Sweet Sugar Plums – There’s something so magical about sugar plums—just the name itself evokes holiday spirit! This Sweet Sugar Plums Recipe. Brings together dried prunes, almonds, cinnamon, and a medley of dried fruits. To create a festive. And delicious treat. Perfect for a holiday dessert table. These sugar plums are easy to make. And full of Christmas flavors.
The first time I made these Sweet Sugar Plums. It was all about capturing. That whimsical holiday feeling. I remember my husband. And child gathering around. Intrigued by the aroma of toasted almonds. And spices. Wafting through the kitchen. They couldn’t wait to try them. And as soon as they did. Their faces lit up with delight. It was then that I knew. These little treats would become. A holiday tradition in our home. The combination of sweet. And spiced flavors. With the chewy texture of dried fruits. Is simply irresistible.
What makes this Sweet Sugar Plums truly special?
This Sweet Sugar Plums Recipe. Is not only easy to make. But it’s also a healthier alternative. To the usual holiday confections. With the natural sweetness from dried fruits. And honey. Along with the festive spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. These sugar plums offer a burst of flavor. In every bite. They’re also versatile. Perfect for gifting. Adding to your holiday dessert table. Or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. By the fire.
What You Need To Make This Sweet Sugar Plums Recipe?
Sugar Plum or Dried Prunes: The base of this recipe. Prunes add a deep, rich sweetness. And a beautiful plum color. They’re also packed with fiber. And antioxidants.
Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor. And adds a satisfying crunch to the sugar plums. Almonds also provide a good source of healthy fats.
Cinnamon: A classic holiday spice. That adds warmth. And depth to the sugar plums.
Fresh Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg. Offers a more intense flavor than pre-ground. Bringing a lovely aromatic quality to the mix.
All-Spice: This spice ties everything together. With its combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in one. It enhances the overall flavor profile.
Dried Cranberries and Dried Cherries: These fruits add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the prunes. Balancing the flavors. And adding a pop of color.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors. Adding a touch of sweetness. And warmth.
Granulated Sugar: Used to roll the finished sugar plums. The sugar gives them a sparkly, festive finish.
Steps To Make Sweet Sugar Plums:
Step 1: Toast the Almonds: Start by toasting the almonds in the oven. Until they’re golden and fragrant. This step really enhances their flavor. Making them extra tasty in the sugar plums.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the toasted almonds, prunes, cranberries, cherries, and spices. Add the vanilla extract. And blend. Until the mixture forms a sticky, cohesive mass.
Step 3: Shape the Sugar Plums: Using a small ice cream scooper. Or a tablespoon. Scoop out the mixture. And roll it into 1 ½ inch balls. Make sure they’re nice. And compact.
Step 4: Coat in Sugar: Roll each sugar plum in granulated sugar. Until they’re evenly coated. Giving them that classic sparkly look.
Step 5: Serve and Store: Arrange the sugar plums in a candy dish. Or pop them into mini cupcake wrappers. They’re best enjoyed at room temperature. And can be stored in an air-tight container. For up to 2 weeks.
Tip:
For the best flavor. Toast your almonds in the oven. Until they’re just golden brown. This enhances their natural nuttiness. And adds a delightful crunch. To your sugar plums. When blending the ingredients. Pulse the food processor. Instead of running it continuously. This helps achieve the perfect texture. Ensuring the mixture is sticky enough to hold together. Without becoming too pasty. If your mixture is too dry. Add a tiny bit of orange juice. Or honey to bind it. But be careful not to make it too wet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would be great alternatives. Just make sure to toast them. For added flavor.
Can I skip the granulated sugar coating?
Yes. You can! If you prefer a less sweet version. Simply skip the sugar coating. Or substitute with finely chopped nuts. Or coconut flakes.
How long do these sugar plums keep?
These sugar plums can be stored in an airtight container. At room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Making them a great make-ahead treat. For the holidays.
Sweet Sugar Plums Recipe
Description
This Sweet Sugar Plums Recipe. Is a delightful blend of holiday flavors. And textures. The combination of toasted almonds, sweet prunes, and tangy dried cranberries and cherries. Creates a treat. That’s both wholesome and indulgent. The warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and all-spice—bring out the festive spirit. Making these sugar plums. A perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Simple to prepare. And irresistibly delicious. These treats are sure to become a holiday favorite. In your home.
Ingredients
Sugar Plum or dried prunes
Almonds
Cinnamon
Fresh Nutmeg
All-spice
dried cranberries and dried cherries
Vanilla extract
Granulated sugar
Instructions
Toast Almonds: Toast the almonds in the oven. Until golden brown. Enhancing their flavor.
Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, blend the toasted almonds, prunes, cranberries, cherries, and spices. Add vanilla extract. And pulse until the mixture is sticky. And well-combined.
Shape and Roll: Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture. Then roll it into 1 ½ inch balls. Coat each ball in granulated sugar. Until fully covered.
Serve and Store: Arrange the sugar plums on a dish. Or in mini cupcake wrappers. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. For up to 2 weeks.
Notes
To make this Sweet Sugar Plums Recipe gluten-free. Ensure that all your ingredients. Especially the dried fruits and spices. Are certified gluten-free. Sometimes, dried fruits can be processed with gluten-containing ingredients. So it’s essential to check the labels. Additionally, consider using gluten-free vanilla extract. The recipe is naturally gluten-free. But these precautions. Will ensure that everyone. Including those with gluten sensitivities. Can enjoy these delightful treats.
My name is Natasha and I am the owner of nodashofgluten.com, a blog dedicated to all kinds of recipes. On my website, you can find classic dishes, vegetarian delights, creative snacks, Gluten-free recipes, and desserts – all proving that cooking isn’t as hard as it seems! With easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make your meals even better, I strive to help everyone become master chefs in their own kitchen. Come join me at nodashofgluten.com for some delicious fun!
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