How To Make Almond Extract With Apricot Pits

You can make almond extract with apricot pits by using the kernels inside the pits, which contain benzaldehyde—the same compound that gives almonds their signature flavor.
 
It sounds a little surprising at first, but apricot kernel extract has been used as a homemade almond flavoring for generations.
 
The key is doing it safely and correctly, because apricot pits also contain amygdalin, a compound that can release small amounts of cyanide.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make almond extract with apricot pits the right way, including the safety steps, the process, and how to store your finished extract.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Can Make Almond Extract With Apricot Pits

Yes, you can make almond extract with apricot pits, and here’s why it works so well:
 

1. Apricot Kernels Contain Benzaldehyde

The flavor of almond extract comes primarily from benzaldehyde, a natural compound that gives almonds their distinctive taste.
 
Apricot kernels—the seeds inside the pits—are loaded with benzaldehyde too.
 
That’s why apricot pit extract tastes so much like almond extract and why making almond extract with apricot pits is such a clever kitchen trick.
 

2. The Flavor Profile Is Nearly Identical

If you’ve ever tasted an apricot kernel, you know it has that faintly bitter, marzipan-like flavor.
 
That’s no coincidence.
 
Almonds and apricot kernels are close botanical relatives, so when you make almond extract with apricot pits, the resulting flavor blends right into cakes, cookies, and pastries without anyone guessing the difference.
 

3. It’s a Traditional Homemade Method

In many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern kitchens, apricot kernels have long been used to make almond extract and almond-flavored syrups.
 
So making almond extract with apricot pits isn’t a modern hack—it’s a time-tested tradition.
 
When you make almond extract with apricot pits at home, you’re following a method that home cooks have trusted for generations.
 

How to Make Almond Extract With Apricot Pits Safely

The most important part of learning how to make almond extract with apricot pits is handling the safety side properly.
 
Here’s how to make almond extract with apricot pits step by step:
 

1. Crack the Pits and Remove the Kernels

Start by cracking open the apricot pits with a nutcracker or a hammer wrapped in a cloth.
 
Inside, you’ll find small, almond-like kernels—these are what you’ll use to make almond extract with apricot pits.
 
Discard the hard shells and keep the kernels intact.
 

2. Blanch the Kernels to Reduce Amygdalin

Before you make almond extract with apricot pits, blanch the kernels in boiling water for about three minutes.
 
This step helps reduce amygdalin, the compound that can produce cyanide.
 
After blanching, drain the kernels and pat them dry—this is a crucial safety step when you make almond extract with apricot pits.
 

3. Chop the Kernels Finely

To make almond extract with apricot pits, chop the blanched kernels coarsely.
 
More surface area means faster flavor extraction, so chop them into small pieces before adding them to your jar.
 

4. Combine With Vodka or Another Neutral Spirit

Place the chopped kernels into a clean glass jar and cover them with vodka or another neutral alcohol at about 80 proof.
 
Use roughly one part kernels to three parts alcohol when you make almond extract with apricot pits.
 

5. Seal, Shake, and Wait

Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place.
 
Shake it once a day when you make almond extract with apricot pits, and let it steep for four to six weeks.
 

6. Strain and Bottle Your Extract

After the steeping period, strain out the kernels using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
 
Pour the finished liquid into a dark glass bottle, and your almond extract made with apricot pits is ready to use.
 

Safety Rules When You Make Almond Extract With Apricot Pits

Making almond extract with apricot pits is safe when done properly, but these precautions matter:
 

1. Never Skip the Blanching Step

Blanching reduces amygdalin, so don’t rush this step when you make almond extract with apricot pits.
 

2. Use Only the Kernels, Not Whole Pits

When you make almond extract with apricot pits, use only the inner kernels—the hard shells should never go into your jar.
 

3. Keep the Extract Out of Reach of Children

Even properly made apricot pit extract should be used sparingly, and it’s not meant for children.
 

4. Use Your Extract in Small Amounts

A teaspoon or two per recipe is plenty—the same as standard almond extract.
 

So, Can You Make Almond Extract With Apricot Pits?

You can make almond extract with apricot pits by using the kernels inside the pits, blanching them, and steeping them in vodka.
 
The kernels contain benzaldehyde, the compound behind that classic almond flavor, which is why this method works so well.
 
Just remember to blanch the kernels, strain the extract, and use it in small amounts.
 
Hope this post has helped you learn how to make almond extract with apricot pits at home, from cracking the pits to bottling your very own batch.