Have You Ever Wondered Why Sugar Plums Are So Irresistibly Sweet?

Sugar plums may traditionally evoke images of holiday cheer and childhood memories, but have you ever stopped to think about how they strike a delightful balance between sweetness and nutrition? With surprising ingredients that are both nostalgic and nutritious, sugar plums can be the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. In writing this post, I want to share an engaging recipe for sugar plums, along with insights that might change the way you think about this classic treat.

Ingredients List

Dried Plums (Prunes): The star of the show, these sweet, chewy fruits are rich in fiber and potassium. Their deep sweetness makes them an essential base for our sugar plums.
Almonds: These crunchy nuts add a delightful texture and nutty flavor. You can substitute them with walnuts or pecans if needed for a different flavor profile.
Orange Zest: A touch of citrus brightness, orange zest enhances the flavor complexity and offers a hint of freshness. Lemon zest can also be used as an alternative if you prefer a more tart note.
Cinnamon: This warming spice brings a comforting sweetness and is an excellent “natural sweetener.” You could swap it for nutmeg if you wish for varied spice notes.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This is your natural sweetener! Honey provides a beautiful sheen and flavor, while maple syrup delivers a distinctive earthy sweetness. Either works well, depending on your preference.
Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened coconut adds a tropical flair and intriguing chewiness. Alternatively, you can use oats if you want a more wholesome approach.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and create a binding texture. You can use ground flaxseeds as a substitute if preferred.

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (this is a no-bake recipe)
Total Time: 15 minutes

No long wait times here! In the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee, you can prepare these delightful treats.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Plums

Start by chopping the dried plums into small pieces. This ensures each bite is filled with their rich flavors. If you find them too sticky, lightly dust with a sprinkle of flour to make handling easier.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped plums, almonds, orange zest, cinnamon, and chia seeds. Use your hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add Sweetener

Drizzle your chosen sweetener—honey or maple syrup—over the dry mixture. Stir until everything is well-coasted, and the mixture starts to bind together.

Step 4: Form the Sugar Plums

Take small handfuls of the mixture and press it firmly into small balls about the size of a tablespoon. The more compact the shape, the better they will hold together.

Step 5: Final Touch

Roll your sugar plum balls in coconut flakes to coat and add an inviting aesthetic. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances flavor!

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Place the sugar plums onto a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Once firm, they’re ready to enjoy!

Nutritional Value / Health Benefits

Fiber: Helps improve digestion and can keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Potassium: Aids in maintaining blood pressure levels and heart health, especially beneficial from dried plums.
Healthy Fats: Almonds and chia seeds contain good fats necessary for brain health.
Antioxidants: Ingredients like cinnamon and chocolate options provide antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
Natural Sugars: Dried fruits and honey present energy-boosting, naturally occurring sugars, perfect for a quick snack.

Healthier Alternatives

Nut Substitutions: For nut-free options, you can use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, which maintain similar crunchiness while accommodating allergies.
Sweetener Swaps: Using stevia or agave can reduce the caloric content for those watching their sugar intake, although expect slight changes in flavor.
Gluten-free Alternatives: Using gluten-free oats or gluten-free rolled rice instead of coconut will alter the texture slightly but maintain a healthy profile.

Serving Suggestions

Snack: Enjoy as a mid-afternoon treat or pre-workout snack.
Dessert: Pair sugar plums with yogurt and fresh fruit to create a delightful parfait.
Gifts: Present them in a mason jar as homemade gifts during the holiday season!

Personalize your sugar plums by adding in spices that you love, like ginger or cardamom, to make them your own!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the ingredients; this can cause the dough to become overly gummy or lose its structure.
Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the sugar plums long enough can result in them falling apart as you handle them.
Not Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the mixture before forming into balls; you can always adjust sweetness based on your preferences.

Storing Tips

Refrigeration: Store your sugar plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Freezing: For longer storage, they freeze well—just ensure they are properly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a freezer-friendly container.
Keep Dry: Moisture can affect the texture, so avoid storing them in humid areas.

Conclusion

Sugar plums are a delectable blend of flavor, textures, and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a festive treat, this recipe offers endless possibilities. Don’t wait to indulge—try making them today and feel free to leave a comment sharing your experience or subscribe for more delightful recipes!

FAQs

A: Q: Can I use fresh plums instead of dried ones?: A: Fresh plums have high water content and will change the texture of the final product. Dried plums are best for this recipe.

B: Q: How long can I store sugar plums?: A: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to two weeks. Freezing extends their life up to three months.

C: Q: Can these sugar plums be made vegan?: A: Absolutely! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey and enjoy a delightful vegan treat.

Sugar Plums

Author: lilie
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful no-bake sugar plums combining dried fruits, nuts, and natural sweeteners, perfect for a healthy snack or festive treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dried plums (prunes), chopped
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

Chop the dried plums into small pieces.
Combine the chopped plums, almonds, orange zest, cinnamon, and chia seeds in a mixing bowl.
Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the mixture and stir until well combined.
Form small balls about the size of a tablespoon from the mixture.
Roll the balls in coconut flakes to coat.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.

Notes

For a nut-free option, substitute almonds with pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Adjust sweetness according to personal preference and consider adding other spices like ginger or cardamom for variety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sugar plum
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 1mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sugar plums, no-bake snacks, healthy treats, festive recipes