5 Easy Apricot Substitutes: Add A Twist

Next time you're out of apricots (Prunus armeniaca), a small stone fruit with sweet-tart flesh, don't sweat it.

T3There are some great substitutes that'll still give your dish that sweet, tangy flavor we love.

We've tried them all, trust us. Apricots are amazing, but life happens.

Fresh, dried, or even in jam form, knowing the alternatives can save your meal.

So, whether you're making a salad, a sauce, or a sweet snack, these swaps got you covered. Let's get into the best apricot stand-ins.

Save for Later!

5 Easy Substitutes for Apricots

When it comes down to it, apricots have a unique flavor that's hard to replicate. But the is you don't need an exact match!

These substitutes will give your dish its own twist, so go forth and experiment:

1 - Peaches

Peaches (Prunus persica) are excellent apricot substitutes with their juicy texture and sweet flavor.

Use peaches in a 1:1 ratio for apricots.

We love how versatile peaches are-they're perfect for snacks, desserts, and even savory dishes. Their flesh is tender and their skin adds a little extra flavor.

Try them in your next pie or salad for a tasty twist.

2 - Plums

Plums come close to apricots with their sweet and slightly tart flavor. They're juicier and have a more bright taste.

We use plums (plum swaps for recipes) in a 1:1 ratio for apricots.

Their flesh is soft and a deeper red or purple, often rich in anthocyanins. This adds color and brightness to dishes.

They're great in desserts, jams, and even main courses.

We love them in pies or salads. Plums give a rich, fruity punch without the tanginess of apricots.

Quick and easy, plums are a trusty swap for that sweet burst you crave.

3 - Dried Cranberries

The sweet-tart taste of dried cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) gives dishes an exciting twist. Their bright color also adds visual appeal.

We substitute dried cranberries for apricots at a 1:1 ratio.

They bring a unique balance of sweetness and tartness that stands out. We love them in salads, granola, and baked goods.

They're perfect for adding brightness to savory dishes too (see dried beef explained for curious cooks).

We've had great success adding them to our muffin recipes. Their chewiness and bright flavor keep things fun.

Discover more on cranberries substitutes.

4 - Mangoes

Their bright sweetness is enough to make mangoes (Mangifera indica) a great apricot substitute.

We substitute them in a 1:1 ratio for apricots.

Mangoes bring a fresh and tropical vibe to recipes. Their sweetness is more pronounced, and they lack the tanginess of apricots.

They're stellar in desserts, like mango tart or smoothie bowls.

We've even thrown them into salads for a sweet contrast. Enjoy experimenting with the tropical twist that mangoes offer!

5 - Pears

Pears (Pyrus communis) make a soft, sweet swap. Their flavor is mild with a hint of earthiness.

We use them in a 1:1 ratio for apricots.

Pears have a grainy texture, but they're juicy and sweet. They add a light, fresh taste to any dish.

Great in salads, compotes, or baked goods. A pear pie? Yes, please.

We love how pears blend seamlessly into recipes. They don't have the tang of apricots, but that makes them versatile.

They'll sweeten your dish without overpowering it.