Sugar plums are a delightful holiday treat with a rich history and a burst of flavors. These sweet, spiced confections are made with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, bound together to create bite-sized festive indulgences. Perfect for gifting or savoring, sugar plums evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Festive and unique:ย Sugar plums are a classic holiday treat that brings a touch of tradition to your celebrations.
- Easy to make:ย With no baking required, this recipe is straightforward and comes together quickly.
- Customizable:ย You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Great for gifting:ย Sugar plums are perfect for packaging in decorative boxes as homemade gifts.
- Naturally sweetened:ย Made with dried fruits and honey, theyโre a healthier alternative to many holiday sweets.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dried fruits (such as prunes, apricots, or figs)
- Chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Ground spices (cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg)
- Orange zest
- Sugar (optional, for coating)
Directions
- Prepare the mixture:ย In a food processor, combine the dried fruits, nuts, honey or maple syrup, orange zest, and spices. Pulse until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough-like consistency.
- Shape the sugar plums:ย Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat (optional):ย If desired, roll the sugar plums in granulated sugar or powdered sugar for a festive finish.
- Chill:ย Place the sugar plums on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Serve or store:ย Once chilled, the sugar plums are ready to enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย This recipe makes about 20 sugar plums.
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Chilling Time:ย 30 minutes
- Total Time:ย 45 minutes
Variations
- Flavor twist:ย Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for additional depth.
- Different nuts:ย Swap almonds for pistachios or pecans for a unique flavor profile.
- Spice it up:ย Experiment with cardamom or ginger for a more complex spiced flavor.
- No sugar coating:ย Roll the sugar plums in shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts instead of sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Keep sugar plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing:ย You can freeze sugar plums for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating:ย Sugar plums are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
What are sugar plums made of?
Sugar plums are typically made with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and sometimes a sweetener like honey.
Are sugar plums actually plums?
No, traditional sugar plums donโt contain fresh plums. The name originates from the shape and sweetness of the treat.
Can I make sugar plums vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to make them vegan-friendly.
How long do sugar plums last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, sugar plums can last up to 2 weeks.
Can I make sugar plums without a food processor?
Yes, chop the ingredients finely with a sharp knife and mix them together by hand.
Are sugar plums healthy?
Sugar plums are naturally sweetened with dried fruits and honey, making them a healthier treat compared to many holiday desserts.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you have a nut allergy, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a substitute.
Can I freeze sugar plums?
Yes, sugar plums can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why are they called sugar plums?
The term โsugar plumโ refers to the sweet, round shape of the treat rather than the use of actual plums.
Can kids make sugar plums?
Yes, sugar plums are easy to make and a great activity for kids to enjoy during the holidays.
Conclusion
Sugar plums are a timeless holiday favorite that combine the sweetness of dried fruits with the warmth of spices. Simple to prepare and endlessly versatile, theyโre a festive addition to any celebration. Whether youโre gifting them or enjoying them yourself, sugar plums are sure to bring holiday cheer!
Print
Sugar Plums
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 sugar plums 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sugar plums are a delightful holiday treat made with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Despite the name, they donโt contain actual plums! These bite-sized, naturally sweet snacks are perfect for gifting or enjoying during festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried figs
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the mix: In a food processor, combine the dried figs, apricots, and dates. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add nuts and spices: Add the toasted almonds, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly coarse.
- Sweeten and bind: Add honey to the mixture and pulse again until it forms a sticky dough-like consistency.
- Shape the sugar plums: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat with sugar: Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Set and store: Place the sugar plums on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set for about 1 hour. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences.
- Add a pinch of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- These can also be rolled in shredded coconut or cocoa powder instead of sugar for variation.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *