Step aside, holiday clichés—Sugar Plums are the magical, naturally-sweet confection your dessert table is craving! These delightful no-bake treats combine plump dried fruits, nuts, warm spices, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a bite that’s both nostalgic and wildly satisfying. Whether you’re seeking the whimsy of “visions of Sugar Plums” or simply a fuss-free dessert, this recipe blends tradition and wholesome ingredients into a snack that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Dried Fruit Mixture:
- 2 cups dried plums (prunes), pitted and chopped
- 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
How to Make Sugar Plums
Step 1: Pulse the Ingredients
Start by loading your food processor with the chopped prunes, dried figs, mixed nuts, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Pulse everything together in a series of short bursts. The goal is to create a sticky, coarse dough—the mixture should cling together when pressed but still have a bit of texture. Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure everything gets evenly incorporated for true Sugar Plums magic.
Step 2: Shape the Sugar Plums
Scoop out spoonfuls of your fragrant mixture and roll them between your palms into small, even 1-inch balls. The mixture might feel a little tacky at first, but that’s exactly what you want for a moist and chewy bite. If things get sticky, dampen your hands lightly with water to make rolling easier.
Step 3: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Add the powdered sugar to a shallow bowl. Gently roll each ball until well coated, giving your homemade Sugar Plums their signature frosted finish. Don’t skip this step—it adds a lovely contrast to the sweet, spiced interior and makes each one look festive and inviting.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Arrange your finished Sugar Plums on a tray or plate in a single layer. Slide them into the fridge for at least one hour. This short chill time firms them up, allowing the flavors to meld and making them easy to handle. You’ll be rewarded with perfectly poppable treats that keep their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Sugar Plums
Garnishes
To add a dash of elegance, consider topping each Sugar Plum with a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, a dusting of edible glitter, or even a few tiny dried rose petals. Presentation is half the fun—these little gems were meant to sparkle! If you prefer a more rustic look, stick with the powdered sugar coating, which gives that classic, storybook appearance.
Side Dishes
Sugar Plums pair beautifully with a steaming mug of mulled wine or spiced cider—perfect for wintry evenings. For a holiday brunch, serve alongside sharp cheeses and fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness. If you like, offer them with after-dinner coffee for a wholesome, conversation-starting treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner storyteller by piling Sugar Plums high on a vintage cake stand or wrapping them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for edible gifts. You can even arrange them in mini cupcake liners for a truly show-stopping dessert spread! For festive gatherings, nestle them between sprigs of fresh holly or rosemary for a natural, charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Sugar Plums have chilled and set, store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll easily keep for up to two weeks, making them perfect for prepping ahead of parties or as a sweet, anytime snack. Keep them separate from strong-smelling foods, as they can pick up other flavors easily.
Freezing
If you want to save your Sugar Plums for even longer, freezing is an excellent option. Arrange the rolled balls (before the powdered sugar coating) on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge, then roll in fresh powdered sugar just before plating for the best texture.
Reheating
Since these are a no-cook dessert, there’s no need to reheat. If you love a slightly softer bite, let them rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. They’ll breathe new life as the flavors warm up and the texture becomes more luscious.
FAQs
Are Sugar Plums actually made with plums?
Absolutely! Dried plums, also known as prunes, are the authentic base of this recipe, providing a sweet and chewy backbone. Modern Sugar Plums sometimes incorporate other dried fruits for variety, but plums are still the star.
Can I substitute the nuts for something else?
Yes, you can! For a nut-free version, try using toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds—they’ll provide similar crunch and richness while keeping the recipe allergy-friendly.
Is there a way to make Sugar Plums vegan?
Definitely. Swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, so you’ll have a delicious vegan treat with all the classic flavors.
Do Sugar Plums need to be refrigerated?
Storing Sugar Plums in the fridge keeps them fresh and firm, particularly since they contain natural ingredients without preservatives. However, they’re sturdy enough to sit out for several hours at a party without any trouble.
Can I use different dried fruits?
Of course! While traditional Sugar Plums highlight plums and figs, you can play with dates, apricots, cherries, or even golden raisins for your own special twist. Just make sure the mixture holds together well when forming the balls.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make some culinary magic, Sugar Plums might just become your new favorite tradition. They’re simple, versatile, and guaranteed to charm your friends and family—no fairy tale required. Go ahead, whip up a batch and savor the joy of sharing a sweet, wholesome treat crafted right in your own kitchen!
Print
Sugar Plums Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes including chilling
- Yield: About 20 sugar plums 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These delightful sugar plums are a festive and flavorful treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, these no-bake goodies are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Dried Fruit Mixture:
- 2 cups dried plums (prunes), pitted and chopped
- 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit and Nut Mixture: In a food processor, pulse the dried plums, figs, nuts, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract until the mixture forms a sticky, coarse dough.
- Shape the Sugar Plums: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each ball to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Arrange the sugar plums on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use a variety of nuts for different textures.
- For a refined sugar-free version, substitute powdered sugar with finely shredded unsweetened coconut flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sugar plum
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
