Tasty Tweaks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Apricot Preserves

Apricot preserves are a staple in many kitchens, rocking everything from pastries to glazes.

Sometimes, you just can’t snag a jar from the store.

No biggie, we’ve got you covered with some killer swaps.

Peach preserves work like a charm, offering a similar texture and sweetness.

Fig jam steps in with its unique flavor, adding a twist to your recipes.

And if you’re looking for something a tad tangier, orange marmalade is your go-to.

Mango chutney brings both sweetness and a spicy kick, perfect for those who love a bit of heat.

Lastly, apple jelly, though milder, slips seamlessly into dishes that call for apricot preserves.

With these alternatives, your kitchen creativity won’t skip a beat.

What are Apricot Preserves?

Apricot preserves have a light orange color and a slightly chunky consistency.

It has a delicate taste from the apricots.

Many people compare it to apple butter as the two have similar flavors.

This preserve is made by cooking the pulp, skin, and stones of apricots.

Sugar and sometimes pectin is added and water to help the mixture thicken as it cooks.

Though apricot preserves can be eaten on their own, it is more commonly used as a spread for bread or toast, as a topping for ice cream or porridge, and even in baking.

It is popular in France but less so in the United States.

The fruitiness of the apricot pairs well with meats like pork, duck, and poultry.

Add some to glazes or marinades for these dishes for an extra burst of flavor.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Apricot Preserves

If you’re looking to substitute apricot preserves because you’re out, other fruits and fruit spreads can do the job just as well.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Substitute Ratio
Peach Preserves	Sweet and juicy preserves with a similar flavor to apricot	Use as a 1:1 substitution for apricot preserves
Raspberry Preserves	Tangy and slightly tart preserves with a vibrant flavor	Use as a 1:1 substitution for apricot preserves
Strawberry Preserves	Sweet and fragrant preserves with a hint of tartness	Use as a 1:1 substitution for apricot preserves
Cherry Preserves	Rich and fruity preserves with a slightly tart taste	Use as a 1:1 substitution for apricot preserves
Grape or Concord Preserves	Sweet and jam-like preserves with a smooth texture and flavor	Use as a 1:1 substitution for apricot preserves

When seeking substitutes for apricot preserves, consider the following options:

1 – Peach Preserves

Peach preserves have a similar flavor and appearance to apricot.

They are made with peaches instead of apricots, so the flavor is slightly different.

They do, however, go well together.

Peach preserves typically have a thicker consistency than apricot preserves as it is made with peaches and less water.

Additionally, they contain chunks of fruit which make them tasty and attractive.

This can be used as a substitute for apricot preserves in many recipes.

It tastes great with pork, duck, and poultry.

2 – Raspberry Preserves

Raspberry preserves are very similar to apricot preserves.

These items use the same type of fruit, but raspberry has a thicker consistency.

It tends to be less runny than apricot preserves, making it more suitable for certain dishes like toast or brioche.

Raspberry preserves have a unique flavor and taste great on toast, ice cream, or porridge.

It goes well with pork, duck, and poultry as it adds some sweetness to the dish while also adding some fruity flavors.

3 – Strawberry Preserves

Strawberry preserves are a popular substitute for apricot preserves because they are made with the same fruit.

They are both smooth inconsistencies with chunks of fruit in them.

Strawberry preserves are relatively easy to make, especially when making apricot preserves.

Strawberry preserves taste great on bread or toast, but it is also a popular choice for glazes and marinades.

This adds some sweetness to meats like duck, pork, and poultry.

4 – Cherry Preserves

Cherry preserves are another fruit spread similar to apricot preserves in both appearance and taste.

They have a smooth consistency, but they’re also chunky due to the cherries used in them.

The two spreads also have a distinctive taste – sweet and fruity.

Cherry preserves are made from sour cherries, but these can be substituted with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries, depending on availability.

Cherries pair well with duck, pork, and poultry, adding sweetness to the meat.

It also works well as a glaze for meats and in marinades.

5 – Grape or Concord Preserves

Grape preserves are very similar to apricot preserves in both taste and appearance.

They’re made with the grape pulp, skins, and seed, making them heavy in flavor.

Both grape jam and preserves have a thick consistency that is less runny than apricot preserves.

The fruit adds sweetness to the preserves, while the seeds add a slight crunch.

Grape preserves are suitable substitutes for apricot preserves in many dishes.

They work well with pork, duck, and poultry because they have a fruitier flavor than apricot preserves while still adding sweetness to the dish.

Conclusion

Though apricot preserves are popular in France, they are far from the only fruit preserve available.

If you cannot find apricot preserves, many other substitutes can be used, all of which have unique flavors and uses.

Depending on the dish, these can be used as-is or in combination with apricot preserves.

If you are looking to use them as a substitute for apricot preserves, it is important to remember that they will most likely have different consistencies and flavors, which means adjustments might need to be made to the recipe.