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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Easy Stewed Plums Recipe

    Published: Aug 19, 2024 · Modified: Aug 19, 2024 by Beth Sachs · 6 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    Stewed plums Pinterest image.

    This easy stewed plums recipe, bursting with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of lemon zest, requires just 4 ingredients.

    Perfect for topping your morning yogurt or porridge, and equally delicious with custard or ice cream for a sweet treat.

    Stewed plums with cinnamon in a grey bowl.

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    The plums are gently poached in a syrup made from lemon and brown sugar, with a comforting, earthy hint of cinnamon.

    What's great is that they only take 10 minutes to prepare and can be kept in the fridge for up to a week!

    👩‍🍳 You might also like cinnamon spiced stewed apples.

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why should you try it?
    • 🛒 Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to stew plums
    • Top Tips
    • 🍴 What to serve with stewed plums
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ FAQs
    • 😋Related recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why should you try it?

    1. Stewed plums are simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal cooking skills.
    2. They can be served at any time of the day, be it for breakfast with porridge, or as a dessert with custard or ice cream.
    3. Once cooked, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making them a convenient ready-to-eat option.
    4. Plums are at their freshest in late summer or early autumn. Making stewed plums allows you to make the most of this delicious seasonal fruit.

    🛒 Ingredients

    Ingredients needed to make stewed plums.

    You only need 4 ingredients to make these delicious stewed plums:

    Plums - any variety will work but make sure they are ripe. Wash, de-stone, and halve the plums (leave the skin on).

    Lemon - the juice of half a lemon adds a subtle citrus flavour to the sugar syrup in which the plums are poached.

    Brown Sugar - I prefer to use light brown sugar but you could use dark brown sugar.

    Water - to make the sugar syrup.

    Cinnamon Stick - gently infuses its flavour into the poached plums.

    🔪 How to stew plums

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Put the brown sugar, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan and place it on a medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar has dissolved.

    Two: Add the halved and stoned plums to the pan, along with the cinnamon stick.

    Three: Cook on a medium heat for 10 minutes until the plums are glossy and the sauce is syrupy.

    Step by step photo instructions for making stewed plums.

    Top Tips

    • If you're using slightly under-ripe plums, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
    • The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted depending on the sweetness of your plums and personal preference.
    • Be careful not to overcook the plums, as they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and test them with a fork for desired tenderness.
    • While cinnamon adds a traditional warm note, feel free to experiment with other spices like star anise or cardamom for a twist.

    🍴 What to serve with stewed plums

    What to do with stewed plums? Here are some ideas:

    With yogurt, oatmeal (porridge), or granola for breakfast.

    On top of buttermilk pancakes or drop scones.

    With honeycomb ice cream or custard for dessert. They're also delicious stirred into creamy rice pudding.

    The stewed plums make a great base for a plum crumble, or why not use them to top a plain vanilla cheesecake?

    Stewed plums with cinnamon stick in a bowl.

    📖 Variations

    • Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar to make the recipe refined sugar-free.
    • Replace the lemon juice with orange juice.
    • Swap the cinnamon stick for a vanilla pod, cardamom pods, star anise, or chopped stem ginger in syrup.
    • Add a splash of port, red wine, or brandy for a grown-up version.
    • Add 2 peeled and chopped Bramley apples for stewed apples and plums.

    🥡 Storage

    Store - Allow the stewed plums to cool completely before attempting to store them. Once cooled, transfer the stewed plums, along with any syrup, into a clean, airtight container. Store this in the fridge for up to a week.

    Reheat - When you're ready to serve, you can enjoy them cold, or if you prefer, gently reheat them in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

    Poached plums in a bowl.

    ❓ FAQs

    Can I freeze stewed plums?

    If you wish to store them for longer, stewed plums can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure they are in a suitable, well-sealed container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before use.

    Are stewed plums healthy?

    Plums are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. You could replace the brown sugar (used in the sugar syrup) for stevia in order to reduce the sugar content of the stewed plums.

    Can you stew plums with the stone in?

    You can stew plums whole with stones in, and then cut them in half when cool and discard the stones. I prefer to halve and stone plums before stewing.

    Can I cook stewed plums in the microwave?

    Yes, you can stew plums in the microwave. You will need to put the ingredients in a microwaveable bowl, cover with clingfilm and pierce the lid, and cook on high for 5-6 minutes.

    Can I use this recipe with unripe plums?

    Yes, in fact, slightly underripe plums often work better for stewing as they hold their shape well and their tartness balances the sweetness of the syrup.

    😋Related recipes

    More delicious fruity recipes!

    • Easy Blueberry Compote
    • Frozen Berry Compote
    • Strawberry Coulis
    • Stewed Rhubarb
    • Blackcurrant Coulis
    • Roasted Rhubarb

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    Recipe

    Stewed plums in a bowl with cinnamon.
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    5 from 13 votes

    Easy Stewed Plums

    Try this easy stewed plums recipe with cinnamon and lemon zest. Perfect for yogurt, porridge, custard, or ice cream. Only 4 ingredients needed!
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine British
    Prep Time 4 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 14 minutes minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 101kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
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    Equipment

    • Chopping Board
    • Knife
    • Saucepan

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 8 Plums halved and stoned
    • 3 tablespoon Light Brown Sugar
    • ½ Lemon juice only
    • 4 tablespoon Water
    • 1 Cinnamon Stick

    Instructions

    • Place the brown sugar, water and lemon juice into a saucepan. Put the pan on a medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
      3 tablespoon Light Brown Sugar, 4 tablespoon Water, ½ Lemon
    • Add the halved and stoned plums and cinnamon stick, and cook on a medium heat for 10 minutes until the plums are tender and the syrup is glossy.
      8 Plums, 1 Cinnamon Stick
    • DIscard the cinnamon stick and allow the plums to cool slightly before serving.

    Notes

    Top Tips:
    • If you're using slightly under-ripe plums, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
    • The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted depending on the sweetness of your plums and personal preference.
    • Be careful not to overcook the plums, as they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and test with a fork for desired tenderness.
    • While cinnamon adds a traditional warm note, feel free to experiment with other spices like star anise or cardamom for a twist
     
    Variations:
    • Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar to make the recipe refined sugar-free.
    • Replace the lemon juice with orange juice.
    • Swap the cinnamon stick for a vanilla pod, cardamom pods, star anise, or chopped stem ginger in syrup.
    • Add a splash of port, red wine or brandy for a grown-up version.
    • Add 2 peeled and chopped Bramley apples for stewed apple and plums.
     
    Storage:
    The stewed plums will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen.
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Stewed Plums
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    101
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    1
    g
    2
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Sodium
     
    4
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    242
    mg
    7
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    26
    g
    9
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    22
    g
    24
    %
    Protein
     
    1
    g
    2
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    461
    IU
    9
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    20
    mg
    24
    %
    Calcium
     
    28
    mg
    3
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katherine

      September 01, 2021 at 1:39 pm

      5 stars
      I love stewed plums! Such a versatile way to use them up.

      Reply
    2. Gina

      September 01, 2021 at 2:02 pm

      5 stars
      Love enjoying these for breakfast over some yogurt with granola!

      Reply
    3. Toni

      September 01, 2021 at 2:12 pm

      5 stars
      It is seriously amazing! I love that it is really quick and easy to make, too!

      Reply
    4. Tavo

      September 01, 2021 at 2:14 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this today, I had all the ingredients! So fast and easy to make! Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Dannii

      September 01, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      I grew up eating stewed plums at my grandparents. Such a delicious dessert.

      Reply
    6. Caroline

      September 01, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      I haven't had stewed plums in so long, but these are making me think I should make them myself soon - they look and sound so tasty.

      Reply
    5 from 13 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Beth!

    Mum of three (and two crazy dogs), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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