Apricots In Apricot Almond Cake

Our answer

Nigella's Apricot Almond Cake Cake With Rosewater And Cardamom (from SIMPLY NIGELLA) is made with a base of dried apricots that are cooked in a little water until hydrated but sticky, and then pureed with ground almonds (almond meal) and the remaining cake ingredients.

In theory it should be possible to make the cake with fresh apricots. However in practice it is probably not particularly practical as you would need to cook the apricots on a very low heat and for a very long time to reduce the apricot puree and get the same flavour, texture and consistency as the dried apricot puree. This process also requires a lot of attention and stirring to prevent the puree from burning on the bottom of the saucepan so it is quicker and easier to use dried apricots. It may be better to use the fresh apricots in a dish where their colour and flavour are showcased, such as in a crumble. Try using the quartered and pitted apricots as an alternative to frozen fruits in Nigella's Jumbleberry Crumble or as a substitute for strawberries in Strawberry And Almond Crumble.