Plum Recipes That Will Have Your Summer Table Dressed To Impress

Plum Cake
Photo: Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

From cakes and jams to salsa and cocktails, these fresh plum recipes put the gorgeous fruit to use in the most delicious ways imaginable. Whether we're talking a full, three-course dinner that'll be on the table in 30 minutes or less, or a decadent cornmeal cake that has us debating whether it's time for breakfast or dessert, these flavorful plum recipes are bound to dazzle your table and your tastebuds. The secret to making the most of this collection of seasonal recipes is to start with gorgeous fresh plums that aren't too ripe or too hard. They should give just slightly to the touch, though you should avoid pressing excessively as you stake them out. Finally, if they need an additional day or two to ripen, just place them into a brown paper bag and store in a dark place for 24 to 48 hours. Now, who's ready to get cooking?

01 of 12

Plum-Berry Cornmeal Sheet Cake

Plum-Berry Cornmeal Sheet Cake
Photo: Alison Miksch

Use any kind of mixed fresh berries you choose, just keep the amount the same as is specified in the ingredient list. As the cake bakes, the batter nestles around all the fresh fruit, cooking it just enough to ensure each bite is bursting with gorgeous, fruity flavor.

02 of 12

Pan-Grilled Chicken With Fresh Plum Salsa

Pan-Grilled Chicken with Fresh Plum Salsa
Photo: Jennifer Davick

This entire dish comes together in just under 30 minutes, providing the perfect summertime supper in a flash. A jalapeno pepper and chopped red onion bring a bit of heat that plays off the sweet, ripe plums.

03 of 12

Lavender-Plum Shrub

Lavender-Plum Shrub
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Torie Cox

If you haven't tried a vinegar-based shrub cocktail before, allow us to make the introduction. Our version calls for apple cider vinegar, red plums, vanilla, and fresh lavender to create the fruit-infused sipper. It needs a few days to chill in the fridge before serving so the flavors meld.

04 of 12

Plum Cake

Plum Cake
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

You can call this breakfast or dessert—we won't judge. Whatever you do, don't neglect the sprinkling of slivered almonds on the top. They'll create the most delicious crunch with every bite.

05 of 12

Honeyed Plum Galette

Honeyed Plum Galette
Micah A. Leal

A few impactful ingredients create quite the medley of flavor in our Honeyed Plum Galette. Cardamom, gingersnaps, and—of course—the most perfectly ripe plums you can get your hands on will steal the show.

06 of 12

Peach-Plum Crumble Slab Pie

Peach-Plum Crumble Slab Pie
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Ripe peaches and plums pair with a simple mixture of sugar, cinnamon, butter, salt, and flour to create one mind-blowing crumble. The best part? We made it on a jelly roll pan fit for a crowd—the recipe makes a whopping 12 servings.

07 of 12

Ginger-Plum Slump

Ginger-Plum Slump
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

If you're from up north, you might have heard a slump referred to as a grunt. No matter what you call it, we can all agree this dumpling-topped fruit dessert is a hands-down winner.

08 of 12

Sweet-Hot Plum-Glazed Ham

Sweet-Hot Plum-Glazed Ham
Southern Living

What is it about ham that just begs for a sweet glaze? This one starts with a plum-preserve base and turns up the dial with a bit of heat from dried crushed red pepper flakes.

09 of 12

Plum Torte

Plum Torte
Will Dickey; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Juicy black plums meet a buttery batter in this delicious Plum Torte. We use yellow cornmeal to make this comforting dessert.

10 of 12

Spiced Plum Compote

Spiced Plum Compote
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Plum compote is utterly unique. Full of fresh ginger and warming spices, few things compare to this creative breakfast or dessert.

11 of 12

Pear-Plum Tartlets

Pear-Plum Tartlets
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Combine the fruits of fall in our Pear-Plum Tartlets. Made with homemade pice crust and simple ingredients that let the fruit shine, we know that this recipe is sure to be a favorite.

12 of 12

Sparkling Plum Punch

Sparkling Plum Punch
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Sparkling Plum Punch is plum full of flavor! We love a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage and this one is everything you want your drink to be: colorful, thirst-quenching and delicious!

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles