Sugar Plums – Easy No-Bake Holiday Treat

Sugar Plums are a festive, no-bake holiday treat made with dried fruit, toasted nuts, warm spices, and a sparkling sugar coating. These bite-sized sweets deliver the nostalgic flavor of fruitcake in a soft, chewy, plum-shaped confection that actually tastes delicious. If you've ever wondered what "visions of sugar plums" truly are, this homemade version brings that classic holiday image to life.

With just a food processor and a few pantry staples, you can make Sugar Plums in about 15 minutes. They're naturally vegan, easy to customize, and perfect for cookie trays, holiday parties, or gifting.

The first time I made Sugar Plums, I wanted something traditional but unexpected for a holiday dessert board. Everyone knows the phrase, yet almost no one has tasted one. Once I set out a tray of purple sugar-coated plums with little rosemary "stems," they instantly became the conversation piece of the night. The warm spices, citrus zest, and chewy dried fruit created the perfect cozy winter flavor. Now they're part of my holiday lineup every year.

Sugar Plums are festive no-bake holiday treats made with dried fruit, toasted nuts, warming spices, and a sparkling sugar coating.

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Course: Snacks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 79

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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 Tbsp cherry jam
• 3/4 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp cardamom
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup coarse sugar for coating

Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet For toasting nuts
• Cookie scoop 1 tablespoon size recommended

Method

 

1. Toast almonds and pecans at 350°F for 6-7 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.
2. Add chopped dried fruit and nuts to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add jam, orange zest, spices, and salt. Pulse until sticky and well combined.
4. Scoop 1 tablespoon portions and shape into ovals.
5. Roll each sugar plum in coarse sugar until fully coated. Optional: create a cleft with a toothpick and add rosemary as a stem.

Nutrition

Calories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 11.7gProtein: 1.5gFat: 3.5gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.9gSodium: 146.7mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for several weeks or freeze up to 6 months. You can substitute different dried fruits or nuts as long as total quantities remain the same.

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Why You'll Love These Sugar Plums

Easy, No-Bake Simplicity

One of the best things about Sugar Plums is how simple they are. There's no oven required beyond quickly toasting the nuts for added flavor. You simply pulse the ingredients in a food processor, shape them, and roll them in sugar.

Because there's no complicated technique, this recipe works well for beginner cooks and busy holiday schedules alike. Additionally, the mixture comes together quickly thanks to the natural stickiness of dried fruit and jam.

Christmas in Every Bite

Sugar Plums taste like the best version of fruitcake-spiced, citrusy, and slightly nutty-without being dense or overly sweet. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom provide warmth. Orange zest brightens the mixture. Meanwhile, cherry jam binds everything together and adds subtle sweetness.

The coarse sugar coating gives each plum a beautiful sparkle. If you use purple sanding sugar, they truly resemble miniature plums, especially when topped with a tiny rosemary sprig.

Ingredients for Sugar Plums

Dried Fruits

Dried fruit forms the base of Sugar Plums. For this recipe, you'll need:

• Prunes (dried plums)
• Dried apricots or dates
• Dried cranberries

You can substitute raisins, golden raisins, or additional dates if desired. Just keep the total quantity the same to maintain proper texture.

Nuts and Flavorings

Toasted almonds and pecans add structure and depth. Toasting them first enhances flavor, although it's optional.

You'll also need:

• Cherry jam (raspberry or apricot works well)
• Fresh orange zest
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Cardamom
• Pinch of salt

If you prefer, you can replace the individual spices with pumpkin spice blend.

Finishing Touch

Coarse sugar creates the signature crunchy exterior. Purple sanding sugar gives the most realistic plum appearance, but regular coarse sugar works perfectly fine.

Optional: small rosemary sprigs for a decorative stem.

How to Make Sugar Plums

Step 1: Toast the Nuts (Optional)

Spread almonds and pecans on a baking sheet. Toast at 350°F for 6-7 minutes, until fragrant. Let cool completely before using.

Step 2: Process the Ingredients

Finely chop all dried fruit before adding it to the food processor. This step ensures even texture.

Add dried fruit and nuts to the processor and pulse until finely chopped. Then add jam, orange zest, spices, and salt. Pulse again until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Plums

Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the mixture. Roll each piece into an oval shape.

For a realistic look, gently press a toothpick down the center to create a slight cleft. Then press a small indentation at the top and insert a tiny rosemary sprig as a stem.

Step 4: Coat in Sugar

Roll each plum thoroughly in coarse sugar until completely coated. The sugar adds texture and sparkle.

Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sugar Plums

Chop Before Processing

Always chop dried fruit before adding it to the food processor. Large chunks may not break down evenly, which can affect texture.

Adjust to Taste

You can customize Sugar Plums with different fruit and nut combinations. Swap prunes for dates or figs. Replace pecans with walnuts. Keep total measurements consistent for best results.

Nut-Free Option

For a nut-free version, substitute pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. You can also experiment with puffed rice cereal for added crunch.

Storage

Store Sugar Plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. You can also freeze them for up to six months. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the cherry jam?
Yes. Raspberry, apricot, fig, or black cherry jam all work well.

Do Sugar Plums need refrigeration?
Yes, because of the jam content. Store them in the refrigerator for best freshness.

Can I make them without a food processor?
You can, but you must chop everything extremely finely so the mixture sticks together properly.

Are Sugar Plums healthy?
They're made with dried fruit and nuts, so they contain natural sugars and fiber. However, they're still a sweet treat.

Can I skip the sugar coating?
Yes. They taste great without the sugar, though the coating adds texture and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Sugar Plums are the ultimate festive no-bake treat. With dried fruit, toasted nuts, warm spices, and a sparkling sugar coating, they capture the spirit of the holidays in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they make a beautiful addition to dessert trays and gift boxes alike.

Whether you roll them in purple sugar for a dramatic presentation or keep them simple and classic, Sugar Plums are sure to become a new holiday tradition.