Sugar Plum
A sweet, yeasty bread filled with candied cherries and flavored with vanilla and nutmeg, perfect for festive occasions or special breakfasts enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine milk, sugar, and salt; then cool.
- Add yeast to warm water, then add 3 cups of flour and beat to form a sponge.
- Cream shortening, sugar, beaten eggs, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Add the creamed mixture to the sponge and beat well.
- Incorporate the remaining ingredients, including chopped candied cherries.
- Shape the dough, allow to rise, then bake at the appropriate temperature until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use lukewarm water to activate the yeast properly. If you don’t have shortening, butter can be a good substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Ensure the milk mixture is cooled sufficiently before adding to prevent killing the yeast. To make the dough easier to handle, lightly flour your work surface and hands.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sugar Plum warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. Consider serving it alongside a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a delightful twist, try it with Pumpkin Juice aka (Orange Julius) for a refreshing beverage pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sugar Plum in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals to warm without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Plum contains roughly 254 calories, with 5g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 607mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
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 active dry yeast instead of cake yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for cake yeast. Use 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast, and dissolve it in the lukewarm water before adding it to the flour. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until foamy to ensure it's active.
How can I make Sugar Plum more festive?
To enhance the festive appeal of Sugar Plum, consider adding a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or incorporating colorful sprinkles on top. You can also mix in dried fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To make Sugar Plum healthier, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Reducing the sugar slightly or using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup can also help. Additionally, you can replace shortening with a healthier fat like coconut oil.
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).