If you’re craving a delightful treat that feels both festive and timeless, the Traditional Sugar Plums Recipe is exactly what you need. These little bites are packed with rich dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and just the right spices to make your taste buds dance. They capture the true essence of holiday warmth and cozy gatherings, turning simple ingredients into a fancy confection that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just a sweet snack, these sugar plums bring a beautiful blend of textures and flavors that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these classic treats, and the best part is how straightforward and wholesome they are. Each one adds a special touch to the texture, flavor, and character of the sugar plums, creating a perfect balance in every bite.
- California prunes (1/2 cup): These give a natural sweetness and moist base to the sugar plums that helps everything stick together perfectly.
- Walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (1/2 cup): Toasting brings out their nutty richness, adding both crunch and depth to the mix.
- Dates, pitted and chopped (1/4 cup): These add chewy texture and caramel-like sweetness to complement the prunes.
- Dried cranberries (1/4 cup): Their tart, fruity zing cuts through the sweetness and injects vibrant color.
- Hazelnut meal or almond meal, toasted (1/4 cup): This adds a subtle nutty flavor while helping bind everything together naturally.
- Apricot preserves or honey (2 tablespoons): A sticky, fruity sweetener that helps the mixture hold its shape while enhancing flavor.
- Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Warm spice that brings a classic holiday aroma and taste.
- Ground cardamom (1/8 teaspoon): Adds an exotic, citrusy brightness that is simply irresistible.
- Ground cloves (1/8 teaspoon): A pinch of this deepens the spice profile with a cozy hint of warmth.
- Fine sea salt (a pinch): Just enough to balance sweetness and elevate all the flavors.
- Coarse sugar (1/2 cup): For rolling the plums, giving a delightful crunch and sparkle on the outside.
How to Make Traditional Sugar Plums Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit and Nuts
Start by making sure your walnuts are toasted to bring out their full aroma — a quick toast in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes works wonders. Then, chop your dates and prunes into small pieces so they blend smoothly with the other dried fruits and nuts. This mixture is the heart of the sugar plums, so you want the texture to be just right — chewy but not chunky, with every flavor shining through.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Combine the chopped prunes, dates, cranberries, and walnuts in a bowl. Add the toasted hazelnut or almond meal, apricot preserves or honey, and sprinkle in the warming spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a sticky, uniform dough. The mixture should hold together well when pressed, the perfect consistency to roll into little balls without sticking too much to your hands.
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Sugar Plums
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls — you should get about 14 pieces. Pour the coarse sugar into a shallow bowl, then gently roll each ball in the sugar until fully coated. This final crunch is what gives the traditional sugar plums their signature look and texture, with a sparkly sugar shell that adds a satisfying bite.
How to Serve Traditional Sugar Plums Recipe
Garnishes
To make your sugar plums stand out, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible glitter sprinkles to enhance their festive look. Fresh mint leaves or a tiny piece of dried cranberries on top add a pop of color and freshness, making them visually irresistible before the first bite.
Side Dishes
Traditional Sugar Plums Recipe pairs beautifully with hot drinks like spiced tea, mulled wine, or rich hot chocolate. They also complement cheese platters — especially creamy goat cheese or sharp cheddar — adding a sweet and nutty contrast. Serve alongside roasted chestnuts or candied nuts for a true holiday feast that feels abundant and cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving them all on a platter, try stacking your sugar plums in a clear glass jar tied with festive ribbon for a charming gift idea. Alternatively, present them in small cupcake liners nestled in decorative boxes or arrange them around a centerpiece for a striking holiday display. These little fruits also make excellent toppers for cakes or cupcakes, adding texture and flavor that brighten any dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover sugar plums fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This way, they maintain their chewy texture and the crunchy sugar coating stays crisp. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot or the refrigerator can help keep them firm without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your sugar plums in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When wrapped tightly, they freeze beautifully for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and you’ll still enjoy that wonderful texture and layered flavor, as if they were freshly made.
Reheating
Since sugar plums are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, reheating is generally not necessary. However, if you prefer them softer, let them sit in a warm spot for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the sugar coating sticky. Simply enjoy as they are for that authentic traditional feel.
FAQs
Can I substitute different nuts in this Traditional Sugar Plums Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts and hazelnuts offer classic flavors and textures, you can swap in almonds, pecans, or even pistachios. Just toast them first to bring out their natural oils and flavor, maintaining the crunchy contrast that makes these treats so special.
Are there any alternatives to apricot preserves or honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as natural sweeteners that help bind the mixture. Just keep in mind that liquid sweeteners might slightly change the texture, so you might need to adjust the nut meal or add a little extra to keep the dough firm enough to roll.
Can I make sugar plums without dried fruit?
Dried fruits are essential to authentic Traditional Sugar Plums Recipe because they provide the moisture, sweetness, and chewy texture. Omitting them would significantly alter the taste and consistency, so it’s best to stick with the recipe’s fruit mix for that signature flavor.
How do I know when the plums are perfectly coated with sugar?
A good sugar coating should fully cover the surface of each ball without being patchy or clumpy. The sugar will add a sparkly crunch and prevent sticking. Roll the balls gently and evenly, tapping off excess sugar if needed to avoid a heavy, grainy feel.
Can these sugar plums be made vegan?
Yes! Just swap the honey for a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. All of the other ingredients are naturally vegan, so it’s an easy adjustment to keep the recipe fully plant-friendly without losing any of the traditional charm.
Final Thoughts
Making the Traditional Sugar Plums Recipe is such a heartwarming experience that invites you to slow down and savor simple, wholesome flavors. These sugar plums are more than a sweet treat — they’re a celebration of tradition, friendship, and the joy of sharing. Once you try them, you’ll find they’re the kind of recipe you’ll want to make year after year. Go ahead and dive in; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Traditional Sugar Plums Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (toasting nuts only)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 14 pieces
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Traditional / American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Traditional Sugar Plums recipe is a delightful, no-bake treat combining the rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Perfect as a festive holiday snack or a healthy dessert, these sugar plums showcase a blend of California prunes, walnuts, dates, and cranberries enrobed in a touch of apricot preserves and rolled in coarse sugar for a crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Dried Fruits & Nuts
- 1/2 cup California Prunes (about 3.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted & coarsely chopped, about 2 oz)
- 1/4 cup dates (pitted & chopped, just over 1 oz, about 5) or dried figs
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (about 1.25 oz)
- 1/4 cup hazelnut meal or almond meal (toasted) or hazelnut or almond flour
Flavorings & Spices
- 2 Tablespoons apricot preserves (or honey)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
Coating
- 1/2 cup sugar (preferably coarse sugar for crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit and Nuts: Begin by toasting the walnuts and your chosen nut meal (hazelnut or almond) lightly until fragrant. Then, coarsely chop the toasted walnuts. Chop the pitted dates or figs finely, ensuring they are soft enough to blend well.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the California prunes, chopped dates, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and nut meal. Stir in the apricot preserves (or honey) along with cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Form the Sugar Plums: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about the size of a walnut, making approximately 14 pieces from the batch.
- Roll in Sugar: Pour the coarse sugar onto a shallow plate or bowl. Roll each formed sugar plum in the sugar to coat all sides, giving them a crunchy and attractive finish.
- Chill and Serve: Place the sugar plums onto a tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let them firm up. Enjoy them as a sweet snack or festive treat.
Notes
- If preferred, you can substitute the apricot preserves with honey for a different flavor twist and natural sweetness.
- Toasting the walnuts and nut meal enhances their flavor, but be careful not to burn them.
- Use whole nuts ground into a meal if you do not have pre-made almond or hazelnut meal.
- Coarse sugar on the outside adds a pleasant crunch and sparkle; if unavailable, fine sugar can be used but the texture will be different.
- This recipe does not require any baking or cooking beyond toasting the nuts, making it quick and easy.
