Ah, sugar plums! These delightful little bites are practically synonymous with the holiday season. I remember the first time I tasted them at my grandmother’s house, where the smell of cinnamon and honey filled the air. She always had a plate of sugar plums waiting for us when we arrived, and I can still picture her warm smile as she rolled them in powdered sugar, making them look like sugary snowballs. They’re such a simple yet festive treat, packed with dried fruits and nuts that bring a little cheer to any gathering. Trust me, once you make these no-bake sugar plums, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your own home. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a must-have during the holidays!
Ingredients for Sugar Plums
To create these delightful sugar plums, you’ll need a handful of simple yet wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups dried fruit (like prunes, apricots, or figs) – chop them into small pieces for easy mixing.
- 1 cup nuts (walnuts or almonds work beautifully) – also chopped finely to blend seamlessly with the fruit.
- 1/2 cup honey – this will add just the right amount of sweetness and help bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – for that warm, comforting flavor that screams holidays!
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – a pinch adds a lovely depth to the overall taste.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – for dusting the finished sugar plums, making them look irresistibly sweet.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to start crafting your holiday treats!
How to Prepare Sugar Plums
Getting those delightful sugar plums ready is super simple and oh-so-fun! This no-bake recipe means you won’t be hovering over a hot stove, so let’s dive right in. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a festive treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by chopping your dried fruit and nuts into small, manageable pieces. I usually aim for about the size of a chocolate chip—this helps everything stick together nicely!
- In a large mixing bowl, throw in the chopped dried fruit and nuts. Stir them together until they’re well combined.
- Now, drizzle in that lovely honey, and sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the mix. This is where the magic happens! Stir until everything is nicely coated and combined. It might get a bit sticky, but that just means it’s coming together.
- Using your hands (yes, this is the fun part!), roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; a little rustic charm is what makes them special!
- Once you’ve rolled all the mixture, dust each sugar plum with powdered sugar. This not only looks gorgeous but adds a touch of extra sweetness!
- Finally, pop those beauties in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them easier to eat later.
- Enjoy them chilled or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your sugar plums turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t be shy about adjusting the sweetness—if you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey! Also, make sure your dried fruit is fresh; it really makes a difference in flavor and texture. If you find the mixture too sticky, just wet your hands a little before rolling the balls; it’ll make it so much easier! And hey, if you’re short on time, you can skip the chilling step; they’ll still be delicious, but I find chilling helps them hold their shape better. Finally, feel free to get creative with add-ins—chocolate chips or coconut flakes can add a fun twist!
Variations of Sugar Plums
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many delightful variations you can try with your sugar plums! For a tropical twist, swap out the dried apricots for some dried mango or pineapple—trust me, it adds an amazing burst of flavor. You can also experiment with different nuts; pecans or hazelnuts can give your treats a unique crunch. For a chocolatey indulgence, toss in some mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate right into the mixture. And if you want to add a pop of color, consider incorporating dried cranberries or cherries for a festive look. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to mix and match to create your perfect sugar plum blend!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these delightful sugar plums! Each little plum is estimated to have around 80 calories, making them a guilt-free treat. You’ll find about 12 grams of sugar, primarily from the natural sweetness of the dried fruits and honey. They contain roughly 3 grams of fat, all from the nuts, and provide about 1 gram of protein as well. Plus, with 2 grams of fiber, these little bites are not just tasty but also offer a bit of health benefit! Just keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on the specific ingredients you use!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving sugar plums, the possibilities are as delightful as the treats themselves! I love pairing them with a warm cup of spiced chai or a rich hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon snack. You could also create a beautiful holiday platter by adding some assorted nuts, fresh fruit, and maybe even some cheese for a sweet and savory combo. Another fun idea is to serve them alongside a creamy yogurt dip or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—talk about indulgence! Whatever you choose, these sugar plums are sure to shine as the star of your festive spread!
FAQ About Sugar Plums
What are sugar plums?
Sugar plums are delightful no-bake treats made primarily from dried fruits and nuts, sweetened with honey and flavored with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re a classic holiday treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing!
Can I make sugar plums ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making them a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be even more flavorful and firm when it’s time to enjoy them.
Are sugar plums gluten-free?
Yes, sugar plums are naturally gluten-free since they’re made with dried fruits, nuts, and honey. Just be sure to check the labels on your nuts and dried fruits to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that handles gluten-containing products.
Can I use different fruits or nuts?
Definitely! One of the best parts of making sugar plums is experimenting with different flavors. You can swap in your favorite dried fruits like cherries or apples and try various nuts, like pistachios or pecans. Get creative!
How should I store sugar plums?
Store your sugar plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Sugar Plums: 7 Irresistible No-Bake Holiday Treasures
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic treat often enjoyed during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried fruit (prunes, apricots, figs)
- 1 cup nuts (walnuts, almonds)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Chop dried fruit and nuts into small pieces.
- Mix dried fruit and nuts in a bowl.
- Add honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until combined.
- Roll mixture into small balls.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute nuts with seeds for a nut-free version.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plum
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sugar plums, holiday treats, no-bake dessert
