If you’re looking for a holiday ham recipe that absolutely steals the table, this apricot molasses glazed ham is it. The glaze is rich, glossy, and layered with deep flavor—sweet apricot jam, bold molasses, a hint of coffee, and just enough tang from cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. As it bakes, it caramelizes into a sticky, irresistible coating that seeps into every slice. This is the kind of glazed ham recipe for Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner that people remember.
Other Holiday Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Apricot Glazed Ham
This apricot glazed ham recipe stands out from traditional brown sugar glazes thanks to its deep, complex flavor.
- Sweet + tangy from apricot jam and cider vinegar
- Rich depth from molasses and brewed coffee
- Perfectly balanced with Dijon mustard
- Glossy, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully
- Ideal for holiday ham recipes, Easter ham, or Christmas dinner centerpiece
Ingredients
For the ham:
- 1 (8–9 lb) bone-in, fully cooked smoked ham
For the apricot molasses glaze:
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 (12-ounce) jar apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup brewed coffee
How to Make Apricot Molasses Glazed Ham
Step 1: Prep the Ham
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Place the bone-in smoked ham cut side down in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a light crisscross pattern to help the glaze soak in.
Step 2: Make the Apricot Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- molasses
- apricot jam
- brewed coffee
- cider vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- salt
- vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. This creates a rich apricot glaze for ham that’s smooth and pourable.
Step 3: Bake the Ham
Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1½ to 2 hours (about 10–12 minutes per pound), until heated through.
Step 4: Glaze & Caramelize
Remove foil and generously brush the apricot molasses glaze all over the ham.
Return to oven uncovered and bake another 30–45 minutes, basting every 10–15 minutes.
The glaze will become thick, sticky, and glossy, dripping into the slices.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra glaze from the pan over the top for that shiny, caramelized finish.
Tips for the Best Apricot Glazed Ham
- Use a spiral-cut ham for maximum glaze coverage
- Don’t skip the coffee—it deepens the flavor without tasting like coffee
- Baste often for that sticky, lacquered glaze
- If glaze thickens too much, thin with a splash of water or coffee
What to Serve with Apricot Glazed Ham
This holiday ham recipe pairs perfectly with:
Apricot Molasses Glazed Ham (Sweet, Sticky & Rich Holiday Ham)
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This apricot molasses glazed ham is rich, sweet, and perfectly sticky with deep flavor from apricot jam, molasses, and coffee. Baked until glossy and caramelized, it’s the ultimate holiday ham for Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 (8–9 pound) bone-in, fully cooked smoked ham
For the Apricot Molasses Glaze:
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 (12-ounce) jar apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup brewed coffee
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Score lightly if not spiral cut.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine molasses, apricot jam, coffee, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Bake the ham: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours (about 10–12 minutes per pound) until heated through.
- Glaze the ham: Remove foil and brush generously with glaze.
- Caramelize: Return to oven uncovered and bake an additional 30–45 minutes, basting every 10–15 minutes, until glossy and caramelized.
- Rest and serve: Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra glaze over the top before serving.
Notes
- The coffee enhances richness without making the glaze taste like coffee
- Baste frequently for the best sticky, caramelized finish
- If glaze thickens too much, thin with a splash of coffee or water
- Works beautifully with spiral-cut or unsliced ham
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 2 HOURS 15 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, HAM, HOLIDAYS
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: American, Holiday Recipes
FAQs
Can I make this apricot glazed ham ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and reheat before using.
Can I use a boneless ham?
Absolutely. Just reduce cook time slightly since boneless hams heat faster.
Does the coffee make it taste like coffee?
No—it enhances the richness and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The glaze keeps the ham moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This apricot molasses glazed ham is everything you want in a holiday centerpiece—sweet, sticky, rich, and deeply flavorful. The combination of apricot jam, molasses, and coffee creates a glaze that’s bold yet balanced, giving you that perfect glossy finish every time. Whether you’re planning an Easter dinner, Christmas feast, or a cozy Sunday meal, this is a glazed ham recipe that delivers every single time.
Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to holiday ham recipe year after year.
