Homemade Sugar Plums with Spiced Nut and Fruit Filling Recipe

Introduction

Sugar plums are a delightful no-bake treat combining sweet dried fruits, toasted nuts, and warm spices. These bite-sized sweets are perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple homemade snack that feels special and festive.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup prunes, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried apricots or dates, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup toasted, unsalted almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted, unsalted pecans, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cherry jam
• 3/4 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup coarse sugar for coating (purple sugar recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast the almonds and pecans by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking at 350˚F for 6-7 minutes, until fragrant and nutty. You can skip this step if preferred.
2. Step 2: Finely chop all dried fruit. Add the chopped fruit and toasted nuts to a food processor, then pulse until finely chopped.
3. Step 3: Add cherry jam, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Pulse again until the mixture becomes sticky and starts to come together.
4. Step 4: Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Shape each portion into an oval. Optionally, press a toothpick into the front to make an indentation.
5. Step 5: Roll each shaped plum in coarse sugar until well coated. For a festive touch, you can insert a small rosemary sprig on top to resemble a stem.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately or store as directed below.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try substituting dried apricots with figs or dates.
• Use your favorite jam if cherry is not available—raspberry or plum jam works well.
• If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop all ingredients by hand and mix thoroughly.
• Experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or pistachios for variation.
• To make them vegan, be sure to use jam without gelatin or animal products.

Storage

Store sugar plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. These treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make sugar plums without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely chop the dried fruit and nuts by hand and then mix with the other ingredients. It will take a bit more time but still results in delicious sugar plums.

What is the best way to serve sugar plums?

Sugar plums are great on their own as a sweet snack, or you can serve them alongside cheese and crackers or as part of a holiday dessert platter.

Homemade Sugar Plums with Spiced Nut and Fruit Filling Recipe

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Sugar plums are a delightful, no-bake treat combining finely chopped dried fruits and toasted nuts blended with warm spices and a touch of cherry jam, rolled in coarse sugar for a sweet, festive finish. These bite-sized sweets are perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a naturally sweet and flavorful snack.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 sugar plums 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dried Fruits

• 1/2 cup prunes, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried apricots or dates, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Nuts

• 1/2 cup toasted, unsalted almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted, unsalted pecans, chopped

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cherry jam
• 3/4 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp cardamom
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 cup coarse sugar for coating (such as purple sugar)

Instructions

1. Toast Nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds and pecans evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 6-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted. Remove from oven and let cool. Toasting intensifies the nutty flavor and enhances the texture.
2. Chop Dried Fruits: Finely chop the prunes, dried apricots or dates, and dried cranberries by hand. This ensures even texture and blends well with nuts.
3. Process Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chopped dried fruits and toasted nuts. Pulse several times until everything is finely chopped but still slightly textured. Add cherry jam, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Pulse again until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed.
4. Shape Sugar Plums: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the mixture. Shape each scoop into an oval with your hands. Optionally, use a toothpick to create an indentation in the front to mimic a classic sugar plum look.
5. Coat with Sugar: Roll each formed plum in the coarse sugar until they are well coated. For a festive touch, optionally insert a small rosemary sprig into the top as a stem.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Place the sugar plums on a serving plate. These treats can be refrigerated to firm up slightly before serving, or eaten immediately. They make a perfect naturally sweet snack or holiday treat.

Notes

• Toasting the nuts is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor.
• You can substitute dried apricots with dates based on preference.
• Coarse sugar coating adds a crystalline texture and sweet crunch to the plums.
• Keep sugar plums refrigerated if not consuming immediately to maintain freshness.
• These sugar plums are naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Keywords: sugar plums, dried fruit treats, no-bake desserts, holiday sweets, naturally sweet snacks, vegan desserts, gluten free dessert