Kumquat Recipes (from Breakfast to Cocktails)
If kumquat recipes elude you, these are for you. You can use those tiny citrus fruits (that most people just don’t know what to do with) for dishes from breakfast to cocktails–there’s something for everyone!
Kumquats are a winter fruit here in Southern California. While I have a small kumquat tree, it produces a lot of fruit, so I need a lot of kumquat recipes.
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Many of my neighbors have kumquat trees, and kumquat bushes, too. However, after discussing their kumquat situation, the consensus is that almost no one consumes the fruit. In fact, they don’t even pick these golden gems because they just don’t know what to do with them, which is a terrible shame. Even just using them as a garnish is a step in the right direction!
Kumquats are wonderful miniature citrus fruits which have a rind that is sweeter than their juice! You can read about how to eat a kumquat (to make it taste sweeter.)
If you find yourself with an abundance of kumquats and no idea what to do with them, you are not alone. Inspired by neighbors whose kumquat trees were producing fruit they didn’t know how to use, I have put together this collection of kumquat recipes to help you make the most of this wonderfully versatile citrus fruit: from savory kumquat avocado toast and kumquat marmalade to sweet kumquat desserts.
A heartfelt thank you to the talented photographers who generously allowed me to feature their images here. I hope this collection inspires you, and that you’ll find at least one kumquat recipe you will return to again and again.
Kumquat Recipes (from Breakfast to Cocktails)
1. Quick Pickled Kumquat Avocado Toast from Floating Kitchen
Yes, kumquats for a savory breakfast or lunch is a thing. Healthy and delicious, this avocado toast is simple enough for a weekday breakfast, but fancy enough for a hosted brunch or shower!
2. Olive Oil Roasted Chicken and Cauliflower from Fox & Briar
Elevate your next roast chicken with this aromatic kumquat laden recipe. With only 7 ingredients, it’s a dish you can have for a weeknight meal, any time during kumquat season!
3. Fish Tacos with Kumquat Jalapeno Napa Slaw from My Delicious Blog
Who doesn’t love fish tacos? You’ll have a decidedly citrus kick to these when you taste the spicy, kumquat slaw topping the fish in these marvelous tacos.
4. Kumquat Cake with Orange Glaze
A version of my own Sicilian whole orange cake made with whole kumquats, this will be your go to recipe for using a load of kumquats in one go! This cake is moist, dense and full of citrus flavor.
5. Cardamom Kumquat Bars from Family Spice
A butter shortbread crust is the base for this sweet-tart kumquat dessert with warm spices.
6. Kumquat Cupcakes (with a Glaze or Icing)
Make these crowd pleasing cupcakes for anything from a child’s birthday party to a work or church potluck, or picnic outing! They’re the perfect way to share your kumquat haul!
7. Easy Kumquat Jam RecipeÂ
There’s no need to methodically slice kumquats for this easy jam recipe. Simply remove the pits and chop and you’ll be in business! Perfect for your morning toast and topping cakes! Add a cute “homemade” label to your jars and gift to friends and family!
8. Kumquat Marmalade
For marmalade lovers, this kumquat recipe is the epitome of what marmalade is all about. The rind of the kumquats shines in the flavor, almost as though this is the entire purpose of their being! Everyone who has tasted this marmalade has given rave reviews.
9. Candied Kumquat Recipe from Simply Recipes
Want to preserve those golden beauties to make them last longer? Try making candied kumquats for a sweet treat. You can eat them as is, or using in cakes such as a classic British Christmas cake.
10. Kumquat MartinisÂ
If you love a frosty martini, you’ll flip for this version made with kumquats. They’re cool, fruity and have a sweet-tart flavor that will have guests asking for another round!
11. Kumquat Liqueur
This is my kumquat version of limoncello liqueur and it does not disappoint! Make it plain or a creamy version (same a crema di limoncello.) Drink it straight, or add it to cocktails, or tie a ribbon around pretty bottles and give them as thoughtful gifts!
I hope you enjoyed perusing these kumquat recipes and find something you’ll like! Let me know if you try any of them. Thanks so much!
Edited April 2026: I’ve recently made kumquat chutney and panko shrimp with a citrus sauce from Citrus, Illustrated by George Geary, and they are both keepers! The cute cookbook is filled with 35 quick and easy citrus recipes, and I highly recommend it (makes a great present, especially when gifted with citrus fruit!)
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The line about neighbors not even picking the fruit because they don’t know what to do with it really stayed with me. So many fruits go uneaten because people just don’t know how to use them. Thanks for spreading the word.
Thank you for all these great recipes! I didn’t know what to do with all my kumquats, but this is fantastic! Trying the kumquat cupcakes first, then the jam! Thanks again!
receipe for Kumquat wine please?
what do you do with the fruit after you peel it?
Dear Christina, in your kumquat jam recipe you refer to “water” . Is this the syrup of the fruit or you have added water with the fruits to make jam.
I am writing from Malta and kumquat are very easy to grow.
I thank you in advance for your reply.
Hi Chris, sorry for the delay in responding. I’m a little confused by your question. Water is definitely water and not syrup, though. Please give me more detail/context so I can be sure to answer correctly. I’d love to visit Malta!