15 Ways to Make the Most of Fresh Plum Season

Plum Cake

Fresh plums nestle atop a simple batter lightened up with whipped egg whites. "This cake is so yummy and light. It's perfect for a summer evening. My husband LOVED it and he doesn't usually care for desserts," says LUNARORA.

Damson Plum Cardamom Jam

Jamie Northern, who submitted this 5-star recipe, comments, "The Damson plum makes a tart, flavorful, soft-setting jam that is a rich, deep wine-colored spread for cookies, waffles, bread, or anything else, really. Cardamom adds an unusual and subtle perfume to these preserves." If you're new to canning, you'll appreciate these tips.

Plum Peach Chicken

Plums and peaches are in season at the same time, meaning they pair perfectly in this savory dish. Chicken breasts are baked up in a spicy fruit sauce before getting garnished with freshly chopped peaches and plums.

Plum Crisp

This is one of those almost effortless desserts you'll find yourself going back to again and again. You can replace half the flour in the topping with rolled oats, if you wish.

Spicy Oven-Roasted Plums

If you can turn on an oven, you can make this. And imagine how incredible your kitchen's going to smell while the plums are baking with orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. There's a touch of cumin in there, too, just to spice things up. Serve warm over ice cream or pound cake, or with roasted meats.

Plum Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Upside-down cakes are old-fashioned favorites that never go out of style. "Like many others, this was my first attempt at an upside-down cake, and I have to say the recipe is very straightforward and easy to follow," shares KB.

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Fresh Plum Salsa

Fruity salsa isn't just reserved for tropical varieties. "The plums absorb the full-bodied spiciness of the salsa to give it a light, smoky-sweet flavor," says recipe creator farmfresh. "Perfect as a side or snack on a hot summer day or as an accompaniment to tacos or grilled pork."

Plum Clafouti

It's pronounced claw-foo-TEE, and it's an incredibly simple custard-type dessert that you can literally whip up in minutes. It does take an hour to bake, but don't let that stop you from trying this easy, impressive French dessert.

Plum Flummery

This fun-to-say dessert is a light and fluffy mousse-like treat. You can chill and serve it in individual glasses so everyone can ooh and aah at the lovely color.

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Banana Plum Bread

"This is absolutely delicious! I have followed the recipe to the dot, well almost :). I added little cinamon and little vanilla sugar just to give the plums little twist since they react well with both. And it was a treat! It went down so well, my fiancé left me only two slices! I will have to bake it again," says Yanna_K.

Tangy Plum Liqueur

Excellent for enjoying at home, or bottling up as a gift, this brightly colored liqueur gets its signature hue from fresh plums. A hint of vanilla and orange balance out the flavor, making it perfect for drinking straight or in a fruity cocktail.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Plum Sauce

The sweetness of fresh plums is balanced out with shallots, thyme, and balsamic vinegar in this roasted pork tenderloin recipe. Chef John advises, "When shopping for this recipe be sure to choose plums (or any other stone fruit) that are fairly firm so they keep their shape after roasting. You know that selfish jerk that has to feel-up every piece of fruit before deciding on one? This time, be that jerk."

Plum Dumplings

Pastry-wrapped plums are boiled and then drizzled with a butter-brown sugar sauce. "This recipe came from Istria in the former Yugoslavia," says Cyndi K. "It can be an entree (our favorite) or side dish. I have fond memories of helping my mother make large batches of these and freezing them for the winter. They are still one of my favorite meals and my children (now grown up) still look forward to these any time I make them."

Plum Butter

Great for spreading on toast, using as a cake filling, or making a unique PB&J, this plum butter simply requires plums, sugar, and a little water. Make a batch this summer to enjoy the taste of fresh plums all year long.

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Whipped Ricotta with Honey and Summer Fruit

This recipe is so easy to make, but with impressive results. Fresh summertime fruits like plums, strawberries, and figs are topped with a dollop of vanilla whipped ricotta and finished off with a drizzle of sweet honey for an irresistible treat.