Baked Apricots With Honey And Almonds Recipe

I just discovered the most delightful way to transform a bunch of ripe apricots into a mouthwatering, cozy dessert that practically screams “hug in a bowl”!

Baked apricots topped with honey and almonds are an incredibly simple, yet elegant, dish that allows the delightful natural sweetness of ripe apricots to shine. The perfectly-ripened fruit is paired with honey, a drizzle of which in part serves to amplify the inherent apricot flavor; the dish is infused with a hint of vanilla extract.

I am of the opinion that sliced almonds, liberally and generously applied, not only do the apricots and honey good in terms of health, but also provide a delightfully crunchy texture that the apricots, honey, and vanilla are frankly lacking. A dusting of cinnamon might be said to add depth, but I think it’s really just there to make the kitchen smell amazing.

Baked Apricots With Honey And Almonds Recipe Ingredients

• Apricots: Rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, providing natural sweetness.
• Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidants, enhancing caramelization.
• Sliced Almonds: Source of healthy fats, adding crunch and protein.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor with aromatic sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity.
• Ground Cinnamon: Offers warmth and subtle spice complexity.

Baked Apricots With Honey And Almonds Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ripe apricots, halved and pitted
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

How to Make this Baked Apricots With Honey And Almonds Recipe

1. Your oven should be at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 175 degrees Celsius, when you begin the following steps.

2. Put the apricot halves in a baking dish, cut side up.

3. Honey, 1 tablespoon, drizzled over apricots.

4. Combine the leftover 2 tablespoons of honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

5. Drizzle the apricots with the honey-butter mixture, making certain that all the apricots are covered completely.

6. Evenly sprinkle the sliced almonds over the apricots.

7. Put the baking dish in the oven after it has been heated up and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or bake until the apricots tenderize and the almonds reach a golden brown.

8. Take out of the oven and allow to cool for a few moments.

9. Move the baked apricots to a serving plate.

10. You can enjoy them warm and either plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Baked Apricots With Honey And Almonds Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Small bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cup
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Spoon or spatula for stirring
9. Oven mitts
10. Serving plate

FAQ

• Can I use dried apricots instead of fresh ones?For this recipe, using fresh apricots is ideal because they provide the best flavor and texture. However, if you cannot access fresh apricots, dried apricots can be an adequate substitute. To incorporate them into the recipe, you must first soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them and soften their texture.
• What can I use as a substitute for honey?If you would rather not use honey or require a vegan substitute, similar in sweetness would be either maple syrup or agave nectar.
• How can I make this recipe nut-free?To make the recipe free of nuts, just leave out the almonds. Instead, you can dust the apricots with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?Indeed, to transform the recipe into one that does not contain dairy, switch out the melted, unsalted butter for a butter that is plant-based or for coconut oil.
• Can I prepare the apricots in advance?The halved and pitted apricots can be prepared a few hours ahead. Keep them in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, and they will be fine until you’re ready to use them. Their color will be fine too; they’ll look as good as they do now.
• What is the best way to serve these baked apricots?Warm from the oven, these baked apricots are incredibly delicious. Paired with either a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, they serve as a truly indulgent dessert.

Baked Apricots With Honey And Almonds Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Maple syrup or agave nectar may be used instead of honey.
Almonds, sliced: You can substitute chopped walnuts or pecans.
Almond extract: Use instead of vanilla for a deliciously different flavor.
Substitutes for lemon juice:

Lime juice
Apple cider vinegar
Coconut oil or margarine can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter.

Pro Tips

1. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the honey-butter mixture. This can enhance the warmth and complexity of the dish.

2. To ensure the almonds toast evenly without burning, you can toast them separately on a dry pan for a couple of minutes before adding to the apricots. This way, you can control the color and texture better.

3. If you can get them, using fresh vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract can significantly enhance the flavor. Simply scrape the seeds from half a vanilla bean and mix them into the honey-butter mixture.

4. For added richness, try incorporating a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese on top of the apricots after baking. It pairs wonderfully with the warm fruit and almonds.

5. If you want a deeper caramelization, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for the last 5 minutes of baking. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.