National Dish Austria: Apricot Slices (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Apricot Slices, a sunny little treat that captures everything lovely about an Austrian summer. Tender sponge layers meet juicy, golden apricots for a dessert that is as easy to throw together as it is to devour. Whether you are baking for a family gathering, a celebration or simply a quiet afternoon with a cup of coffee, this bright, fruity bake is guaranteed to win people over.
About Apricot Slices
Apricot Slices are a genuine highlight of Austrian baking and enjoy a well-earned place at the table. This traditional dessert stands out for its effortless preparation and its unmistakable flavour, which brings the warmth of summer straight into your home. The pairing of juicy apricots with a light sponge batter makes these slices a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether at family celebrations, festive get-togethers or simply as a sweet snack, this bake is always a hit — much like the beloved sweets of Austrian cuisine more broadly.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 80 g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla sugar
- 200 g apricots (fresh or from a jar)
- 1 tbsp icing sugar (for dusting)
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for your ingredients, try to choose fresh apricots if they are in season. These give the dessert a special character and bring a true taste of summer to every bite. Otherwise, jarred apricots work well too, although they are a little less intense in flavour. The rest of the shopping list — including sugar, flour and baking powder — is easy to find in any supermarket.
Preparing the dish
Preparing apricot slices is wonderfully straightforward and does not take much time. To start, wash and stone the apricots if you are using fresh fruit. For an even more intense aroma, you can briefly macerate the fruit with a little sugar and lemon juice to draw out its natural flavour. Make sure all the other ingredients are measured out and ready so the preparation runs smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar in a bowl until the mixture is pale, light and airy.
- Combine the flour and baking powder, then gently fold them into the egg mixture.
- Spread the batter evenly across the baking tray and bake for about 12–15 minutes.
- Once the sponge has cooled, arrange the apricots on top.
- Dust with icing sugar and cut into pieces ready to serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make these apricot slices gluten-free, simply use a blend of gluten-free flour and baking powder in place of the wheat flour. If you want to keep things lactose-free, the recipe is easily adapted with lactose-free alternatives. This lets you tailor the dessert exactly to your needs without giving up any of the flavour, and the texture stays just as light and fluffy.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of the apricot slices, the eggs can be swapped for apple purée or 1 tbsp of chia seeds soaked in water. These alternatives give a similar binding effect in the batter while adding a mild flavour of their own. You can also reach for fresh, juicy apricots to keep everything plant-based. The bonus is a dessert that is not only delicious but also kind to animals.
More tips and tricks
To get the very best from your apricot slices, keep a close eye on the baking time so the sponge does not dry out. A nice, juicy topping keeps the dessert fresh and tempting. Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or cherries, to discover new flavours. Serve the slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
These apricot slices are easy to adapt to personal preference. Try adding a little lemon or orange zest to the sponge batter for a fresh lift. A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract can enrich the flavour too. Small touches like these make the classic recipe even more interesting and personal — perfect if you also enjoy fruity bakes like Sour Cherry Slices.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have apricots to hand, other fruits work beautifully. Apples, pears or berries are excellent alternatives that suit this kind of dessert well. Use whichever fruit you prefer and adjust the amount of sugar to match its sweetness. This keeps the recipe flexible and lets you make the most of whatever is in season — a similar idea to a comforting bowl of Plum Compote.
Drink pairing ideas
Several drinks pair wonderfully with apricot slices. A refreshing iced tea or a fruity white wine is a perfect match for the sweet dessert. For an alcohol-free option, a lemonade-style cooler also works well, echoing the sweetness of the apricots. These combinations round off the experience and present the dessert in style.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important part when serving your apricot slices. Cut the dessert into small, even pieces and arrange them on a pretty plate. A light dusting of icing sugar and a sprig of fresh mint can lift the look even further. An appealing presentation makes the dessert all the more inviting and is sure to impress your guests.
A bit of history
Apricot slices have their origins in Austrian baking and reflect the country’s rich tradition of sweet dishes. They are often served in the warmer months, when apricots are at their peak. There are various regional variations that treat the classic sponge base or the topping a little differently. These deep-rooted origins help explain why the dessert holds such a special place in Austria, enjoyed not only at celebrations but in everyday life too — alongside fruity favourites such as Apricot Dumplings.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Apricot Slices
In short, apricot slices are a delicious, traditional dessert that no Austrian kitchen should be without. With their simple preparation and the scope to try countless variations, they are perfect for festive occasions or simply for everyday enjoyment. Do not miss out on this little beauty — give it a go yourself! The combination of sweet apricots and airy sponge turns every bite into a treat.
