These easy stewed plums are lightly sweetened and full of fresh flavor. Simple, comforting, and perfect on their own or with yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream.
These stewed plums are incredible. With only the fruit, a little sugar, and spices, you will have a delicious and versatile dessert ready in just 15-20 minutes. Soft, tart plums poached in a slightly sweet sauce flavored with cinnamon and star anise.
Try Honey Pears with Yogurt and Peach Compote, too.
Ingredients: 5 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Servings: 6 | Difficulty: Easy
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Recipe ingredients
Plums: Either regular round ones or smaller and darker Italian plums. I got a huge bucket full of plums last week. I canned plums, made Zwetschgenkuchen and Tender Plum Muffins, and ate lots and lots of them fresh.
Spices: Cinnamon and star anise add amazing flavor - I use star anise in almost all my fruit desserts lately. Try these Cherries in Syrup or these Red Wine Cherries, for instance.
Sweetener: Use only a little sweetener. I prefer less sugar now - the dessert stays mildly sweet while keeping the plums' natural tartness and flavor. Adjust the amount based on the fruit's sweetness; taste a plum before adding sugar.
- Sugar alternatives: I often replace sugar with xylitol or stevia - xylitol can usually be used 1:1, while stevia amounts vary (check the package). Honey, agave, or maple syrup also works well; add to taste.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
You could replace half the water with red wine or mulled wine.
You could also replace half of it with orange or apple juice.
Add a piece of ginger, vanilla, or 1-2 cardamom pods for a different flavor.
You can also try a savory plum sauce, this delicious Plum Sauce for Duck.
How to stew plums?
Step #1: Wash, halve, and stone the fruit.
Step #2: Combine water, lemon juice, cinnamon, star anise, and sugar in a large saucepan to make the syrup; boil uncovered for 5 minutes.
Step #3: Add the fruit and simmer gently for about 7-8 minutes until soft but not mushy.
Step #4: Remove the spices and serve immediately or at room temperature.
Cooking time
The cooking time depends on the ripeness of the fruit. Soft, ripe Italian plums need about 7-8 minutes, while larger and firmer ones will need slightly longer. Just check; it is really easy to decide if they are done to your liking or not.
How to serve the stewed plums?
Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.
Dessert: Serve them with a dollop of Greek, strained yogurt, or whipped cream on top. Serve them with ice cream, Rice Pudding, or custard over cheesecakes like this Crustless Cheesecake or sweet loaves of bread.
Breakfast: Top them with granola, mix them with Sugar-Free Muesli or serve them over porridge. Serve them with pancakes, Creme Fraiche Crepes, or German Waffles.
How to store?
The leftover stewed plums keep well in an airtight container in the fridge. They will be perfectly fine for at least 4-5 days.
You can also freeze them for up to three months.
How to Make Stewed Plums (Easy and Delicious)
Ingredients
- 1.7 lbs plums Note 1
- 1 cup water Note 2
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ยฝ cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- ยผ cup granulated sugar Note 3
Instructions
- Prepare the plums: Wash, halve the fruit, and remove the stone.1.7 lbs plums
- Make the syrup: Place the water, lemon juice, cinnamon, star anise, and sugar (or alternative) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.1 cup water + 1 tablespoon lemon juice + ยฝ cinnamon stick + 1 star anise + ยผ cup granulated sugar
- Stew the plums: Add the plums, mix well and simmer for 7-8 minutes until they are soft but not mushy. The cooking time depends on the ripeness of the fruit and also on the sort of plums you use. Italian plums are smaller and often softer, while regular plums are larger and plumper. In case your plums are firmer, allow a couple of minutes more. Always check, it is easy to see if the plums are done to your liking or not.
Notes
- The plumsย are either regular or Italian; I had Italian this time.
- Cooking liquid: You can replace half the water with red or mulled wine, orange, or apple juice.
- Sweetener: Granulated sugar can be replaced with the same amount of xylitol. Stevia, honey, maple, or agave syrup are fine as well, and they are used to taste.
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