Sugar Plums are a delightful holiday treat made from dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. These no-bake confections are naturally sweet and full of festive flavor, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or sharing as gifts during the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Sweet: Made with natural ingredients, these treats are guilt-free indulgence.
- No-Bake Recipe: No oven required, making it quick and easy.
- Customizable: Adjust the nuts, fruits, and spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them in decorative boxes or jars for a thoughtful holiday present.
- Classic Holiday Tradition: These timeless treats are a nod to “The Night Before Christmas.”
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dried fruits: Figs, dates, apricots, and prunes
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- Honey or maple syrup
- Warm spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom
- Optional: Orange zest or extract for added flavor
- Finishing: Granulated sugar, shredded coconut, or finely chopped nuts for coating
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop dried fruits and nuts into small pieces or pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the dried fruits, nuts, honey, spices, and orange zest. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a sticky mixture.
- Shape the Sugar Plums: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat: Roll each ball in granulated sugar, shredded coconut, or finely chopped nuts to create a decorative finish.
- Set: Place the sugar plums on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to firm up.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 20 sugar plums
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1–2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Different Coatings: Try cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract.
- Spirited Option: Mix in a tablespoon of rum or brandy for an adult version.
- Festive Touch: Use colored sanding sugar for a holiday-themed look.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store sugar plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Are sugar plums actually made from plums?
No, traditional sugar plums are made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, not fresh plums.
2. Can I use other dried fruits?
Yes, raisins, cranberries, or dried cherries work well.
3. How do I make them less sweet?
Reduce the honey or maple syrup, or choose dried fruits with no added sugar.
4. Can I use a food processor for mixing?
Absolutely, a food processor speeds up the process and creates a finer texture.
5. What’s the best way to package them for gifting?
Place sugar plums in decorative tins or small boxes lined with parchment paper.
6. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, sugar plums can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
7. Are they gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
8. Can I use fresh fruit?
Fresh fruit isn’t recommended as it adds too much moisture and shortens shelf life.
9. What’s the origin of sugar plums?
Sugar plums date back to the 16th century and were originally a type of candied seed or nut. The modern version is inspired by that tradition.
10. Can I skip the coating?
Yes, but the coating adds texture and enhances the presentation.
Conclusion
Sugar Plums are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the holidays. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, they’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or sharing at holiday gatherings. Easy to make and full of natural sweetness, these treats will quickly become a holiday favorite!
PrintSugar Plums
Sugar Plums are a delightful holiday treat with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. These no-bake, naturally sweet snacks are rolled in sugar for a sparkling finish. Perfect for gifting or as a festive dessert!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 sugar plums 1x
- Category: Desserts, Holiday Recipes, No-Bake Treats
- Method: No-bake, Hand-rolled
- Cuisine: European, Holiday Classics
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150 g) dried plums (prunes), chopped
- 1 cup (150 g) dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup (75 g) almonds, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (75 g) walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
1. Prepare the fruit and nuts:
- In a food processor, pulse the dried plums, apricots, almonds, and walnuts until finely chopped but not pureed. If you don’t have a food processor, chop them finely with a knife.
2. Add the spices and honey:
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add the honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well until the mixture is sticky and holds together.
3. Shape the sugar plums:
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Coat in sugar:
- Place the granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the sugar to coat completely, giving them a sparkling finish.
5. Chill and serve:
- Arrange the sugar plums on a plate or in a container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Store sugar plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a variation, substitute dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins for some of the dried plums or apricots.
- Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.