Apricot Bread
Apricot Bread offers a delightful combination of sweet dried apricots and zesty orange flavors, complemented by a moist, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast or teatime, it appeals to those who enjoy fruity, citrus-infused baked goods with a hint of cream cheese richness.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon orange extract ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated orange rind ⓘ
- 1 cup dried apricots ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soft butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 c. flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. baking powder
Instructions
- Mix softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, egg, orange extract, and grated orange rind until smooth; set aside.
- Cover dried apricots with warm water and soak for 30 minutes.
- Drain apricots and cut them into small pieces.
- Cream together 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons soft butter.
- Add the egg to the creamed mixture and beat well.
- Add water and orange juice to the mixture and blend thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. If you don’t have orange extract, lemon extract can be a delightful alternative. You can also use fresh apricots if they are in season, just chop them finely before adding. Be sure to mix the dry ingredients separately to avoid lumps in your batter, ensuring a smooth consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This apricot bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese icing. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apricot bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices in the microwave or oven until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Bread contains roughly 1630 calories, with 11g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 148g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1293mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
Yes, fresh apricots can be used, but you will need to adjust the moisture since they contain more water. Chop them finely and consider reducing the amount of liquid ingredients slightly to balance the batter.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the sugar by half. You can also use unsweetened applesauce in place of some or all of the cream cheese to lower the fat content.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or mix in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut or substitute some of the orange juice with pineapple juice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).