Desserts

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Sugar Plums

Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Sugar Plums
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup water; 2 cups pitted plums, chopped; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; A pinch of salt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Sugar Plums are a simple, cozy treat. Soft plums cook down into a glossy, fragrant syrup that smells of vanilla and warm spice. The fruit becomes tender and silky, with a sweet-tart burst in every bite. Use them warm over ice cream or chilled on toast. This recipe is quick, forgiving, and perfect when plums are in season.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving; recipe makes 4 servings)

Calories per serving: 235 kcal
Protein: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 59 g
Fat: 0.2 g
Fiber: 1.1 g
Sugar: 57 g
Sodium: 40 mg

Why Make This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Sugar Plums

This recipe highlights fresh plums with minimal fuss. It requires few ingredients and little hands-on time. The result is a versatile topping or dessert: soft fruit with a thick, shiny syrup. You get a warmly spiced aroma from cinnamon and nutmeg and a bright finish from lemon. Make it for breakfasts, dessert, or a simple sweet snack.

How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Sugar Plums

You will dissolve sugar into water, add chopped plums and flavorings, then simmer until tender. Stir gently while cooking to keep the fruit in nice pieces. The syrup will thicken as it cools. Watch the pot near the end so it does not scorch.

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 cups pitted plums, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
A pinch of salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle boil.

Step 2: Mixing

Add the chopped plums, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice to the syrup. Stir to combine so the plums are coated.

Step 3: Cooking

Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plums are soft and the mixture thickens into a glossy syrup.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth sweet sugar plums!

How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Sugar Plums

Spoon warm plums over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a simple dessert.
Serve chilled on toasted brioche or scones for breakfast.
Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Pair with soft cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone on a crostini.
Add to oatmeal or porridge for a sweet, fruity boost.

How to Store Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Sugar Plums

Refrigerator: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep up to 7 days.
Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of water if the syrup is too thick.

Expert Tips for Perfect Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Sugar Plums

Use ripe but firm plums. Overripe fruit can turn to mush too fast.
Stir gently to keep some fruit pieces intact.
If syrup is too thin after cooling, return to low heat and simmer five more minutes.
Add a splash of liqueur (like amaretto) off the heat for grown-up flavor.
Taste and adjust lemon at the end. A little more lemon brightens the flavor.
To reduce sweetness, swap half the sugar for honey or reduce sugar by 1/4 cup; the texture changes slightly but stays delicious.

Delicious Variations

Spiced Plum Jam: Cook longer and add a teaspoon of chia seeds as it cools to thicken naturally.
Plum Compote with Honey: Replace half the sugar with honey for floral notes.
Citrus Plum: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest for extra brightness.
Plum-Chili Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet-spicy contrast.
Baked Plum Topping: Fold into a warm crumble or crisp before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen plums?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid first. Frozen plums release more water, so simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Q: How can I make this less sweet?
A: Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup, or replace half with honey or maple syrup. Add more lemon juice to balance sweetness.

Q: Will this keep as jam?
A: This makes a loose compote rather than a shelf-stable jam. Store it in the fridge for up to 7 days. For long-term jam, follow a proper canning recipe with pectin and sterilized jars.

Q: Can I use other fruits?
A: Yes. Try peaches, cherries, or apricots. Adjust cooking time for firmer or higher-water fruits.

Q: How do I prevent the syrup from burning?
A: Use a heavy-bottomed pan and keep the heat moderate. Stir occasionally, especially near the end.

Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes. It contains no alcohol unless you add it. Let it cool before serving to young children.

Conclusion

These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Sugar Plums are quick, tasty, and versatile. They bring warm spice, bright citrus, and soft, syrupy texture to many dishes. Try them on toast, over ice cream, or as a cozy breakfast topping. For a fun pairing idea, enjoy them with a bright, tart drink like the Super Sour Bundle by Yonder Brewing & Blending (Super Sour Bundle – 6 x 440ml cans). Give the recipe a try—you’ll love the glossy fruit and warm aroma.