Brandied Plums

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Brandied Plums, a simple yet elegant recipe that transforms fresh, ripe plums into a delightful preserved treat. Infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and star anise, a hint of vanilla, and the zesty brightness of lemon peel, these juicy plums are simmered to perfection in a rich syrup before being elevated with a splash of smooth brandy. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short simmering process, this recipe is ideal for creating an indulgent dessert topping, a sophisticated addition to cheese boards, or a festive holiday gift. Serve these flavorful plums over vanilla ice cream, alongside custard, or straight from the jar for a truly decadent treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 medium ripe but firm plums
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1.5 cups brandy
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1 vanilla bean (optional, split lengthwise)
• 1 strip lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Wash the plums thoroughly and pat them dry. Leave them whole, or if you prefer, you can cut them into halves and remove the pits.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves, forming a simple syrup.

Step 3

Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, vanilla bean (if using), and lemon zest to the syrup. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 4

Carefully add the plums to the saucepan and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes. Turn the plums occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the syrup. Be careful not to overcook, as you want the plums to hold their shape.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the plums into sterilized jars or heatproof containers.

Step 6

Add the brandy to the syrup in the saucepan and stir to combine. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove it from the heat.

Step 7

Pour the warm brandy syrup over the plums in the jars, ensuring all the fruit is fully submerged. Discard the cinnamon stick, star anise, and lemon zest, or include them in the jar for extra aroma.

Step 8

Allow the jars to cool to room temperature, then seal them tightly and store in the refrigerator for at least 3 days before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Serve the brandied plums on their own, over desserts like ice cream or custard, or as part of a cheese plate.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1606.6 grams (1606.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1991

Total Fat 3.10g	4%
Saturated Fat 0.20g	1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 13mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate 297.10g	108%
Dietary Fiber 14.30g	51%
Total Sugars 278.80g
Protein 6.70g	13%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 136mg	10%
Iron 4mg	19%
Potassium 1354mg	29%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2.2%

Protein: 2.2%

Carbs: 95.6%