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Festive Sugar Plums

These no-bake holiday treats blend dried fruits and toasted spiced nuts with brandy and citrus, rolled in sugar for a traditional festive confection.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.
Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:37:48 GMT
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A plate of four round, sugar-coated sweets garnished with cardamom pods and pieces of dried fruit, with an orange in the background. Pin it
A plate of four round, sugar-coated sweets garnished with cardamom pods and pieces of dried fruit, with an orange in the background. | quickierecipe.com

I've fallen in love with making these charming sugar plums during the holidays. They remind me of stories from childhood with visions of sugarplums dancing in children's heads. The magic happens when dried fruits nuts and warm spices come together into these delightful little treats. I adore how they bring that touch of Victorian elegance to my modern holiday celebrations.

A Sweet Trip Through Time

These treats have such a fascinating history dating back to Victorian times. I love imagining them displayed on grand holiday tables centuries ago. Now I bring out my sugar plums for everything from intimate gatherings to festive parties. That unique blend of natural sweetness and gentle spices never fails to intrigue my guests.

What You'll Need

  • Dried Fruit: Figs, dates, or prunes for natural sweetness and stickiness. Soak in orange juice for added moisture.
  • Nuts: Toasted almonds, walnuts, or your favorite combination, finely chopped.
  • Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the festive flavor.
  • Orange Zest and Juice: Adds brightness and complements the dried fruit.
  • Brandy or Rum (optional): A splash for depth and indulgence.
  • Granulated Sugar: For rolling, adding texture and sparkle.

Let's Make Some Magic

Prepare the Ingredients
Toast nuts with spices over medium heat until fragrant. Soak dried fruit in orange juice for added moisture.
Blend the Mixture
Combine toasted nuts and soaked dried fruit in a high-powered food processor. Blend into a thick, sticky paste.
Shape and Coat
Roll the paste into small plum-sized balls, then coat in granulated sugar for a festive finish.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for a few days to let the flavors develop, then serve or store in an airtight container.

Make Them Your Own

I love playing around with different combinations of fruits and nuts in my sugar plums. Sometimes I'll use raisins instead of figs or try different liqueurs for extra flavor. My favorite twist is rolling them in sparkly colored sugar it makes them look like precious jewels.

My Best Tips

I've learned that using really good quality soft dried fruits makes all the difference. Soaking them beforehand helps create that perfect texture. You'll definitely want a strong food processor these can be quite sticky. I love making colorful sugar coating by shaking regular sugar with a tiny bit of food coloring in a bag.

Keeping Them Fresh

I like to let my sugar plums hang out in the fridge for a few days before serving it really lets those flavors meld together beautifully. They'll stay fresh for about a month which makes them perfect for making ahead during the busy holiday season.

Why I Love These Little Treats

These sugar plums are such a refreshing change from modern candies. They're wonderfully simple to make yet look so elegant. Every time I serve them people are intrigued by their old world charm. It feels special to keep this beautiful tradition alive in my own kitchen.

Perfect Partners

Nothing beats enjoying these sugar plums with a steaming cup of spiced tea or mulled wine. They're also fantastic on cheese boards adding that perfect sweet note. I especially love how they work in any setting from casual afternoon tea to fancy holiday parties.

Share The Joy

These sugar plums make the sweetest gifts. I package them in pretty tins or clear bags with festive ribbons. Since they keep so well they're perfect for sharing with neighbors and friends throughout the season. Everyone loves receiving these special homemade treats.

A close-up of colorful sweet energy balls coated with nuts and sugar, arranged on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of colorful sweet energy balls coated with nuts and sugar, arranged on a white plate. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different dried fruits?
Yes, you can customize the dried fruit mixture based on your preferences, keeping the total amount the same for proper consistency.
→ Is the brandy necessary?
No, the brandy is optional. It adds flavor but can be omitted or replaced with orange juice for an alcohol-free version.
→ Why let them mature for a few days?
Allowing the sugar plums to mature helps the flavors blend and develop, creating a more complex and delicious taste.
→ How long do they keep?
When stored in an airtight container, sugar plums will keep for several weeks at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.
→ Why toast the nuts?
Toasting the nuts with spices enhances their flavor and aroma, adding depth to the final confection.

Festive Sugar Plums

Traditional holiday treats combining dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, finished with a sugar coating for a classic festive sweet.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: British

Yield: 24 Servings (24 sugar plums)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 600g dried fruit (figs, dates, raisins).
02 25g crystalized ginger.
03 200g mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, pine nuts).
04 1 large orange, zest and juice.
05 1 tablespoon brandy (optional).
06 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
07 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder.
08 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder.
09 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds.
10 1/8 teaspoon clove powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine dried fruit with orange zest, juice and brandy. Let absorb while preparing nuts.

Step 02

Coat nuts in spices and toast about 5 minutes. Let cool.

Step 03

Blend all ingredients in food processor until it forms a moldable paste.

Step 04

Shape into plum-sized balls and roll in sugar. Refrigerate overnight.

Step 05

Roll in sugar again. Let mature in airtight container for a few days before serving.

Notes

  1. Can use different dried fruits.
  2. Needs time to mature.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Tree Nuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 155
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 3 g