Christmas Sugarplums
Festive and sweet, these sugarplums combine dates, pecans, and coconut, coated in powdered sugar or coconut, making delightful treats perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter, Karo syrup, ground dates, and graham cracker crumbs by hand until well blended.
- Pinch off pieces the size of a large olive from the mixture and wrap each piece around a pecan half.
- Roll 30 of the sugarplums in powdered sugar and the remaining 30 in flaked coconut.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seeds for the pecans. Additionally, rolling the sugarplums in crushed nuts or cocoa powder can give a delightful twist. Ensure the dates are finely ground to help the mixture hold together better. Experiment with different coatings to make your sugarplums unique.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Sugarplums make a delightful holiday treat and pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea. They can be served as a sweet snack during holiday gatherings or packaged as gifts for friends and family. Consider serving them alongside other festive treats like the Yummy No-Bake Cheesecake for a well-rounded dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sugarplums in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them chilled, refrigerate them for a firmer texture. Avoid freezing, as thawing can alter the consistency and flavor. Serve them at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Sugarplums contains roughly 1004 calories, with 6g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value) and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for the pecans. Just chop them to a size similar to pecan halves to maintain the shape and texture of the sugarplums. Each nut will impart its unique flavor, adding variety to this classic treat.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sugarplums?
If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of Karo syrup. Alternatively, using unsweetened coconut flakes can help balance the sweetness. Tasting the mixture before shaping the sugarplums allows you to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
What is the best way to serve these sugarplums at a party?
For a festive touch, arrange the sugarplums on a decorative platter and dust them with additional powdered sugar or coconut right before serving. You can also create personalized gift bags with a few sugarplums inside for guests to take home as a sweet reminder of the celebration.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).