We all know that feeling—you’re ready to whip up something tasty, but the fridge is missing a key ingredient. Next time you’re out of apricots, don’t sweat it. There 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.
5 Easy Substitutes for Apricots
When it comes down to it, apricots have a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate. But the good news 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 are excellent apricot substitutes with their juicy texture and sweet flavor. The taste is slightly less tangy than apricots, but they still bring that fruity goodness we crave. 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 vibrant taste. We use plums in a 1:1 ratio for apricots.
Their flesh is soft and a deeper red or purple. 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 gives dishes an exciting twist. Their vibrant 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.
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 vibrant sweetness is enough to make mangoes a great apricot substitute. Mangoes have a soft, juicy texture that blends well in many dishes. 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 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.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.