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Whip up a gourmet topping in just 15 minutes with this easy small batch caramelized plum recipe! Made with only 5 ingredients, these luscious caramelized plums are the perfect versatile plum dessert. Serve them warm over ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt for an ordinary to extraordinary transformation!
Transform your meals and desserts into luxurious treats with these rich, decadent caramelized plums. Pair them with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, top them over fluffy pancakes or crisp waffles, or create an indulgent yogurt parfait layered with creamy yogurt, crunchy butter pecan granola, and these luscious caramelized plums.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick: Have a gourmet treat in under 15 minutes!
- Versatile: Perfect as a topping or a stand-alone plum dessert.
- Few Ingredients: Made with everyday kitchen staples, our recipe is a great way to use overripe plums.
- Adjustable Sweetness: Easy to adjust based on your preference.
- Delectable: Offers a harmonious balance of sweetness, tartness, and a touch of spice.
What Is Caramelization?
Caramelization occurs when sugar is heated, leading to a change in its color and flavor. This process turns the sugar brown. When fruits and vegetables are caramelized, their natural sugars undergo the same transformation, resulting in the browning of the produce due to the heating of these inherent sugars.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this plum recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Butter: Adds a rich depth. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil is a great alternative.
- Sugar: Caramelizes the plums. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Water: Helps in the caramelizing process. You can substitute with orange juice for added flavor.
- Plums: Any variety works, but ensure they’re ripe for the best result.
- Salt: Enhances the sweet flavors. A pinch is enough.
- Optional – Cinnamon: Gives a warming spice. Can be replaced with nutmeg or left out.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this plum dessert recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some variations to try:
- Alcohol Twist: Add a splash of brandy or rum for an adult twist.
- Citrus Zest: Grate in some orange or lemon zest for a refreshing touch.
- Herbs: Rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic undertone.
- Spices: Experiment with cardamom or star anise for a unique flavor profile.
How To Make Caramelized Plums
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of caramelized plums. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Melt butter in a small skillet.
- Add sugar and 1 teaspoon of water. Swirl the pan to dissolve the sugar and cook until the mixture becomes the color of golden caramel.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the sliced plums and cinnamon, if using. Cook for 5 minutes until the plums soften.
Expert Tips
- Use a non-stick pan for easier cleanup: Caramelizing fruit can get sticky, so a non-stick pan will make the process smoother.
- Adjust sugar based on plum sweetness: Add more sugar for tart plums and less for very sweet ones.
- Cook to your desired softness: Stir the fruit frequently as it cooks to achieve your preferred texture.
- Branch out beyond plums: Try this recipe with other stone fruits like peaches or apples!
Ways To Use Caramelized Plums
Love these caramelized plums on pancakes and vanilla ice cream? They’re just as delicious with warm biscuits or fresh cream scones for a twist! Want more inspiration? Here are several single serving and small batch recipe ideas featuring these versatile plums!
- Mini Caramelized Plum Upside Down Cake: Simply swap out bananas for plums in our banana upside-down cake recipe.
- Baked Oatmeal: Elevate your morning meal with a hint of sweetness.
- Small Batch Refrigerator Jam: Turn your sautéed plums into a spreadable treat.
- Coffee Cake: Replace traditional berries with plums for a delightful twist.
- Galette: Create a rustic tart, choosing caramelized plums over the usual apples.
- Dutch Baby Addition: Incorporate them in this pancake-like treat for added depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe works well with peaches, nectarines, pears, and even apples.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Yes, but it might alter the caramelization process slightly. Monitor closely.
I use a 10-inch skillet in this recipe. For best results, use a pan of similar size.
For information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried these caramelized plums or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Small Batch Caramelized Plums
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 medium plums , sliced
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Caramel: In a 10-inch non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and water, swirling the pan to dissolve the sugar. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, until it bubbles and turns a golden caramel color. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Caramelize the Plums: Add the sliced plums to the hot caramel, spreading them out in a single layer. Season with salt and cinnamon (optional). Return the pan to heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 3-5 minutes, until the plums soften slightly.
- Enjoy or Store: You can enjoy the caramelized plums warm over your favorite dessert, or transfer them to a jar and store in the refrigerator for later.
Notes
- Use a non-stick pan for easier cleanup: Caramelizing fruit can get sticky, so a non-stick pan will make the process smoother.
- Adjust sugar based on plum sweetness: Add more sugar for tart plums and less for very sweet ones.
- Cook to your desired softness: Stir the fruit frequently as it cooks to achieve your preferred texture.
- Branch out beyond plums: Try this recipe with other stone fruits like peaches or apples!
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Made this with some late summer plums that we still had in the kitchen this evening and added a drizzle of heavy cream to serve. Delicious! Thank you for the recipe.
Turned out so delicious.. paired it up with Vanilla ice cream and your banana bread ! Great dessert night !
What a wonderful combination! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Okay, yuuuum!!!!!! Thank you for the recipe!
Loved this! My plums were not sweet so I added an extra tablespoon of sugar. Also added a bit of heavy cream at the end to give it that caramel creaminess, and a dash of vanilla. Can’t believe it was so easy. Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Phoebe. Thank you so much for your feedback. Next time, I’ll have to add cream – that sounds like a delicious idea!