Table of Contents
Introduction
Apricot almond crisp is the kind of dessert that instantly feels like home—juicy golden apricots bubbling beneath a sweet, nutty topping that’s crunchy and fragrant from toasted almonds. In my New York kitchen, this crisp marks the true arrival of summer. Whether it’s a weekend potluck, a lazy afternoon with family, or simply the need for something comforting and simple, apricot almond crisp always delivers. Blending my Greek roots with the love of American fruit desserts I’ve found through my husband Marek, this recipe is pure sunshine. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with fussy pies.
The Story & Why Apricot Almond Crisp Is a Family Favorite
A Summer Tradition With Greek and American Roots
Growing up on the island of Kalymnos, apricots were everywhere during the summer. My Yiayia would slice the ripest fruit, sprinkle them with a little sugar, and let the Mediterranean sun do the rest. We didn’t bake crisps—we ate our fruit fresh or in spoon sweets. But when I moved to New York and discovered American-style crisps and crumbles, I was hooked. There’s something magical about the way a hot oven transforms stone fruit into a bubbling, jammy filling, topped with a layer of golden crunch.
Marek, my Polish husband, was skeptical at first. In his family, fruit desserts were always doughy—more cake than crisp. But when he tasted my first apricot almond crisp, still warm from the oven and finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, he immediately understood. Emily, our daughter, loves to help toss the fruit and scatter the almond topping, usually sneaking a handful or two when she thinks I’m not looking. Even my mother Elizabeth, a true stickler for tradition, can’t resist going back for seconds.
The Comfort and Ease of Crisp
What I love about this apricot almond crisp is how simple and forgiving it is. There’s no need to fuss with pie dough or precise measurements—just ripe apricots, a handful of pantry ingredients, and a willingness to get a little messy. It’s a dessert that comes together quickly and tastes like summer, love, and family, all in one pan.
Ingredients and Simple Swaps for the Perfect Apricot Almond Crisp
The Essentials for a Juicy, Crunchy Apricot Almond Crisp
The beauty of apricot almond crisp is its reliance on simple, fresh ingredients that let the fruit truly shine. The star, of course, is the apricots—choose ripe, fragrant fruit that yields slightly to the touch but isn’t mushy. These provide a sweet-tart base that turns irresistibly jammy in the oven. Don’t worry if your apricots are a little soft; they’ll bake up beautifully. If you need to use canned or frozen apricots, just drain them well and reduce the added sugar slightly.
A touch of sugar and a splash of lemon juice help balance the apricots’ tang. Sometimes, I’ll add a hint of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. The topping is what sets this apricot almond crisp apart: a combination of rolled oats, almond flour, sliced almonds, brown sugar, and melted coconut oil (or butter, if you prefer). This creates a crisp that’s golden and crunchy with every bite.
If you want to make this dessert gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour. For a nut-free version, swap the almond flour for oat flour and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of sliced almonds. Coconut oil is perfect for a dairy-free or vegan crisp, but traditional butter works just as well for a classic flavor.
Ingredient Swap Table for Apricot Almond Crisp
Ripe apricots: Use peaches or plums for a twist.
Almond flour: Swap for oat or regular flour if needed.
Sliced almonds: Use seeds or leave them out for nut-free.
Coconut oil: Substitute with melted butter for classic richness.
Rolled oats: Choose gluten-free for a celiac-safe dessert.
Brown sugar: Maple syrup or coconut sugar work for a different flavor profile.
With these easy swaps, apricot almond crisp becomes a truly versatile dessert, perfect for any table.
How to Make Apricot Almond Crisp: Step-by-Step for Foolproof Results
Simple Steps for the Juiciest Crisp
Making apricot almond crisp is so easy that it’s almost impossible to mess up. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the apricots in half, remove the pits, and cut them into thick wedges. Toss the fruit gently with sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of vanilla extract if you like. Arrange the apricots evenly in a baking dish. If you want an extra jammy texture, let them sit for five minutes while you prepare the topping—this draws out the juices and makes every bite even better.
For the topping, mix together rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and sliced almonds in a medium bowl. Pour in melted coconut oil (or butter) and stir until the mixture forms moist, clumpy crumbs. You want every oat and almond coated so the topping bakes up perfectly crisp.
Scatter the topping evenly over the apricots, making sure to cover as much of the fruit as possible without packing it down too firmly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the top is deeply golden and crisp. If your topping browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last ten minutes.
Let the crisp cool for at least ten minutes before serving—this gives the juices time to thicken and the topping to set. Serve warm, straight from the baking dish, with scoops of vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast.
Tips for Success Every Time
Use ripe, flavorful fruit for the best results, and don’t overmix the topping. If your crisp seems dry, drizzle a little extra coconut oil or butter before baking. Remember: a little mess is part of the fun—crisps are all about comfort and ease.
Serving, Storing, and Customizing Your Apricot Almond Crisp
How to Serve Apricot Almond Crisp for Every Occasion
Apricot almond crisp is the kind of dessert that fits every mood—elegant enough for dinner parties, yet cozy for a simple family night. I love to serve it still slightly warm, straight from the oven, in generous spoonfuls. For a classic finish, add scoops of vanilla ice cream that melt into the bubbling fruit, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream if you want to keep things dairy-free. For brunch or breakfast, try it with a swirl of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
This crisp also travels beautifully. If you’re heading to a picnic or potluck, just bake the crisp in a portable dish, cover it well, and reheat it gently in the oven before serving. The topping stays crisp, and the fruit’s flavor only deepens with time.
The Best Ways to Store and Adapt Your Crisp
To store, let the apricot almond crisp cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or return the whole dish to a low oven (about 300°F) until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. This dessert is delicious both warm and cold, making it ideal for leftovers.
For customizations, swap apricots with nectarines, cherries, or a mix of stone fruit, depending on the season. Add chopped crystallized ginger or a hint of cardamom to the fruit for a unique twist. You can also stir shredded coconut or chopped pistachios into the topping for extra flavor and crunch. No matter how you serve it, apricot almond crisp is the kind of dessert that brings people together—and always disappears fast.
Print
Apricot Almond Crisp: The Best Easy Dessert for Summer Gatherings
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, juicy apricot almond crisp featuring bubbling golden apricots under a crunchy, nutty almond-oat topping. Easy, cozy, and perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or family dessert—this crisp brings sunshine to every table.
Ingredients
- 6–7 ripe apricots (about 1 1/2 pounds), pitted and sliced into thick wedges
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or oat flour for nut-free)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (or sunflower/pumpkin seeds for nut-free)
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish.
- Slice apricots, removing pits, and cut into wedges. In a large bowl, gently toss with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract if using. Spread fruit evenly in prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, almond flour, brown sugar, salt, sliced almonds, and cinnamon. Pour in melted coconut oil (or butter) and stir until mixture forms moist, clumpy crumbs.
- Scatter topping evenly over apricots without packing it down. Make sure fruit is mostly covered.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until fruit is bubbling and topping is golden and crisp. If browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let crisp cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or Greek yogurt.
Notes
To make gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour. For nut-free, use oat flour and sunflower/pumpkin seeds. You can substitute apricots with peaches, plums, or a mix of stone fruits. Crisp can be assembled ahead, refrigerated, and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Greek-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Frequently Asked Questions About Apricot Almond Crisp
1. Can I use canned or frozen apricots for apricot almond crisp?
Yes! Both canned and frozen apricots work well. For canned, drain the fruit thoroughly and use a little less sugar. For frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before using to prevent excess moisture.
2. Is apricot almond crisp gluten-free?
It can be! Just use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour in the topping. Always double-check your ingredient labels if you’re baking for someone with celiac disease or a gluten allergy.
3. How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Bake until the top is deeply golden and don’t cover the crisp as it cools—steam can soften the topping. If storing in the fridge, reheat in the oven to help the topping regain its crunch.
4. Can I make apricot almond crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the crisp up to a day in advance and store, covered, in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the best texture, or reheat leftovers in the oven for a quick treat.
Conclusion
Apricot almond crisp is a celebration of summer fruit, family, and simple pleasures. It’s the recipe I turn to when I want to fill the kitchen with warmth and bring everyone to the table. Whether you serve it for a party or sneak a spoonful for breakfast, this dessert is pure comfort—golden, juicy, and perfectly crisp every time. I hope this apricot almond crisp becomes as beloved in your home as it is in mine, bringing sunshine and togetherness to every season.
👉 I hope you enjoyed making this Apricot Almond Crisp—a warm, sweet, and nutty dessert that brings together juicy apricots and a crunchy almond topping. It’s the perfect treat for late summer evenings, potlucks, or just when you’re craving a cozy fruit dessert that’s a little out of the ordinary.
If you’re on the hunt for more comforting bakes, try our French Strawberry Tart Recipe—it’s fresh, fruity, and a beautiful addition to any dessert table. You can also dig into our No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars when you need a simple, crowd-pleasing sweet.
Looking for more fruity desserts? Our Strawberry Cheesecake Bites are a fun, poppable snack, and the Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for One is perfect when you want something quick and satisfying.
For even more fruit-forward inspiration, don’t miss SANTMD’s Triple Berry Tarts for a burst of berry goodness, or the Raspberry Meringue Pie Recipe for a tangy and airy dessert experience.
Craving another crisp or cobbler? Head over to DanaRecipes for their Peach Cobbler, or treat yourself to their Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix for a fast, family-friendly bake that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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