SUGAR PLUMS

daily protein needs boost: Add chia seeds or flaxseed for added nutrition.

ar plums are one of those classic holiday treats that sound like something from a fairy tale—and in many ways, they are! These sweet little orbs are packed with dried fruits, nuts, warm spices, and a touch of honey.

Rolled in sparkling sugar, they have an old-fashioned charm and a rich, chewy texture that everyone loves. Best of all, they require no baking, making them quick and easy for holiday. If you've never tried sugar plums before, you’re in for a treat.

Rolled in sparkling sugar, they have an old-fashioned charm and a rich, chewy texture that everyone loves. Best of all, they require no baking, making them quick and easy for holiday. If you've never tried sugar plums before, you’re in for a treat.

Making them is fun, too. You just pulse everything in a food processor, shape them into balls, and roll them in sugar. That’s it! You can make a big batch ahead of time, and they’ll stay fresh for days.

Serve them at parties, tuck them into holiday tins, or set them out for Santa. Either way, sugar plums will add a touch of holiday magic to your celebrations.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Old-Fashioned Charm: These treats have a vintage holiday vibe and bring nostalgic flavor and tradition to your dessert table.

• No-Bake Simplicity: They’re quick and easy to prepare without any baking—just mix, roll, and chill.

• Naturally Sweet: Made with dried fruits and honey, these bites offer wholesome sweetness without added refined sugar.

• Holiday Flavour: Warm spices like cinnamon and cloves make every bite feel like Christmas.

• Great for Gifting: Pack them into jars or boxes for charming homemade holiday gifts.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Sugar plums store well and can be prepared several days in advance.

• Kid-Friendly Recipe: A fun and safe recipe for kids to help with during the festive season.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup dried dates, pitted
• 1 cup dried apricots
• ½ cup dried figs
• 1 cup almonds
• ½ cup walnuts
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• Sparkling sugar or granulated sugar, for coating

DIRECTIONS

• Step No.1: Prepare the ingredients
  Roughly chop the dried fruits and nuts if needed. This will help the food processor blend everything more evenly.

• Step No.2: Blend the mixture
  In a food processor, combine all dried fruits, nuts, spices, and orange zest if using. Pulse until finely chopped and the mixture sticks together.

• Step No.3: Add honey
  Add honey to the mixture and pulse again until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

• Step No.4: Shape into balls
  Scoop out heaping teaspoons of the mixture and roll them into balls using your hands. Slightly damp hands prevent sticking.

• Step No.5: Roll in sugar
  Roll each ball in sparkling sugar or granulated sugar until well coated. This gives them their festive finish.

• Step No.6: Chill and serve
  Place the finished sugar plums on a tray and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Use soft fruits: Soft dried fruits blend better and give the best chewy texture in each bite.

• Chop larger pieces: Pre-chopping fruits and nuts helps avoid overworking your food processor.

• Adjust sweetness: If your fruits are extra sweet, reduce or skip the honey.

• Add citrus zest: Orange or lemon zest adds a bright, festive flavour note to the mix.

• Damp hands help: Slightly wet hands make rolling smoother and less sticky.

• Use decorative sugar: Coating in sparkling sugar gives a holiday-ready finish.

• Make ahead: These stay fresh for days, so prep early for stress-free entertaining.

VARIATIONS

• Nut-free version: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a school-safe treat.

• Add coconut: Roll in shredded coconut instead of sugar for a different texture and flavour.

• Use different fruits: Try cranberries, raisins, or prunes for new combinations.

• Add cocoa powder: Mix in cocoa for a chocolatey twist.

• Use spices creatively: Add ginger or cardamom for unique flavour profiles.

• Add a dash of liqueur: A splash of amaretto or brandy adds a grown-up flair.

• Protein boost: Add chia seeds or flaxseed for added nutrition information.

SERVING AND STORE

Serving

Serve sugar plums chilled or at room temperature on festive trays, alongside tea or coffee for a sweet holiday treat.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; they also freeze well for longer storage.

FAQ

Sugar plums are a festive, flavourful treat steeped in holiday tradition.

Despite their fancy name and old-world charm, they’re one of the easiest sweets you can make during Christmas.

With just dried fruits, nuts, warm spices, and honey, you get a beautifully textured bite that’s chewy, sweet, and delightfully spiced.

Rolled in sparkling sugar, they look as magical as they taste.

These no-bake delights are perfect for gifting, serving at parties, or enjoying with a cup of tea by the fire.

The recipe is flexible, so you can customise it with your favourite fruits, spices, and toppings.

You can even sneak in some extra healthy ingredients without anyone noticing.