Apricot Preserves (with four ingredients)

Brightly flavored, gorgeously colored, and ever-so-versatile, my Apricot Preserves recipe is a delightful concoction made with just four ingredients and requires less than 30 minutes of active prep time. Prepare to be amazed as you discover the joy of preserving your stone fruit bounty.

Oh, the wonders of homemade preserves! There's something undeniably charming about rolling up your sleeves, donning a quirky apron, and diving headfirst into the magical world of making jams, jellies, compotes, coulis, and purées. 

Making homemade preserves is a way to honor age-old traditions passed down from generation to generation, preserving not only the fruits themselves but also the skills to carry your bounty into a new season. With each jar, you're not just bottling up tasty goodness, you're also setting yourself up for lots of memorable moments along the way.

There's also a real sense of accomplishment that comes with transforming simple ingredients into jars bursting with vibrant colors and juicy flavors. It's like being a gee-dang culinary wizard wielding a magic wand, casting spells of deliciousness all around. This apricot preserve recipe will make you say, “Martha Stewart, who?”

And oh, the taste! Each batch is a unique masterpiece, capturing the essence and terroir of seasonal fruits in a way that store-bought varieties simply can't match. 

But it's the undeniable bragging rights that come with making homemade jams and jellies that make preserving really addicting. There's nothing quite like gifting a jar of your finest creation to a friend or neighbor as a hostess gift, a stocking stuffer, or just because. Before you know it, they'll be begging for your secret recipe!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

Aside from being golden, gorgeous, and bursting with fruity goodness, this apricot preserve is also: 

• Quick & Easy - Wash and chop your fruit, toss it with some sugar and leave it to rest, give it a quick 10-minute cook, then stir in some extra flavor. All in, you’re looking at about 20 minutes of active work for weeks of flavor-boosting power.
• Made With Only 4 Ingredients - With a list that short, you know this homemade apricot jam recipe is simple as can be. Oh, and bonus — you don’t need any pectin!
• Versatile - Picture yourself spreading a dollop of apricot preserves onto warm, crusty toast for the cheeriest snack around. Or imagine a generous swirl of this golden goodness transforming your morning yogurt or porridge into a heavenly delight. But why stop there? Let your creativity soar as you bring this apricot preserve recipe center stage by using it in cookie fillings, cake layers, or even as a base for a tantalizing BBQ sauce or meat glaze. 
• Budget-Friendly - Rather than let your delicious fruit go to waste, transform them into delicious apricot preserves that will last in your fridge for upwards of a month, or in your freezer for up to 3 months. That way, you both save $$ AND get to extend your personal stone fruit season!

🍴Ingredients 

• Apricots - When it comes to selecting these sunny gems, here's a cheeky guide to help you out:
  • Seek the "Blush of Beauty": Look for apricots with a vibrant golden-orange hue, tinged with a rosy blush. These blushing beauties are a sure sign of ripeness and promise delightful sweetness.
  • Give 'Em a Gentle Squeeze: Gently squeeze the apricots in your palm (ever so softly, mind you). A ripe apricot should yield slightly to your touch, offering a tender embrace. Avoid those that feel rock hard or mushy—they're not quite apricot royalty.
  • Follow Your Nose: Close your eyes, take a sniff, and let your nose guide you. Ripe apricots exude a heavenly aroma, a tantalizing invitation to indulge in their juicy wonders. If the scent tickles your senses, you've found a winner!
  • Size Doesn't Matter (Too Much): Remember, good things come in various sizes. While larger apricots may seem enticing, don't dismiss the smaller ones. Compactness can often pack a punch when it comes to flavor. It's what's on the inside that truly counts!
• Sugar - I prefer the pure flavor of the apricots and warm embrace of the vanilla shine through, so I like to use neutral-flavored granulated sugar. Feel free to swap in brown sugar, muscovado sugar, piloncillo, or jaggery if you prefer more of a molasses undertone. You can also swap in your favorite cup-for-cup sugar alternative, but note that it will affect the shelf life of your apricot preserves since sugar acts as a preservative.
• Lemon - Make sure to reach for fresh here! We want both the lemon juice for acidity, plus the tart lemon zest for an added pop of flavor. 
• Vanilla Extract - Adding a hint of warmth and complexity to your homemade preserves takes them over the top. Feel free to swap in an equal amount of vanilla bean paste.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

⏲️ Substitutions & Variations

While I think this is the best apricot jam around (seriously, it tastes like a dead ringer for Bonne Maman apricot preserves!), there are tons of ways to customize the recipe to fit your needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Try Refined Sugar-Free Apricot Jam - Feel free to swap in your favorite unrefined sugar in place of granulated.
• Get Tropical! Add some juicy freshness by whipping up a batch of Apricot Pineapple Jam for a little extra somethin’-somethin’.
• Go Spicy! Try making Apricot Jalapeño Jam (or even Apricot Habanero Jam if you’re super feisty!). This goes great on a cheese plate or for savory applications like glazing pork chops or making homemade BBQ sauce.

This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

📖 How To Make Apricot Jam Without Pectin

If you’ve been wondering how to make apricot preserves, the answer is: easily! Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Macerate. Combine apricots, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large heavy-bottomed pot and allow the apricots to slowly macerate/release their juices for about an hour.

Step 2: Simmer. Place the pot over medium heat and simmer the ingredients for 8-10 minutes, stirring throughout this time frame.

Step 3: Add Flavor. Remove the preserves from the heat and add vanilla, stirring to combine. 

Step 4: Store. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container. 

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

Here are a few expert tips that will make your homemade apricot preserves truly shine:

• Patience, dear friends, is a virtue. Allow your apricots to ripen fully before diving into the preserving process. They should be juicy, fragrant, and bursting with flavor. Waiting for that perfect moment ensures a preserve that's pure bliss in a jar.
• Remember, your jam jar is more than just a vessel — it's a canvas for your homemade magic! Sterilize your jars properly to ensure freshness and longevity with hot soapy water. Seal them with a whimsical flourish like some cute washi tape or a square of gingham fabric, and label them with love. You want to make sure each gift of your homemade apricot preserves is a treasure to behold, right?? Place jars in the fridge with an adorable product label to amp up the cuteness! 
• Don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild! While my classic apricot preserve is a delight on its own, consider adding a pinch of spice or infusing them with herbs like thyme or lavender for a touch of personalized enchantment before adding to A thick slice of sourdough bread with labneh for the perfect breakfast!
• I personally don’t think it’s necessary for this recipe, but the best way how to peel apricots is by making a small “x” in the skin with a paring knife. Drop the fruit into a pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds, then fish it out with a slotted spoon and immediately place it into an ice bath. The skin should slide right off!

💭 Recipe FAQs

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