Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats Recipe

Transport yourself to the magical world of the Nutcracker with these delightful Festive Sugar Plum Old Fashioned Sweetmeats! Inspired by Delia Smith's "Happy Christmas," this no-cook recipe is incredibly easy and perfect for making with children. These enchanting treats are a nostalgic nod to the classic sugar plums mentioned in 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, with a boozy twist for adults (brandy) or a kid-friendly option (orange juice). Create these charming sweetmeats, roll them in spiced sugar, and adorn them with pistachios and cherries for a festive touch. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet after-dinner treat during the holiday season. Part of our Old Fashioned Sweet Shop Collection.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Calories 26.4 kcal

Protein 1g

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Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats

Dried Fruits
1/2 cup ground almonds
2 tablespoons finely chopped candied ginger
Orange, Zest Of
Brandy
Caster Sugar
1 teaspoon mixed spice
Pistachio Nuts
Glace Cherries

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How to Make Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats

Combine 1 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup dried cherries, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/2 cup ground almonds, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped candied ginger in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
Add the zest of 1 large orange and mix well.
Stir in 2 tablespoons brandy (or orange juice) and pulse briefly until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon mixed spice.
Divide the fruit mixture into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball.
Roll each ball in the spiced sugar to coat thoroughly.
Finely chop 1/4 cup pistachios and quarter 1/4 cup dried cherries. Press pistachio slivers and cherry pieces into the top of each sugar plum to resemble leaves and berries.
Place the sugar plums in small paper cases (optional) and store in an airtight container. Store for up to 4 weeks if made with brandy or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if made with orange juice.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

Fat

Carbs

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Sweets & Sides Desserts European American Vegetarian Gluten Free Fall Recipes Holiday Recipes Baking 30 Minutes Or Less

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats?

Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats takes about 25 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats?

Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats has approximately 26.4 calories per serving, with about 1 g protein, 0 g carbohydrates and 2 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats?

The key ingredients for Festive Sugar Plums Old Fashioned Sweetmeats are Dried Fruits, Ground Almonds, Glace Ginger, Orange, Zest Of, Brandy, Caster Sugar. See the full list with measurements above.