ingredients! We often think of using apricots in a pie , in a clafoutis or in a crumble , but we guarantee that you will love the sweetness and smoothness of...

Easy apricot tart

You'll love this easy recipe !

Apricot crumble, the super comforting melting and crunchy dessert

We know the classic apple crumble that we love so much... This time we decided to combine this delicious crispy crumble dough with the sweetness of a summer seasonal fruit: Apricot! With only 5 ingredients , make a comforting dessert, which will...

When apricots get even more delicious

Apricots aren’t just there to play the role of the humble fruit at the bottom of a tart. They can also be downright indulgent when paired with the right ingredients. With mascarpone, they become melt-in-your-mouth and rich. With vanilla, they take on a rounder flavor. Paired with coconut, they take on the feel of a vacation dessert. And when baked Tatin-style, they become slightly caramelized, almost candied… Suffice it to say, we’re not about to complain.

What’s great about this fruit is that it brings balance. In a creamy dessert, it keeps it from feeling too heavy. In a moist cake, it adds juice and fragrance. In a caramelized tartlet, it retains that subtle tang that makes you want to come back for more.

These recipes are ideal if you want to serve a dessert that’s a bit more elaborate, yet still approachable. The kind of dessert you make for guests, making it look like you’ve had it all under control from the start. We won’t say a word, we promise.

Apricot mascarpone muffins

Delicious little cakes hiding an apricot in their heart, would you like to try them for snack/dessert? Recreate our homemade moist cake recipe! Available in both written and video versions, you can easily make this recipe with kids. A great opportunity...

Apricot tatin tartlets, an easy an quick dessert!

Easy to prepare and subtly caramelized, these apricot tatin tartlets highlight the sweetness of apricots (our favorite summer fruit!) in a crispy puff pastry. Perfect for impressing your guests without spending hours in the kitchen, these homemade...

The key tip to keep in mind to extend the season

When apricots are affordable, it’s also the perfect time to think ahead. Because once the season is over, we often regret not having enjoyed them more. And that’s where a very simple recipe can save your future breakfasts: homemade apricot jam.

You don’t need a traditional kitchen or a whole shelf full of jars to get started. Just a few ripe fruits, some sugar, and careful cooking, and you’ll end up with a jam that captures all the flavor of the apricot. Spread on toast, mixed into yogurt, paired with cottage cheese, or even used to fill a Swiss roll, it brings a little sunshine back when summer starts to fade.

A quick tip: apricots that are slightly bruised, a little soft, or not quite as pretty are perfect for this kind of recipe. As long as they’re still tasty and fragrant, they definitely deserve a second life. It’s both waste-reducing and delicious: we’re all for it.

How about something a little different from the usual desserts?

We really love tart and clafoutis. But sometimes, we want to serve something a little more surprising, without getting bogged down in a never-ending recipe. That’s where desserts inspired by bakery display cases come in.

With puff pastry, a light cream, and fragrant apricots, you get a recipe that immediately gives the impression of a beautifully crafted homemade pastry. The kind of dish you set on the table with a little “I made this myself,” followed by a very satisfying silence as everyone savors it.

This type of recipe is also very handy for using apricots in syrup if needed, or for rounding out a batch when fresh fruit is in short supply. But when they’re in season, with fresh apricots available at a good price, you might as well go with the fresh ones: the flavor will be all the better for it.

Oranaise pie - puff pastry, pastry cream and apricots

Do you know Oranais? This pastry also known as "apricot glasses" or "abricotine" . A marvel that we love to buy at the bakery on Sunday morning for the breakfast dessert ♥ Puff pastry, creamy pastry cream, fruity apricots. In short: we love this...

Our tips for choosing and cooking apricots

Before heading into the kitchen, there’s one last point that deserves your full attention: choosing the fruit. A good apricot isn’t just about its color. It should feel soft to the touch, but not completely mushy. Its aroma is often a better indicator than its color, since some varieties remain lighter in color even when ripe.

For tarts and baked desserts, opt for fruit that’s ripe but still slightly firm. It will hold its shape better during baking. For mousses, coulis, jams, or crumbles, you can choose riper apricots that are almost melt-in-your-mouth tender. Their flavor will be more intense, and their texture works very well in compotes.

When it comes to flavor pairings, apricots go wonderfully with almonds, vanilla, honey, rosemary, coconut, and mascarpone. There’s nothing stopping you from starting with a simple recipe and adding your own personal touch. A few slivered almonds, a dash of orange blossom water, a drizzle of honey before baking… Sometimes, all it takes is a small detail to transform an everyday dessert into a true summer treat.

So, what should we do with these apricots? Eat them fresh, of course. But above all, save a few for the recipes above. Because at that price, it would be a shame not to enjoy them down to the very last bite :)

Adèle Peyches

Editorial manager who just can't wait for winter to enjoy fondue! Passionate about gastronomy and always on the lookout for new culinary gems, I first studied law before returning to my first love: the taste of good products and the joy of sharing around the table :)

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