No-Bake Holiday Sugarplums Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet, fruity treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven, you’re going to love this No-Bake Holiday Sugarplums Recipe. It’s an absolute game-changer during the busy holiday season—simple to make, packed with delicious flavors, and perfect to share with friends and family. I love this recipe because it brings back a classic old-fashioned charm, yet it’s so easy you can whip it up after dinner while sipping your favorite holiday drink.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I think the genius behind this No-Bake Holiday Sugarplums Recipe is the mix of dried fruits and nuts that give it texture and depth. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, and the cherry preserves add just the right touch of sweetness—not overpowering, but perfectly festive.

• Chopped pitted dates: These add natural sweetness and a sticky base to help bind the sugarplums.
• Toasted walnuts: To give a lovely crunch and earthy flavor. Toast them lightly for extra aroma.
• Dried cranberries: They brighten up the flavor with a bit of tartness and red color pop.
• Chopped prunes: These bring a deep, rich chewiness that balances the sweetness.
• Toasted skinless hazelnuts: Add a buttery nuttiness and crunch that you’ll really notice in every bite.
• Cherry preserves: This gives a festive fruity flavor and moistness—don’t substitute with jam unless it’s quite thick!
• Ground cinnamon: Classic holiday spice to warm up the mixture.
• Ground cloves: A pinch delivers that signature holiday aroma without overpowering.
• Granulated sugar: For rolling the finished balls and adding a little textural sparkle.

Variations

I often tweak this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the kind of crowd I’m serving. Experimenting with different dried fruits or adding a splash of something boozy can take these sugarplums from great to unforgettable.

• Adult Twist: I discovered adding a spoonful of brandy or rum really elevates these treats—just give the mixture a chill if it feels too wet before rolling.
• Alternative Sugars: Instead of granulated sugar, try rolling them in white sanding sugar or festive multi-colored sugar crystals for a sparkling holiday touch.
• Different Fruit Preserves: Swap cherry preserves for a fruity chutney like Major Grey’s to add a tangy complexity I absolutely love.
• Nut Substitutions: Feel free to swap hazelnuts and walnuts with pecans or almonds depending on your preference or allergies.

How to Make No-Bake Holiday Sugarplums Recipe

Step 1: Pulse the Dried Fruits and Nuts

Start by placing the dates, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, prunes, and toasted hazelnuts in your food processor. Pulse just a few times until you have mostly chopped pieces—not a puree. I’ve learned that going slow here keeps some of the texture intact, which makes the sugarplums so satisfying to bite into.

Step 2: Add Cherry Preserves and Spices

Next, spoon in the cherry preserves, sprinkle the cinnamon and cloves over the mixture, then pulse a few more times. Watch carefully—you’re aiming for a mixture that just starts to hold together like a loose dough. When you squeeze some in your hand, it should clump without being too sticky. If you over-process, it can get pasty, so trust your fingers on this one.

Step 3: Roll and Coat the Sugarplums

Now for the fun part! Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Don’t be afraid to get a little sticky—it helps if you lightly dampen your hands with water to keep the mixture from sticking. Then, roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated. It adds a lovely sparkly look and a sweet crunch on the outside.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

I usually pop the sugarplums into the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up before serving. This also helps the flavors meld a bit more. Then, arrange them on a festive platter or package them up for gift-giving. They’re always a hit!

How to Serve No-Bake Holiday Sugarplums Recipe

Garnishes

I love placing each sugarplum in a little metallic or holiday-themed candy cup—makes them look extra special and is perfect for parties or gift bags. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon powder on top for a finishing touch that’s subtle but festive.

Side Dishes

These sugarplums fit beautifully alongside an assortment of holiday cookies or cheese platters. They’re also a fantastic complement to warm mulled wine or spiced cider, balancing out the drinks’ richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive flair, I sometimes stack the sugarplums in a tall circular tower on a pretty cake stand, or arrange them around pine branches and ornaments on a holiday platter. It’s an easy way to wow your guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover sugarplums in an airtight container, layering them between sheets of wax or parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Stored in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to a month—perfect if you want to spread out your holiday preparations.

Freezing

Freezing sugarplums works great! I pop them in a freezer-safe container separated with wax paper and they hold up well for about 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Since this recipe is no-bake and served cold or room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If the sugarplums firm up too much in the fridge, simply let them sit out for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this No-Bake Holiday Sugarplums Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s simple to make, mess-free, and full of cozy seasonal flavors that always impress. I remember the first time I brought these to a holiday potluck and how my family went crazy for them—they just couldn’t believe something so easy tasted so special. I’m excited for you to give this a try—you’ll find it’s a delicious, stress-free way to sweeten your holiday celebrations.

Print