Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly easy to whip up, you’re going to love this Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites capture the cozy warmth of holiday spices combined with the natural sweetness of fruit—without any baking required! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep it in your rotation for every festive season and beyond.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe is in the simple, wholesome ingredients that complement each other so well. When shopping, look for good-quality dried plums and fresh spices for the best flavor.

• Fruit Bliss French Plums: These dried plums bring natural sweetness and a chewy texture; if unavailable, prune or dried plum alternatives can work too.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty depth, but feel free to skip or substitute with walnuts if needed.
• Ground Cinnamon: This spice provides warmth and sweetness, key to that holiday flavor profile.
• Dried Orange Peel: Adds subtle citrus brightness that cuts through the sweetness, making the taste more lively.
• Ground Clove: A little goes a long way—this spice adds a slightly spicy, aromatic touch that rounds out the flavor.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Helps enhance all the other flavors with a smooth background note.
• Table Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly and helps make the spices pop.
• Granulated or Raw Sugar: Used for coating, giving a delightful crunch and extra sweetness on the outside.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or prefer—I often change things up depending on the season or pantry stock.

• Nut-Free Option: If you’re avoiding nuts, just leave out the pecans and maybe add a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added texture—I tried this for a friend and everyone loved the twist!
• Spice Mix Variations: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom when I want an extra aromatic kick, and it transforms the flavor beautifully.
• Sweetener Swap: Using coconut sugar or maple sugar for coating adds a rich, unique taste that’s a lovely change if you’re experimenting.
• Fruit Alternatives: While plums are classic, dried cherries or figs can also create wonderful sugar plums if you want to get creative.

How to Make Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients in the Food Processor

Start by adding the dried plums, toasted pecans (if using), ground cinnamon, finely cut dried orange peel, ground clove, vanilla extract, and salt into your food processor. Pulse the mixture in short bursts—you’re aiming for a chunky but well-blended texture, not a puree. The bits of nuts and fruit should still be visible to keep that nice texture. This part always feels a bit like magic to me—the aroma of spices instantly fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture in Spoonfuls

Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper, then spoon about 1-inch dollops of the mixture spaced evenly apart. Pop the tray in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture. This chilling step is crucial—it makes the sugar plums easier to handle and helps them hold their shape when rolling.

Step 3: Roll and Coat Your Sugar Plums

Pour your sugar into a shallow dish. Remove the chilled spoonfuls from the fridge and gently roll each into a ball using the palms of your hands. Then, roll them in the sugar using your fingertips to get a nice coating. These little beauties should stay cold, so don’t overwork them or warm them up too much. The sugar coating gives that classic sugar plum crunch, and I love how it sparkles on top!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately or store chilled until your guests arrive. These sugar plums make a wonderful festive snack or a pretty addition to a dessert platter. I like to enjoy mine with a cup of spiced tea or mulled wine for that perfect cozy vibe.

How to Serve Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting the finished sugar plums with just a pinch of extra cinnamon for a warm, inviting look. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans on top for crunch and presentation. A small sprig of fresh mint on the side can also brighten the plate when serving guests.

Side Dishes

These sugar plums pair beautifully with a cheese board featuring mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone, fresh fruit, and honey. I also enjoy them alongside a warm chai latte or a spiced mulled cider to complement those lovely spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these sugar plums in festive paper cupcake liners and place them on tiered trays with fresh holly leaves (make sure they’re just for decoration). You can also string them on skewers with cubes of cheese and fruit for a fun, edible “plum kebab” that’s a real conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sugar plums in an airtight container lined with parchment paper in the fridge. They keep well for up to a week, though in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch, these sugar plums freeze beautifully. I freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge—they hold their shape and texture surprisingly well.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! I prefer these sugar plums chilled or at room temperature—that’s when their flavors really shine. If you want to warm them slightly, let them sit out for 15 minutes instead of heating directly, so you don’t lose their structure.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I discovered this Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe during a chilly winter a few years back, and it quickly became a household favorite. Its simplicity combined with festive flavors makes it an irresistible treat that I’m always happy to share. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to these plums every season, just like I do. Plus, it’s a lovely way to surprise friends and family with a homemade classic that feels so special but takes so little fuss.

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