Sugar Plums: No-Bake Dried Fruit and Nut Christmas Candy

Sugar plums are the sweet little candies that danced in children’s dreams in The Night Before Christmas. Surprisingly, they usually contain no plums at all. Today’s sugar plums are bite-size balls of finely chopped dried fruit, toasted nuts, honey, and warm spices, rolled in sparkling sugar.

They are no-bake, naturally gluten-free, and take about 20 minutes to make in a food processor. They look beautiful in mini paper cups and make a charming homemade gift.

For more no-bake Christmas candies, try my white Christmas fudge, chocolate rum balls, and homemade almond roca. For more dried fruit, bake this fruitcake.

JUMP TO

• Why You’ll Love This Sugar Plums
• What Is a Sugar Plum?
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Equipment
• Ingredient Tips
• How to Make Sugar Plums
• Expert Tips for Perfect Sugar Plums
• Delicious Variations
• What to Serve with Sugar Plums
• Storage Instructions
• Can You Make It Ahead?
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Estimated Nutrition
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Plums

These little candies are healthy-ish, pretty, and full of holiday spirit.

No Baking

Everything comes together in a food processor.

Naturally Sweet

Dried fruit and honey provide the sweetness.

Gluten-Free

No flour at all.

Pretty Gift

Sparkling sugar makes them look like little jewels.

Long Shelf Life

They keep for weeks in the fridge.

What Is a Sugar Plum?

Sugar plums date back to the 1600s, when plum was a word for any dried fruit. Originally, they were hard candies made by coating seeds or nuts in layers of boiled sugar, a long process called panning.

Today’s homemade sugar plums are much easier. Dried fruit and nuts are chopped together with honey, spices, and orange zest, rolled into balls, and coated in sugar.

Ingredients

Fruit and Nut Mixture

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Whole almonds, toasted	1 cup	Crunch and richness
Dried apricots	½ cup	Tangy sweetness
Pitted Medjool dates	½ cup	Sticky binder
Dried figs, stems removed	½ cup	Rich flavor
Dried cranberries	¼ cup	Tart and festive
Honey	2 tablespoons	Binds the mixture
Orange zest	1 teaspoon	Citrus flavor
Ground cinnamon	½ teaspoon	Warm spice
Ground cardamom	¼ teaspoon	Floral spice
Ground cloves	¼ teaspoon	Holiday spice
Salt	1 pinch	Balance

Coating

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Coarse sparkling sugar or granulated sugar	½ cup	Sparkly finish

Kitchen Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet for toasting
• Small bowl for sugar
• Cookie scoop
• Mini paper candy cups
• Airtight container

Ingredient Tips

Toast the Almonds

Toasting makes them more flavorful and crunchy.

Soft Dried Fruit

If your fruit is dry, soak it in hot water 5 minutes and pat dry.

Medjool Dates

They are soft and sticky, perfect for binding.

Sparkling Sugar

Coarse sugar stays crunchy and sparkly.

Swap the Fruit

Prunes, raisins, or cherries also work.

How to Make Sugar Plums

Step 1: Toast

Toast the almonds at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.

Step 2: Chop the Nuts

Pulse the almonds in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl.

Step 3: Process the Fruit

Add the apricots, dates, figs, and cranberries to the processor. Pulse until finely chopped and sticky.

Step 4: Combine

Add the nuts, honey, orange zest, spices, and salt. Pulse until the mixture clumps together.

Step 5: Roll

Scoop 1-tablespoon portions and roll into smooth balls between your palms.

Step 6: Coat

Roll each ball in the sparkling sugar until coated.

Step 7: Firm Up

Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill 30 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Set the sugar plums in mini paper cups and serve or package as gifts.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sugar Plums

Do Not Over-Process

You want small bits, not a paste.

Damp Hands

Lightly wet hands keep the mixture from sticking.

Re-Roll in Sugar

Roll again before serving for extra sparkle.

Test the Mixture

It should hold together when pressed.

Uniform Size

Use a scoop so they look neat in a box.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Sugar Plums

Add 2 tablespoons cocoa and roll in cocoa powder.

Coconut Coated

Roll in shredded coconut for a snowy look.

Boozy Sugar Plums

Add 1 tablespoon brandy or rum.

Pistachio Plums

Swap almonds for pistachios.

Nut-Free

Use sunflower seeds and rolled oats.

What to Serve with Sugar Plums

Serve on a cookie tray, cheese board, or dessert table in mini paper cups.

They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a glass of mulled wine.

Storage Instructions

Storage Method	How Long	Best Practice
Refrigerator	3 weeks	Airtight container
Room Temperature	1 week	Airtight container in a cool spot
Freezer	3 months	Airtight container

Re-roll in sugar before serving if the coating looks damp.

Thaw frozen sugar plums in the fridge.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Sugar plums keep for weeks, so make them early in December.

They are great for holiday gift boxes because they travel well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mushy Paste

Over-processing makes them sticky.

Dry Mixture

Add a little more honey if they crumble.

Untoasted Nuts

They taste flat.

Sugaring Too Early

Fine sugar dissolves on the fruit. Use coarse sugar.

Large Balls

Keep them bite-size; they are rich.

Estimated Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	75
Carbohydrates	11g
Protein	2g
Fat	3g
Saturated Fat	0g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	9g
Sodium	10mg
Cholesterol	0mg

Estimate per piece, based on 24 sugar plums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Sugar plums are a charming old-fashioned treat full of fruit, nuts, and spice. They are easy, no-bake, and perfect for gifts.

Make a batch this year and bring a little storybook magic to your Christmas table.

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