Description
Delightful no-bake Sugar Plums made with toasted almonds, dried fruits, and warm spices, rolled in sugar for a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups almonds (toasted)
- 1 cup dried plums
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Granulated sugar (for coating)
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: small amount of orange juice or additional honey (if needed for binding)
Instructions
- Toast Almonds: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes or until golden brown and aromatic. Allow them to cool completely before using.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine toasted almonds, dried plums, cherries, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, orange zest, honey, and vanilla extract. Pulse in short bursts until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed, but is not too pasty.
- Form Balls: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into balls approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter. If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of orange juice or honey to bind.
- Coat with Sugar: Place granulated sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each ball in the sugar until evenly coated, giving a festive, sparkling finish.
- Serve and Store: Arrange sugar plums on a serving dish or place in mini cupcake wrappers for an elegant presentation. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and prevents sogginess in the final product.
- If you do not have a food processor, finely chop the dried fruits and almonds and mix by hand, though texture will differ.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey according to your preference.
- Optional addition of orange juice helps bind the mixture if it feels dry, but add sparingly to avoid over-moistening.
- These sugar plums can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
