Homemade Healthy Sugar Plums: A Festive & Easy No-Bake Treat
Embrace the festive spirit with these delightful and healthy sugar plums! Made from a wholesome blend of dried fruits, nuts, honey, and aromatic spices, these no-bake treats are naturally gluten-free and grain-free. With a simple tweak, they can easily be made vegan, too. They’re incredibly delicious, satisfyingly chewy, and infuse your home with the wonderful scents of the holiday season, making them the perfect addition to any festive gathering or a cozy winter evening.
There’s something truly magical about sugar plums, often evoking nostalgic images from classic holiday stories. For years, I’ve wanted to perfect a recipe that captures that festive charm while being genuinely good for you. This year, I finally perfected these easy sugar plums, and I simply couldn’t wait another season to share them with you! The best part? They are endlessly adaptable, meaning you can likely whip up a batch tonight using ingredients you already have on hand. They are incredibly easy and fast to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules. Even little hands can get involved, especially when it comes to rolling them in sugar, adding a touch of personalized fun to these festive bites.
What Exactly Are Sugar Plums? A Brief History
The term “sugar plums” often conjures images of the Sugar Plum Fairy from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” ballet, or perhaps the famous line “The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads” from Clement C. Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” But what exactly are these mysterious treats? Traditionally, sugar plums were not actual plums. Instead, they were small confectioneries made by coating nuts or seeds with layers of hardened sugar syrup, a laborious process that could take days.
Over time, the interpretation of sugar plums evolved. During the Victorian era, they became small, fruit-and-nut-based confections, often spiced and sometimes rolled in sugar. My recipe embraces this latter interpretation, offering a modern, healthier twist on the classic. We’re moving away from sugar-coated seeds and instead crafting delicious, nutrient-dense bites packed with the natural sweetness of dried fruits and a delightful blend of holiday spices. These aren’t just a treat; they’re a little piece of holiday history, reimagined for contemporary palates and dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Adore This Sugar Plum Recipe
This isn’t just another holiday treat; it’s a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and wellness. There are so many reasons to make these particular sugar plums a staple in your holiday repertoire:
Healthy Indulgence That Truly Satisfies
Unlike many traditional holiday sweets, these sugar plums are crafted with health in mind. They are naturally gluten and grain-free, making them suitable for many dietary needs. By using dried fruits and a touch of honey (or a vegan alternative), we rely on natural sweeteners rather than refined sugars. Packed with fiber, healthy fats from nuts, and antioxidants from fruits and spices, these treats offer a guilt-free indulgence that will actually leave you feeling energized, not sluggish. They’re a fantastic alternative to overly processed snacks and desserts, providing a satisfying burst of flavor and nutrition.
Effortlessly Easy & Remarkably Quick
Forget about turning on the oven or spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a true no-bake marvel, requiring minimal prep and cooking time. With the help of a food processor, the ingredients come together in a matter of minutes. From start to finish, you can have a batch of these festive delights ready in about 15 minutes. This makes them ideal for last-minute holiday parties, unexpected guests, or simply when you need a quick, delicious treat without the fuss. The straightforward process means less stress and more time to enjoy the season.
Endlessly Adaptable to Your Taste
One of the greatest strengths of this sugar plum recipe is its flexibility. Don’t have one of the dried fruits on hand? Swap it for another! Prefer a different nut? Go for it! The basic formula is incredibly forgiving, allowing you to experiment with various combinations of dried fruits, nuts, and spices to create your signature sugar plum. Want them sweeter? Add a touch more honey. Prefer a spicier kick? Adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. You can even infuse them with a splash of rum or brandy for an adult-friendly version. This adaptability ensures that you can tailor them perfectly to your preferences or whatever you have in your pantry.
Festive Fun for All Ages
The holiday season is all about creating memories, and these sugar plums offer a wonderful opportunity for shared kitchen activities. Rolling the mixture into small balls and then coating them in sugar is a simple task that children absolutely love. It’s a fantastic way to get kids involved in holiday preparations, fostering their creativity and giving them a sense of accomplishment. Plus, seeing these vibrant, sugar-dusted spheres come to life is a festive visual treat that adds to the holiday cheer.
For most of my sugar plums, I prefer to roll them in coarse raw sugar. This coating provides a delightful texture and a subtle crunch that beautifully complements the chewy interior. The raw sugar also maintains its appearance better than powdered sugar, which tends to absorb moisture and lose its pretty dusting over time. However, powdered sugar is also an option if you prefer a softer, snow-dusted look. If you opt not to roll them in anything, they still retain their delicious flavor and resemble a healthier energy bite, similar to a Larabar, but with that special holiday spice and extra natural sweetness from the honey. The combination of bright orange zest and warming spices truly elevates these treats. I truly hope you’ll give them a try and discover your favorite way to enjoy them!
While whipping up these sugar plums, I also experimented with some raw peppermint brownies topped with crushed candy canes, which were incredibly delicious! Though it might be a bit late in the season for that particular recipe, if there’s interest, I’d be happy to share it with you later. But for now, let’s focus on these wonderful sugar plums. This recipe is a holiday gift from my kitchen to yours. Merry Christmas!
Sugar Plums
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups almonds
- 1 cup dried plums (prunes)
- 1/2 cup dried figs
- 1/2 cup golden raisins or dried apricots for a different flavor
- generous pinch sea salt
- 3-4 tablespoons honey
- zest of one large navel orange
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- dash cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 3/4 teaspoon whole anise seeds
Instructions
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In a food processor, add the almonds and process until they are finely ground to a flour-like consistency. Be careful not to over-process them into butter. Pour the ground almonds into a bowl and set aside.
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Next, add all the dried fruits (dried plums/prunes, figs, and golden raisins/apricots) to the food processor. Process the fruit until it is completely broken down and starts to clump together, forming a sticky ball or “dough.” This may take a few minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
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Break up the ball of fruit slightly with a knife or by hand. Return the ground almonds to the food processor with the fruit mixture. Add the sea salt, honey, orange zest, and all the ground spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and whole anise seeds). Process again until the mixture is thoroughly combined and starts to form a cohesive, slightly sticky “dough” that pulls away from the sides of the processor.
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Scoop out small, bite-sized amounts of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form neat balls. If desired, roll these balls in coarse raw sugar or powdered sugar for a festive coating. Place them on a platter or in an airtight container.
Notes
The stickiness of the mixture can vary depending on the type and moisture content of your dried fruit. I used my homemade dried plums, which tend to be less sticky than some store-bought varieties. If your mixture is too sticky, try adding a few extra tablespoons of ground nuts until it’s easier to handle. If it’s too dry, a tiny bit of water or additional honey can help it come together.
For a vegan version, simply omit the honey and replace it with an equal amount of pure maple syrup or agave nectar. You might need to add a touch more liquid (water or syrup) to achieve the right consistency, as plant-based sweeteners can vary in stickiness.
Rolling them in coarse raw sugar will help prevent them from sticking together and provides a lovely sparkle and texture that holds up well. Powdered sugar is another option, but it tends to get absorbed into the plums over time, especially the next day, and won’t look as pretty.
These delicious bites are even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. Store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
My recipe was inspired by the delicious creations of Alton Brown and Back to Her Roots, with my own healthy and simple twists.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Plums Every Time
- Don’t Over-Process Nuts: When grinding the almonds, pulse them until finely ground but stop before they turn into nut butter. Over-processing can release too much oil, making the mixture greasy.
- Adjust Consistency as Needed: The moisture content of dried fruits can vary. If your mixture feels too dry and crumbly to form balls, add a teaspoon of water, honey, or maple syrup at a time until it comes together. If it’s too sticky, add a little more finely ground nuts or oat flour.
- Chilling Helps: If the mixture is too warm or sticky to roll easily, pop it into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- Embrace Variations: Don’t feel limited by the listed ingredients. Swap out almonds for walnuts or pecans, or replace golden raisins with dried cranberries or cherries for different flavor profiles. A tiny splash of orange blossom water or rose water can also add an exotic touch.
- For an Adult Twist: For a grown-up version, add a teaspoon of brandy, rum, or Grand Marnier with the honey and spices. The alcohol will enhance the flavors and add a subtle warmth.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Once formed, these sugar plums are remarkably stable and store well. Keep them in an airtight container on your kitchen counter at room temperature for up to two weeks. For even longer freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a month. They also freeze beautifully for several months; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
These versatile treats are perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Holiday Platters: Arrange them beautifully on a festive platter alongside other cookies and sweets.
- Healthy Snacks: Grab one for a quick energy boost during the day.
- Edible Gifts: Package them in small decorative boxes or bags for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
- With Coffee or Tea: Their rich, spiced flavor pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage.
- Post-Dinner Treat: A light, yet satisfying dessert option after a holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different nuts or dried fruits?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Walnuts or pecans can be used in place of almonds. For dried fruits, dates, dried cranberries, or dried cherries work wonderfully as substitutes or additions. Just ensure the total quantity of dried fruits remains similar to maintain the correct consistency.
Q: How do I make these sugar plums vegan?
A: To make them vegan, simply substitute the honey with an equal amount of pure maple syrup or agave nectar. These plant-based sweeteners will provide the necessary sweetness and binding properties. If the mixture is too dry, add a tiny bit of water until it comes together.
Q: Why do you prefer raw sugar over powdered sugar for rolling?
A: Coarse raw sugar provides a lovely textural contrast and a beautiful sparkle that holds up well. Powdered sugar tends to absorb moisture from the sugar plums over time, especially after a day, leading to a less defined coating. However, if you prefer the look or feel of powdered sugar, it will still taste delicious!
Q: Can I add chocolate to my sugar plums?
A: Yes! You can either mix in some finely chopped dark chocolate chips into the mixture before rolling, or once the plums are formed, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate for an extra decadent touch. Allow the chocolate to set before storing.
Q: Are sugar plums really good for you?
A: Compared to many traditional holiday candies, these sugar plums are indeed a healthier option. They are made with whole food ingredients like nuts and dried fruits, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The natural sweeteners are also a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Holiday Tradition
These healthy, no-bake sugar plums are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create, share, and savor the simple joys of the holiday season. Their ease of preparation, adaptability, and wholesome ingredients make them a standout treat that you’ll want to revisit year after year. Whether you’re making them for festive gatherings, thoughtful gifts, or a moment of personal indulgence, these sugar plums are sure to bring a smile to your face and a delightful warmth to your taste buds. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the magic of sugar plums dance in your heads!