Introduction

Delicious Sugar Plums are a delightful treat that blend dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices into bite-sized ovals coated with coarse sugar. These naturally sweet, festive confections are perfect for holidays or as a wholesome snack any time of year.

The image shows a white plate with fourteen small, round, purple pastries that look like little fruits. Each pastry is covered with large sugar crystals giving a sparkling effect. They have a split down the middle, revealing a hint of orange inside. Small green leaves are placed on top of each pastry, adding a pop of color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting highlighting the texture of the sugar and the smoothness of the pastries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Prunes (finely chopped)
1 cup Dried Apricots or Dates (choose one)
1 cup Dried Cranberries
1 cup Toasted Almonds (chopped)
1 cup Toasted Pecans
1/2 cup Cherry Jam
1 tbsp Orange Zest (sprinkle)
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
1/4 tsp Cardamom
1/4 tsp Salt
1 cup Coarse Sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the chopped almonds and pecans on a sheet pan. Toast them for 6-7 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 2: Finely chop the prunes, dried apricots (or dates), and cranberries.
Step 3: Place the chopped fruits and toasted nuts into a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well combined.
Step 4: Add the cherry jam, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, cardamom, and salt to the mixture. Pulse again until the mixture is cohesive and sticky.
Step 5: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and shape each portion into an oval form with your hands.
Step 6: Use a toothpick to create a small indentation on the front of each sugar plum.
Step 7: Roll each shaped plum in coarse sugar until they are generously coated.

Tips & Variations

Substitute dried apricots with dates for a richer sweetness and softer texture.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture before shaping.
Use different nuts such as walnuts or pistachios to vary the texture and taste.
If you don’t have cherry jam, try apricot or raspberry jam as a flavorful alternative.

Storage

Store sugar plums in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 3 weeks. Before serving, let them come to room temperature. They do not require reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a small pile of dark red grapes covered in frost, stacked in a shallow white bowl. The grapes have a crunchy texture from the frost, which sparkles softly in warm light, creating a contrast with the deep berry color of the fruit. The background shows soft, round light spots that give a cozy feeling, and the scene is set on a white marbled surface. The grapes are centered in the bowl, with some grapes slightly overlapping each other, showing depth and freshness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make sugar plums without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely chop all ingredients by hand and mix thoroughly, though the texture may be less uniform.

Are sugar plums gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe contains no gluten ingredients and is naturally gluten-free.

Delicious Sugar Plums Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

Delicious Sugar Plums are a delightful blend of finely chopped dried fruits and toasted nuts, flavored with warm spices and a hint of citrus. These bite-sized treats are rolled in coarse sugar for a sweet, textured finish, perfect for holiday gifting or snacking.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 sugar plums 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits & Nuts

1 cup Prunes (finely chopped)
1 cup Dried Apricots or Dates (choose one, finely chopped)
1 cup Dried Cranberries
1 cup Toasted Almonds (chopped)
1 cup Toasted Pecans (chopped)

Other Ingredients

1/2 cup Cherry Jam
1 tbsp Orange Zest (sprinkle)
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
1/4 tsp Cardamom
1/4 tsp Salt
1 cup Coarse Sugar (for coating)

Instructions

Toast Nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the chopped almonds and pecans evenly on a sheet pan. Toast them for 6-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Chop Fruits: Finely chop the prunes, dried apricots or dates, and dried cranberries to prepare them for blending.
Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped fruits and toasted nuts into a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well combined.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add cherry jam, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, cardamom, and salt to the food processor with the fruit and nut mixture. Pulse again until the mixture becomes cohesive and sticky.
Shape Sugar Plums: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and shape each portion into an oval form using your hands.
Create Indentation: Use a toothpick to create a small indentation on the front of each shaped plum for an authentic look.
Coat in Sugar: Roll each sugar plum generously in coarse sugar until fully coated. Set aside on a tray to firm up before serving or storing.

Notes

You can substitute dried apricots with dates according to your preference.
Ensure nuts are fully cooled after toasting to prevent melting the fruit mixture.
For a more intense citrus flavor, adjust the amount of orange zest or add lemon zest.
Store sugar plums in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
This recipe does not involve any baking beyond toasting nuts, so it’s quick and easy to prepare.

Keywords: Sugar Plums, Dried Fruit Dessert, Holiday Treats, No-Bake Dessert, Festive Snacks, Nuts and Fruit Balls