Apricot Canning Recipes | Creative Canning

Easy Ways to Can Apricots for Year-Round Flavor

Apricot season is one of the sweetest parts of summer—short, intense, and full of flavor. These delicate fruits don’t last long once picked, which means they’re a perfect candidate for canning. We usually bring home flats when they’re in season and dive straight into jam-making while the fruit is still fragrant and perfectly ripe.

Whether you’re new to canning or already deep in the summer rhythm of putting food by, apricots are a joy to preserve. Their tart-sweet flavor shines in jam, jelly, pie filling, and even savory preserves like salsas and pickles.

These recipes will help you stock your pantry with shelf-stable jars full of golden sunshine, ready to brighten breakfasts, desserts, and dinners all year long.

Apricots and red currants for a mixed fruit jam

Apricot Canning Recipes

Apricots are one of the most underrated summer fruits to preserve. Their naturally high pectin content makes them perfect for jams and jellies, and their tangy-sweet flavor pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet recipes. Whether you’re working with fresh apricots from the market or a backyard tree, these canning recipes help you make the most of the short season.

• Canning Apricots in Syrup – Simple and classic, perfect for desserts or snacking straight from the jar.

Apricot Jam

Apricot jam has a bold, tangy flavor that sets it apart from other stone fruit spreads. It’s easy to make and thickens naturally without added pectin, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced canners.

• Apricot Jam – A bright, fruity preserve that’s perfect for toast, thumbprint cookies, and yogurt.

• Apricot Red Currant Jam - Sweet sunny apricots and tart, high pectin red currants are a delicious combination.

Apricot Jelly

If you’re working with apricot peels or want a clear, seed-free preserve, jelly is the way to go. It delivers all the flavor of apricots in a smooth, jewel-like spread.

• Apricot Jelly – A sweet and tangy jelly made from apricot juice, ideal for layering on pastries or toast.

Apricot Butter

Apricot butter is a thick, smooth fruit spread that’s less sweet than jam and doesn’t require any added pectin. Slow cooking intensifies the flavor and gives it a lush, spreadable texture.

• Apricot Butter – Naturally thick and deeply flavorful, with just fruit, sugar, and lemon juice.

Apricot Pie Filling

Make baking easy all year long with shelf-stable pie filling. This tested recipe uses Clear Jel for safe thickening and delivers a rich apricot filling that’s perfect for pies, bars, and crumbles.

• Apricot Pie Filling – Tangy and sweet, ready to bake into your favorite summer desserts.

Apricot Salsa

Apricots bring a sweet brightness to salsas, balancing out the heat of peppers and the acidity of vinegar or citrus. These savory-sweet combinations are ideal for topping grilled meats or spooning into tacos.

• Apricot Salsa – A classic fruit salsa with a tangy bite and just the right amount of heat.

Apricot BBQ Sauce

Apricot BBQ sauce brings sweet summer flavor to your grill year-round. The natural tartness of apricots balances beautifully with smoky spices, vinegar, and just a touch of heat. It’s perfect for brushing onto grilled chicken, using as a glaze for pork, or adding a tangy twist to sandwiches.

• Apricot BBQ Sauce – A sweet and tangy preserve with just enough kick—ideal for grilling, marinating, or dipping.

If you’ve got apricots piling up and aren’t sure where to begin, try starting with a few jars of jam and a tray of apricot pie filling. You’ll be reaching for them all year long.

And if there’s a specific apricot recipe you’re trying to track down, just leave me a comment below. I’m always happy to help you find a safe, tested recipe for whatever fruit you’re working with.

Happy Canning!
Ashley at Creative Canning

P.S. Don’t forget—you can find all of my canning recipes sorted by ingredient, so if you’re looking for other recipes for seasonal produce like summer berries or peaches, I’ve got you covered.