Apricot jam is a very common ingredient in several recipes. It has several uses in the kitchen. Apricot jam is basically a jam made from apricots, pectin, and fructose. Some brands have a little bit of rum as one of the ingredients.
Apricot jam is commonly used as a glaze in baked goods like pies, tarts, and crostatas. It can also be used in cakes as layering thanks to its sweet acidic flavor. Apricot jam is also used in some savory dishes like pork and chicken.
You may need to substitute apricot jam with something else for various reasons. Maybe you ran out, or someone in your family is allergic, or you just want to try something new for a change. Whatever the reason, you are in luck.
There are several substitutes that you can use.
Orange marmalade, duck sauce, apple jelly, gelatin, ginger jelly, red currant jelly, and cherry almond jam are suitable substitutes for apricot jam. If you have time, you can just make your own apricot jam at home.
Let’s discuss these awesome substitutes in detail.
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The substitutes
- Orange marmalade
Orange marmalade is one of the best substitutes for apricot jam. Manufacturers make it using Seville oranges. It has a bitter-sweet flavor.
The color and texture of orange marmalade is very similar to that of apricot jam. Therefore, you can use it in most recipes that call for apricot jam. I highly recommend using this substitute when making malva pudding. The results will be amazing.
When using this substitute, it is important to remember it has a more bitter flavor compared to apricot jam. The bitterness may be less noticeable when cooked into savory dishes or used as a glaze, but it will be noticeable when used on toast or a filling for pastries.
In case you want to use orange marmalade as a glaze, strain it before use. Straining it will give you a clear sheen that is more appealing to the eye.
- Duck sauce
Duck sauce is another apricot jam substitute that is suitable for savory dishes. Do not use this substitute in sweet dishes.
Manufacturers make duck sauce using apricots and spices. Therefore, it is the perfect addition to meat including chicken, pork, and ribs. The spices in duck sauce enhance the flavor of savory dishes.
Duck sauce is readily available. You can buy it in grocery stores near you. Just check the Asian section where other sauces are sold.
If you are looking for a substitute that has a lower sugar content, this is the substitute you should use. Just keep it in mind that it has a higher sodium content.
- Apple jelly
Apple jelly can be used in some recipes that call for apricot jam. It is a fruit conserve that combines apple juice with other ingredients like pectin, corn syrup, citric acid, and sugar.
This substitute can be used on toast and muffins. You can also combine it with spices like cinnamon and cloves to make an amazing pork glaze.
The flavor of apple jelly is not the same as that of apricot jam. Therefore, it may not be ideal for use in malva pudding or recipes that require a distinct apricot flavor like apricot chicken.
I highly recommend using apple jelly as a glaze for pastries. It will add a shiny gleam without altering the color of your pastries.
- Gelatin
Gelatin is the perfect substitute when you want to glaze your dishes. My favorite thing about gelatin is that it does not add unwanted flavor to dishes.
To make a glaze using gelatin, follow these simple steps.
- In a small saucepan, combine half a cup of granulated sugar with one cup of water. Heat the mixture till the sugar dissolves then transfer it to a container and let it cool.
- Add a tablespoon of gelatin to half a cup of cool water and allow the mixture to bloom for 8 minutes. Heat the gelatin in a double broiler and stir frequently until all the gelatin dissolves.
- Add the cooled sugar mixture and use the mixture as a glaze when it is still runny
This is an amazing glaze that will glaze your pastries perfectly.
- Ginger jelly
Ginger jelly is an amazing apricot glaze substitute. I love the ginger flavor. If you are like me, you’ll be glad to know that you can use ginger jelly in both sweet and savory dishes
I highly recommend using it in malva pudding. Add a splash of brandy or sherry to the dessert for the best malva pudding you have ever had. You can also use ginger jelly as a glaze for your pastries and fruits.
The only disadvantage with this substitute is that it is not readily available in most stores.
- Red currant jelly
Red currant is another substitute you can use in recipes that call for apricot jam. It is made from sugar, red currants, and rosemary. It is commonly used as a glaze for ham. It is also used in turkey, roast lamb, and chicken.
Red currant jelly has a sweet tangy flavor that is similar to that of apricot jam. Use it in your savory dishes and as a glaze for your pastries.
- Cherry almond jam
Cherry almond is made by combining cherries, pectin, sugar, and almond extract.
It has a distinct sweet cherry flavor that makes it a perfect addition to malva pudding. It gives it an interesting twist, especially when combined with a topping like custard.
- Canned fruit
If you do not have any of the substitutes we have discussed above, you can use canned fruit. A can of peaches or apricots will work just fine.
All you need to do is strain the syrup into a saucepan and add a teaspoon of cornstarch. Heat the mixture until it thickens. Use a fork to crush the fruit and then add it to the mixture when it starts boiling. Let it cook for a few minutes then remove it from heat.
This substitute works well in desserts as well as savory dishes. You can also use it on your pancakes.
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- Dried apricots
Dried apricots are very easy to find. They are an excellent addition to savory dishes. They are not suitable for glazing.
I highly recommend using dried apricots in slow-cooked savory dishes. They transform into a sweet ingredient that balances out the saltiness of the dishes they are added to. Try using this substitute when making apricot dishes.
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Homemade apricot jam
Homemade apricot jam is relatively easy to make, so if you have some time on your hands, you can try making it using the simple recipe that I will share with you.
I love homemade apricot jam because I have control over the ingredients. Therefore, it will taste exactly the way I want it to.
I’m tempted to say that my homemade apricot jam tastes way better than the store-bought ones. Here is how to make your own jam at home.
You will need;
- 2 lbs of apricots
- 9 ozs packet of pectin
- 300g pure brown cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rum (optional)
Instructions
- The first thing you need to do is sterilize the jars. I do this by boiling them in a large saucepan for ten minutes. If you don’t want to boil them, just place them inside your oven at 130 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
- Wash your apricots thoroughly
- Use a sharp knife to cut the apricots into small pieces
- Place the fruit in a large saucepan and add the brown sugar and pectin.
- Place the saucepan on your stovetop and turn on the hit. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently so that it does not stick onto the pan. Once it boils, remove it from heat
- Stir the mixture until the frothy foam disappears. At this point, your jam is ready.
- Pour the jam into your sterilized jars and close the lids.
- Place the jars upside down for five minutes. Doing this will ensure that the lids pop
- Store in a cool dry place until you are ready to use
Pro tips
If you want the best jam, use fruits that are of good quality. They should all be ripe and in good condition.
Always use a large and tall saucepan. Tall saucepans will protect you from any splashes and will also ensure there is no overflow during the cooking process. As the apricots continue to cook, the foam tends to rise.
Do not use more than 4.4 lbs of apricots at a time. Using less fruit allows easy evaporation of the fruit water and consequently the jellification process.
Once you open the jar, store it inside your refrigerator. This way, it will not go bad easily.
Conclusion
Apricot jam is an amazing ingredient you can use in both sweet and savory dishes. You can always use substitutes when you run out or when you want to try something new.
The substitutes will give you similar results. You can also make your own apricot jam for the best results.
Try using them and let me know how your dishes will turn out.
