Apricot Cheesecake Recipe

The Dreamiest Apricot Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Whipping up a delectable apricot cheesecake brings pure joy to any dessert enthusiast.

Creamy textures and sweet fruity notes dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Kitchen experiments often lead to unexpected culinary magic, especially when fresh ingredients sparkle.

Summer’s golden apricots nestle perfectly into this velvety smooth confection.

Smooth cream cheese creates a luxurious foundation that complements the bright fruit’s natural sweetness.

Delicate and elegant, this dessert promises to impress without complicated techniques.

What You Use For Apricot Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Almond Flour, Brown Sugar, Sliced Almonds: Nutty base with a sweet touch, choose finely ground almond flour for smooth texture.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds richness, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
Cheesecake Base Ingredients:
  • Dried Apricots, Water, Amaretto Liqueur, White Sugar: Soft fruit base with deep flavor, select plump and moist dried apricots.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy foundation, ensure it's fully softened at room temperature.
  • White Sugar, Sour Cream, Cornstarch: Adds sweetness, tanginess, and helps stabilize the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile, use pure vanilla for best taste.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and richness, use room temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream, White Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creamy and light topping with subtle sweetness, use full-fat sour cream for best texture.

Apricot Cheesecake How To Make

Apricot Cheesecake How To Make

Step 1: Craft The Crumbly Foundation

Create a delectable base by combining almond flour, brown sugar, and chopped sliced almonds.

Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and thoroughly blend until it resembles coarse, moist crumbs.

Gently press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring an even, compact layer that will support your creamy cheesecake.

Step 2: Prepare Apricot Infusion

Soak dried apricots in a luxurious bath of water and amaretto liqueur, allowing them to become plump and flavor-rich.

Once softened, drain and chop the apricots into small, delightful pieces.

In a separate large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky smooth consistency.

Gradually incorporate sour cream, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Tenderly fold the chopped apricots into the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Preheat the oven to a gentle 325°F.

Pour the luscious cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, creating a beautiful, even layer.

Bake for approximately one hour, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Topping

Whisk together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.

Once the cheesecake has cooled, spread this decadent topping evenly across the surface.

Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours until the topping sets and the entire dessert is thoroughly chilled.

Expert Advice for Apricot Cheesecake

  • Toast almond flour and almonds briefly before mixing to enhance nutty flavor and crispness.
  • Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing eggs to create smoother, crack-free surface.
  • Soak dried apricots longer in amaretto for deeper, more intense fruit infusion and richness.
  • Pat dried apricots completely after soaking to prevent excess liquid from affecting cheesecake consistency.
  • Replace almond flour with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for alternative crust if needed.

Tips For Storing Leftover Apricot Cheesecake

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption.
  • Slice cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Gently warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent texture changes and maintain creamy consistency.
  • Garnish with fresh sliced almonds or a drizzle of apricot preserves when serving leftover slices to refresh appearance and add extra flavor dimension.

Apricot Cheesecake Side Options

  • Pair Perfectly with Nutty Amaretto Delight: Complement the rich almond and apricot flavors with a crisp Moscato d'Asti wine, enhancing the dessert's sweetness and aromatic profile.
  • Boost Creamy Texture Contrast: Serve alongside a light, tangy raspberry sorbet to cut through the cheesecake's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Elevate Apricot Essence: Offer a small glass of apricot brandy as a side, mirroring the dessert's fruit notes and creating a harmonious flavor connection.
  • Crunch Up the Experience: Add a side of toasted almond brittle to echo the crust's nutty undertones and provide a delightful textural counterpoint.

Apricot Cheesecake Recipe Flavor Enhancements to Try

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace almond flour with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or oat flour. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe preparation.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese made from cashews or almonds. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and dairy-free butter for the crust.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use fresh apricots instead of dried to reduce added sugars while maintaining fruity flavor.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use cashew cream cheese, silken tofu, or coconut cream as a base. Replace eggs with flax eggs or aquafaba. Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

FAQs

  • What are dried apricots and why use them in this cheesecake?

Dried apricots are sweet, tangy fruits that add concentrated flavor and natural sweetness to the cheesecake. They provide a unique texture and rich apricot taste when soaked in amaretto liqueur.

  • Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?

Fresh apricots contain more water and might make the cheesecake too wet. Dried apricots are recommended because they have less moisture and more intense flavor, which works better in the recipe.

  • Is amaretto liqueur necessary for this recipe?

Amaretto adds a subtle almond flavor that complements the apricots and enhances the overall taste. If you prefer, you can substitute with apricot juice or water, but the depth of flavor will be slightly different.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking can cause cracking, so watch it carefully during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Apricot Cheesecake That Balances Cream And Fruit

  • Indulge in Simplicity: A delightful cheesecake that transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet dessert with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in just 1.5 hours, this recipe delivers impressive results perfect for gatherings, dinner parties, or weekend family treats.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Easily prepared in advance, the cheesecake can be refrigerated overnight, reducing day-of stress and allowing flavors to develop beautifully.
  • Flavor Adventure: Combines classic cheesecake with luxurious apricot and amaretto notes, offering a sophisticated twist on a traditional dessert that surprises and delights taste buds.
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Apricot Cheesecake Recipe

Apricot Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky smooth cheesecake meets sweet apricot bliss in this irresistible dessert straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Rich cream cheese and ripe apricots create a luxurious harmony you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 eggs, at room temperature
  • 8 ounces dried apricots
  • 1 1/2 cups sour cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/3 cups almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Water to cover apricots

Instructions

  1. Craft the base by combining finely ground almond flour, rich brown sugar, and roughly chopped almonds. Drizzle melted butter throughout the mixture, then firmly press the crumbly blend into the base of a springform pan, creating a sturdy, textured foundation.
  2. Immerse dried apricots in a luxurious bath of water and amaretto, allowing them to soften and absorb the delicate liqueur. Once plump, drain and finely dice the fruit. In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
  3. Gradually incorporate sour cream, cornstarch, fragrant vanilla extract, and eggs into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring each addition is thoroughly integrated. Gently fold the chopped apricots throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor.
  4. Transfer the velvety mixture atop the prepared crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Position the pan in a preheated oven set at 325°F, allowing the cheesecake to bake for approximately one hour until the center sets with a subtle wobble.
  5. Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack, permitting it to stabilize and set naturally. Whisk together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract to create a luxurious topping.
  6. Once cooled, delicately spread the creamy topping across the cheesecake’s surface. Refrigerate for several hours, allowing the dessert to firm and develop its rich, indulgent texture before serving.

Notes

  • Customize the crust by substituting almond flour with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for those with nut allergies.
  • Soak apricots in warm water instead of amaretto to create a non-alcoholic version that’s family-friendly.
  • Prevent cheesecake cracking by baking in a water bath and allowing it to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by toasting almonds before adding them to the crust for a deeper, nuttier profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 399
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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