20 Plum Recipes to Make the Most of Plum Season

Every year when plums show up at the market, I buy way more than I actually need. They’re sweet, a little tart, and they work in so many dishes that it’s hard to stop at just a few.

While putting this list together, I realized plums aren’t just for pie. They show up in salads, jams, cakes, and even savory sauces.

I’ve gathered 20 of my favorite plum recipes from talented food bloggers around the web. Each recipe title links straight to the original creator’s page, so you can get the full method and ingredient list.

Whether you have a basket of plums to use up or you’re just craving something new, this list has plenty of ideas. Let’s dive in.

Classic Plum Crumble

A plum crumble is one of the easiest desserts to throw together when you have extra plums lying around. The fruit softens and turns jammy under a buttery, crumbly topping.

I love serving this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s simple, but it never disappoints.

Italian Plum Cobbler

This cobbler uses small Italian plums, which hold their shape nicely once baked. The topping is soft and biscuit-like, soaking up all the juices underneath.

It’s a great dessert for a casual family dinner. I like making this in late summer when Italian plums are everywhere.

Plum Good Pie

This pie lives up to its name, with a sweet-tart plum filling wrapped in a flaky crust. It’s a bit more effort than a crumble, but worth it for special occasions.

I make this one whenever I want to impress guests without too much stress. Leftover slices are just as good the next day.

Plum Galette

A galette is basically a pie that doesn’t need to be perfect, which makes it one of my favorite ways to bake with plums. The dough is folded loosely around the fruit, so there’s no fussing over a crust.

It looks rustic and beautiful straight out of the oven. This is a great option if pie-making feels intimidating.

Plum Crumble Bars

These bars take the flavors of a plum crumble and turn them into something you can pick up with your hands. There’s a buttery base, a jammy plum layer, and a crumbly top.

They’re great for picnics or lunchboxes. I like cutting them into small squares so they go further.

Plum Upside-Down Cake

This cake flips the usual method, with plum slices caramelizing on the bottom of the pan before the cake gets flipped over. The result is a glossy, fruit-topped cake that looks impressive.

It’s simpler to make than it looks, which I appreciate. I like serving this slightly warm with a dollop of cream.

Plum Muffins

These muffins use yogurt in the batter, which keeps them moist while the plums add little pockets of sweetness. They’re a nice change from the usual berry muffin.

I make a batch on Sunday and grab one on my way out the door all week. They freeze well too.

Plum Coffee Cake

This coffee cake has a tender crumb studded with plum pieces, plus a sweet streusel topping. It’s the kind of cake that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

I like serving this for weekend brunch when I have friends over. It always gets compliments.

Plum Scones

Scones studded with plum are a lovely way to start the morning, with a slightly crisp outside and a tender, fruity center. They pair beautifully with a pat of butter or a spoonful of jam.

I like making a batch on weekends when I want something a little special for breakfast. They’re best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

Pull-Apart Plum Bread

This bread is fun to make and even more fun to eat, with soft, pillowy pieces you can pull apart by hand. Plums are tucked between the layers, adding little bursts of sweetness.

It’s a great centerpiece for a brunch table. I like watching people tear into it together.

Plum Frangipane Tart

Frangipane is a soft almond filling that pairs beautifully with the tartness of plums. This tart looks elegant but is fairly simple to put together at home.

I love serving this for a dinner party dessert. The almond flavor really lets the plums shine.

Mini Plum Pies

These little pies are perfect for portion control, or just for making dessert feel a bit more fun. Each one is packed with a sweet plum filling and a flaky crust.

I like making these for parties since everyone gets their own individual treat. They’re easier to serve than a full-sized pie.

Plum Spinach Salad

This salad proves plums aren’t just for dessert, pairing juicy plum slices with fresh spinach and a simple dressing. It’s light, colorful, and comes together in minutes.

I make this often in late summer as a side dish. It’s a nice break from heavier meals.

Plum and Burrata Salad with Spiced Almonds

Creamy burrata and sweet plums are a wonderful match, especially with a bit of crunch from spiced almonds. This salad feels fancy but takes very little actual cooking.

I like serving this as a starter when I have guests over. It always looks like more effort than it actually was.

Grilled Plum Salad with Goat Cheese

Grilling plums brings out their natural sugars and adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Paired with creamy goat cheese, this salad becomes something special.

I like making this on summer evenings when the grill is already going. It’s a nice way to use plums beyond dessert.

Plum Jam

Homemade plum jam is easier to make than most people expect, and the flavor is so much better than store-bought. It’s a great project when plums are in season and cheap.

I like making a big batch and giving jars away as gifts. It also makes a great addition to a cheese board.

Plum Chutney

This chutney is sweet, a little spicy, and incredibly versatile once it’s made. It pairs beautifully with cheese, roasted meats, or even a simple sandwich.

I always keep a jar of this in the fridge during plum season. It’s one of those condiments that makes everything taste better.

Roasted Chinese Plum Sauce

This sauce has that familiar sweet and tangy flavor you’d expect from a good Chinese plum sauce, but made fresh at home. Roasting the plums first deepens the flavor nicely.

I like using this as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or grilled meats. It’s far better than most bottled versions I’ve tried.

Sugar-Free Plum Compote

This compote is a great option if you’re trying to cut back on added sugar without giving up on flavor. The natural sweetness of the plums does most of the work.

I like spooning this over yogurt or oatmeal in the morning. It’s simple, quick, and doesn’t taste like a compromise.

Vanilla Plum Jam

Adding vanilla to plum jam turns a simple preserve into something a little more special. The warmth of the vanilla pairs beautifully with the tartness of the plums.

I like using this jam on toast or swirled into plain yogurt. A small jar also makes a lovely homemade gift.

Final Thoughts

Plums turned out to be far more versatile than I expected when I started researching for this list. They work just as well in a savory salad as they do in a jar of jam.

I hope this list gives you some fresh ideas for using up your next batch of plums. Click through to any recipe above to get the full details from the original creator.

FAQ

How do I know when a plum is ripe?
A ripe plum should feel slightly soft when you gently press it and have a sweet smell near the stem. If it’s still hard, leave it on the counter for a day or two to ripen.

Can I use frozen plums in these recipes?
Frozen plums work well in baked recipes like crumbles, cakes, and jams. They tend to release more liquid than fresh plums, so you may need to adjust baking time slightly.

Do I need to peel plums before cooking with them?
Most recipes don’t require peeling, since plum skins soften nicely when cooked and add a bit of color. If a recipe calls for a smoother texture, like a compote, you can peel them if you prefer.

How long does homemade plum jam last?
Properly sealed and stored, homemade plum jam usually lasts up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and use it within a few weeks.

Can I substitute plums with other stone fruits in these recipes?
In many recipes, peaches, nectarines, or apricots can work as a substitute for plums. The flavor and sweetness will vary slightly, so taste as you go and adjust sugar if needed.