Apricot substitutes
Apricot substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Peaches
Same amount as the apricot
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to apricots.
The best substitutes for apricots are peaches, nectarines, or plums, depending on the recipe.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- desserts
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of apricot | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peachesdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Nectarinesdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Plumsdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Canned apricotsdesserts | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Dried apricotsbaking | 1 part for every 2 parts1 cup fresh = ½ cup driedTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Mangodesserts | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Peaches
similar taste and texture
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to apricots.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Choose ripe, soft peaches for best texture. Slightly less tart than apricots.
Nectarines
similar taste and texture
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to apricots.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Nectarines are slightly more acidic than apricots.
Plums
similar taste and texture
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to apricots.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Plums are slightly more tart than apricots.
Canned apricots
similar taste, different texture
Convenient substitute when fresh apricots aren't available. Choose apricots in light syrup or water.
- Best for
- desserts, baking, sauces, preserves
Drain well before using. May be softer than fresh apricots, so adjust cooking time.
Dried apricots
enhanced taste, different texture
Concentrated apricot flavor that works well in baking and cooking applications.
- Best for
- baking, cereals, trail mix, cooking
Soak dried apricots in warm water for 15 minutes to rehydrate before using.
Mango
different taste, similar texture
Tropical fruit with similar sweetness and texture to apricots.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Mango has a more tropical flavor than apricots.
Questions
4 questionsHow do I know when apricots are ripe?
Ripe apricots should be plump, soft, and have a sweet aroma. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure and may have small cracks in the skin. The color should be vibrant and consistent.
Can I use dried apricots instead of fresh?
Yes, dried apricots work well as a substitute for fresh apricots in many applications. They're more concentrated in flavor and sweetness. Soak them in warm water for 15 minutes to rehydrate before using.
Why are my apricots not sweet?
Apricots may not be sweet if they're not fully ripe or if they were picked too early. Choose apricots that are plump, soft, and have a sweet aroma. Some varieties are naturally less sweet than others.
Can I eat apricot skin?
Yes, apricot skin is edible and contains fiber and nutrients. However, some people prefer to remove it for a smoother texture. The skin is thin and tender, so it's usually not necessary to remove it.
Tips for substituting apricot
7 tips- Choose apricots that are plump, soft, and have a sweet aroma
- Store ripe apricots in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
- Freeze apricots for smoothies or as a frozen snack
- Apricots pair well with almonds, honey, vanilla, and herbs like thyme and rosemary
- For salads, cut apricots into quarters for best presentation
- Apricots are best served at room temperature for maximum flavor
- Remove the pit before using apricots in recipes