If you’re looking for a sweet little treat that’s not only nostalgic but bursting with warm flavors, you’re in for a real delight. I’m excited to share my Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe — it’s easy, quick, and absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. These sugar plums are the perfect holiday snack or a nostalgic nod to those classic festive flavors, made even better by a blend of warming spices and a delightful coating of sugar. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for them all season long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses just a handful of pantry staples and dried fruit to create something special.
- No Baking Required: Perfect for when you want a sweet treat without heating up the kitchen.
- Rich, Warm Flavors: The blend of cinnamon, clove, and orange peel gives these sugar plums a cozy, comforting taste.
- Versatile and Fun: Roll them in sugar or try other coatings to match your mood or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a starring role to bring out the rich, spicy, and slightly sweet magic in these sugar plums. I usually opt for quality dried plums and fresh spices — it really makes a difference in taste. And don’t skip the orange peel; it adds that subtle brightness that balances the warm spices perfectly.
- Fruit Bliss French Plums: These dried plums offer great texture and natural sweetness — you can find similar dried plums at most grocery stores.
- Pecans (toasted, optional): Toasting them adds a deeper nutty flavor and a nice crunch, but you can leave them out for a smoother texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: The heart of the warm spice blend — I usually sprinkle a bit more on top for dusting.
- Finely Cut Dried Orange Peel: Adds that lovely citrusy lift that’s subtle but key to the overall flavor.
- Ground Clove: Just enough to add depth without overpowering, clove is that secret spice that ties everything together.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and blends the spices beautifully.
- Table Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and spices perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar or Raw Sugar: For rolling your sugar plums in, adding that classic sparkle and sweetness.
Variations
I love mixing things up sometimes, and this Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe is no exception. Feel free to tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences — it’s surprisingly flexible!
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans entirely, or try sunflower seeds for a different crunchy twist when serving to nut-sensitive friends.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg; I discovered this trick when I wanted an extra cozy vibe during chilly evenings.
- Sweetener Swap: Instead of granular sugar for rolling, try coconut sugar for a caramel-y touch or powdered sugar for a softer finish.
- Fruit Variations: Swap the plums with dates or figs — my family goes crazy for this fruity twist!
How to Make Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients Gently
Start by combining all your ingredients — except the sugar — in a food processor. Pulse them just until everything is mixed but not turned into a paste. I like to keep a little texture here because completely pureed sugar plums lose that delightful chew. Remember, don’t overdo it: short pulses are your friend!
Step 2: Chill Your Sugar Plums
Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Then, using a spoon, dollop about 13 heaping 1-inch spoonfuls onto the paper, similar to making small cookies. Pop them into the fridge for around 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the mixture firm up, making rolling much easier and giving the sugar plums their perfect shape.
Step 3: Roll and Sugar Coat
Once chilled, pour your granulated or raw sugar onto a shallow dish. Using your palms, gently roll each spoonful into a ball, then roll it lightly in the sugar using your fingertips. Here’s what I learned: keep your hands cold and don’t over-roll — you want the sugar plums to stay cool and keep that lovely bite. They’re best enjoyed right away, but they hold up well for a bit in the fridge.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe
- Keep Your Hands Cool: Rolling sugar plums can warm up the mixture quickly, so I sometimes chill my hands or work near the fridge to keep the mixture firm.
- Toast Nuts for Extra Flavor: If using pecans, toasting them before adding really boosts that nutty depth — it’s a trick I swear by now.
- Don’t Over-Process: The goal is a coarse blend with bits of fruit and nuts still visible for the best texture.
- Roll Quickly, Serve Quickly: These sugar plums taste best fresh, so don’t overthink the rolling and serve soon after—you’ll thank me!
How to Serve Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple by dusting with a little extra cinnamon or even a light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. Sometimes I add a tiny twist of fresh orange zest over the top for a zingy fragrance — this always impresses guests!
Side Dishes
These sugar plums pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine. For a holiday gathering, I’ll serve them alongside cheese boards — the sweet-spiced flavor complements sharp cheeses like aged cheddar and tangy goat cheese perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, try presenting these sugar plums in small decorative candy cups or nestled in a bed of fresh pine needles for a rustic holiday feel. I once wrapped them individually in wax paper tied with twine — it made the perfect homemade party favor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover sugar plums in an airtight container in the fridge, layered between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They hold up nicely for about a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, place the sugar plums on a parchment-lined tray first and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This way, they don’t stick together, and you can thaw just the amount you need later. I’ve had great success this way, especially when making them ahead for holiday parties.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats, reheating isn’t necessary. Just let frozen sugar plums thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving to enjoy their best flavor and texture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh plums instead of dried for this recipe?
Fresh plums won’t work quite the same way because their moisture content is much higher, which would affect the texture and make it difficult to roll the sugar plums into balls. Dried plums or prunes provide the ideal chew and sweetness balance for this recipe.
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What can I use if I don’t have dried orange peel?
If you don’t have dried orange peel, finely grated fresh orange zest works well as a substitute. Just make sure to use it fresh and in small amounts so it doesn’t overpower the mix. Another option is a splash of orange extract for a concentrated burst of citrus flavor.
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Can I make these sugar plums vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses dried fruit, nuts, spices, and sugar without any animal products. Just be sure your sugar is vegan-friendly as some sugars are processed with bone char.
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Why do the sugar plums need to be chilled before rolling?
Chilling firms up the mixture, making it easier to roll into neat balls without sticking or falling apart. It also helps maintain a fresh texture that’s just right for that traditional sugar plum experience.
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How long do homemade sugar plums last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they last up to a week. They taste best fresh, so I recommend enjoying them within a few days.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how these Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe bring back cozy memories of festive seasons wrapped up in a bite-sized treat. When I first tried making them, I was surprised by how easy and rewarding the process was — and now they’re a staple in my holiday routine. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a fun, flavorful way to enjoy seasonal spices and fruit without fussing over complicated steps. Plus, sharing these with family and friends always brings smiles and that warm feeling only homemade truly delivers.
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Homemade Sugar Plums with Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 13 sugar plums
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy homemade sugar plums recipe is a delightful and nostalgic Christmas treat that combines dried French plums, warming spices, toasted pecans, and a hint of orange peel. Rolled in sugar for a perfect sweet coating, these bite-sized sugar plums are quick to prepare and require no baking, making them a perfect festive snack or gift.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz Fruit Bliss French Plums (2 packs of 5 oz each; about 2 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted (optional)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp finely cut dried orange peel
- 3/4 tsp ground clove
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp table salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar or raw sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add the French plums, toasted pecans (if using), ground cinnamon, dried orange peel, ground clove, vanilla extract, and salt. Pulse the mixture until all ingredients are combined but not pureed, maintaining some texture.
- Chill the Mixture: Spread a piece of parchment paper on a plate or baking sheet. Using a spoon, place 13 approximately 1-inch spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment, similar to cookie dough scoops. Refrigerate these balls for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll in Sugar: Pour the sugar into a shallow dish. Using your palms, roll each chilled spoonful into a smooth ball and then roll it gently in the sugar using your fingertips to coat evenly. Be careful not to over-roll to keep the balls cold. The sugar coating adds a sweet, delicate crunch.
- Serve: The sugar plums are best served immediately while still cold. Enjoy this classic holiday treat as a sweet snack or a charming edible gift.
Notes
- Quick and easy homemade sugar plums recipe that captures the nostalgic flavors of Christmas.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor but is optional.
- Keep the mixture cold to help the balls hold their shape and for easier rolling.
- You can adjust the sugar amount to your desired sweetness and coating preference.
- Dried orange peel adds a lovely citrus brightness; if unavailable, use finely grated orange zest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sugar plum
- Calories: 103 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
