Plums are nature’s little gems — sweet, juicy, and bursting with color. When they’re in season, expect a steady stream of plum desserts coming out of my kitchen week after week.
Depending on the variety and ripeness, they can lean sweet or pleasantly tart. To pick the perfect one, give it a gentle squeeze — it should feel firm with a slight give and have a nice weight to it.
Too soft? That means it’s overripe, but don’t worry — that just makes it perfect for jam, cake, or any baked treat that calls for big flavor.
Whether you’re drawn to deep red or golden varieties, plums make for stunning and delicious desserts.
Much like peaches, plums shine during the summer months — so hit up your local market and grab a bunch while you can.
You’re going to want to dive into these 20 irresistible plum desserts right away!
Contents
20. Make at Home Best Plum Jam!
You’re going to fall in love with this timeless recipe for Easy Plum Jam — made with ripe, juicy plums at their seasonal peak. It’s the perfect way to capture the essence of summer and enjoy this luscious stone fruit long after the season ends.
This traditional jam recipe keeps it simple with just four ingredients: plums, sugar, lemon juice, and water. No pectin needed!
With clear, step-by-step instructions, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make your own homemade plum jam — no fancy techniques required.
19. Easy Plum Crisp Recipe for Beginners
This easy Plum Crisp is the perfect beginner-friendly dessert, using fresh, everyday plums to create something truly comforting and delicious.
Think of it as a pie without the fuss of a crust — just tender, sweet-tart plums bubbling beneath a golden, crunchy topping.
A generous splash of vanilla takes it to the next level, transforming a simple crisp into a standout treat.
Plums come in an array of colors and flavors — from sunny yellow and deep red to dark black and vibrant green. You’ll find varieties from all over the world, including American, Japanese, and European types.
Mirabelles are known for their intense sweetness, while Italian prune plums shine when dried into rich, chewy prunes.
No matter which type you use, this crisp is bound to become a go-to dessert during plum season.
18. Roasted Plum with Pistachio Custard Pastry
Celebrate the rich sweetness of late-summer plums by turning them into the star of a truly irresistible dessert. Slice the ripe, juicy fruit and nestle it into a crisp, golden pastry case filled with a luscious pistachio and vanilla custard.
As the tart bakes, the plums soften and release their syrupy juices, mingling beautifully with the nutty richness of the pistachio and the silky smoothness of the custard.
Serve it warm with a dollop of crème fraîche or chilled for a more elegant finish — either way, it’s a perfect way to make the most of plum season.
17. Delicious Baked Plum Pudding
You can use any variety of plums you love for this pudding recipe, but we highly recommend prune plums.
Their small, almond-like shape with a tapered end makes them ideal for baking — they hold their shape beautifully, and the pit separates easily from the flesh.
This dessert is wonderfully simple and absolutely delicious — especially if you’re a fan of soft, eggy puddings with a hint of vanilla and the vibrant flavor of seasonal plums!
16. Italian Plum Tart – My Favorite September Dessert!
Ever considered baking a fruit crumble in a tart pan? If not, plums are the perfect reason to give it a try!
This plum tart has been my go-to every September for over a decade — and there’s a little secret that makes it one of the easiest plum desserts you’ll ever whip up.
The trick? Let the tart pan do the work. No complicated crusts or fussy techniques — just juicy, peak-season plums and a buttery crumble topping baked into a beautiful, rustic tart.
Here in New England, stone fruit season hits its stride in mid to late August, making late summer and early fall the ideal time to bake with fresh peaches and plums. Trust me, this tart is worth adding to your seasonal tradition.
15. Classic Plum Crumble Recipe – Buttery, Dense, and Perfectly Fruity!
This plum crumble is all about texture — a golden, crunchy topping paired with a silky-smooth prune filling that’s so satisfying, you’ll be tempted to go back for seconds (or thirds).
When plums are overflowing at the local farmer’s market, I can never resist baking with them.
They’re one of the most versatile fruits for desserts, and here’s why: as they bake, their sweet flesh transforms into a soft, jammy layer with just the right amount of natural sweetness. Irresistible doesn’t even begin to cover it!
14. Romanian Plum Dumplings (Galuste cu Prune)
This one took me by surprise: sweet plums tucked inside soft potato dough (think gnocchi-style) and rolled in a buttery, sugary breadcrumb coating?
I’ll admit — I was skeptical at first.
But trust me, it totally works! There’s something magical about the contrast of the tender dough, juicy fruit, and crispy-sweet coating. And if you’ve ever doubted that potatoes belong in dessert, this delicious little treat will change your mind for good.
13. Easy and Tasty Mini-Plum Tarts
Much like mini-donuts and mini-cupcakes, mini-tarts have that irresistible charm — cute, bite-sized, and gone in seconds.
What makes this recipe a standout for me is how incredibly simple it is.
No need to fuss with homemade pastry or carefully lining tiny tart molds. All you need is a sheet of puff pastry and a few cookie cutters, and you’re ready to go!
12. Learn to Make Plum Fruit Leather
Even now as an adult, I can’t get enough of fruit leather — that chewy texture and concentrated fruity flavor is just too good to resist. And the best part? When you make it at home, it’s practically guilt-free!
Surprisingly, it’s super easy: just cook your fruit, blend it with a bit of sugar, and bake it low and slow until it dries into a perfect, rollable sheet.
Once you see how tasty (and simple) it is, you’ll be experimenting with all kinds of fruit combos in no time!
11. Flaky Hand-held Plum Turnovers
Some mornings, I wake up with an undeniable craving for something sweet.
My usual go-to? Classic apple turnovers made with frozen puff pastry and thinly sliced apples — simple, cozy, and always a hit. But once summer rolls around, the options multiply.
That’s when I swap the apples for whatever’s in season — and ripe plums are at the top of that list.
I love using puff pastry for its light, flaky layers, but you can absolutely go with homemade shortcrust or even store-bought pie dough if that’s more your style.
The best part? When your plums are perfectly ripe, there’s no need to cook them beforehand. Just slice, assemble, and bake — it couldn’t be easier.
10. Gorgeous Polenta Plum Upside-Down Cake
I can’t decide what I love most about this cake — the fragrant mix of orange zest, cardamom, and vanilla in the sponge, the stunning layer of plums on top, or the subtle, rustic texture from the cornmeal in the batter.
Worried the cornmeal might dry things out? Don’t be. This recipe includes both butter and oil, which keep the cake rich, moist, and full of flavor.
I prefer to slice the plums on the thicker side so they slowly melt into the sponge as it bakes, creating pockets of juicy, fruity goodness in every bite.
9. Zwetschgendatschi – German Plum Cake with Streusel
As a baker, I’ve got a serious soft spot for fruit cakes with streusel toppings. They’re light, flavorful, and endlessly versatile — perfect for using up whatever fruit you’ve got on hand.
And the best part? The crumb topping does all the work when it comes to presentation. No need to fuss over arranging fruit slices just right — everything gets hidden under that golden, buttery streusel.
Roughly chopped fruit works just as well, saving you time without sacrificing a bit of flavor. It’s a no-fuss, all-flavor kind of bake — and I’m here for it!
8. Easy French Plum Clafoutis
This classic French dessert is a delightful cross between a flan and a crepe. The custard-like batter contains a bit of flour, giving it a slightly firmer, more cake-like texture than a traditional flan — rich, dense, and utterly satisfying.
While it’s traditionally made with dark cherries, it’s incredibly flexible and perfect for seasonal swaps — like juicy, ripe plums.
For a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth fruit layer, dice the plums into small chunks. Prefer a bit more bite and a prettier presentation? Halved plums offer great texture and a beautiful visual appeal.
7. Triple Berry Plum Pie with Cornstarch and Tapioca
What’s more irresistible than a mix of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and plums wrapped in a buttery, flaky pie crust?
Each fruit brings its own juicy burst of flavor, making every bite vibrant and layered.
To keep that gorgeous filling thick without turning it cloudy, use a mix of cornstarch and tapioca — it’s the perfect combo for a clear, glossy finish.
And while a lattice top isn’t essential, I highly recommend it. It adds a beautiful touch and lets all those stunning colors peek through — a true showstopper of a pie!
6. Plum Tart – Perfect Little Dessert for Two
The first time I saw a photo of this tart, I actually mistook it for a roasted beet galette — that’s how bold and vibrant plums become once they’re baked!
This recipe is perfectly portioned for two, making it an ideal small-batch dessert with just the right amount of sweetness.
Of course, you can easily scale it up if you’re baking for a crowd.
What really elevates this tart is the dry almond filling — it adds a subtle nuttiness while also soaking up the plum juices, keeping the base crisp and free from soggy bottoms.
5. Delicious Cherry and Plum Bruschetta
We’ve all had the classic garlicky bruschetta with tomatoes and olive oil — savory, crisp, and totally satisfying.
But have you ever tried a sweet twist with cherries and plums? Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
This version features a base of lightly sweetened ricotta, giving it a creamy, almost cheesecake-like vibe. You can easily swap in mascarpone or cream cheese if you prefer — both work beautifully.
The secret to making the fruit shine? Let the cherries and plums macerate with a bit of sugar for 10–15 minutes. This draws out their juices and intensifies the flavor, making every bite irresistibly juicy and fresh.
4. Simple Juicy Plum Compote Dessert Sauce
As much as I enjoy a rich chocolate or caramel sauce, in the summertime, I always find myself reaching for fruit compotes instead.
They’re light, fresh, and pair beautifully with everything from a scoop of ice cream to a slice of chocolate cake — plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and keep well in the fridge.
Unlike jam or jelly, a compote has a looser, more pourable texture, so you’ll want to add a bit of water when simmering your fruit with sugar.
Just cook it down until the fruit is tender, then blend it into a smooth, vibrant sauce. So simple, so versatile!
3. Nectarine, Plum, and Raspberry Pretty Pie
This pie might just be one of my all-time favorites. It’s gorgeous to look at, and the flavor combo of raspberries, plums, and nectarines is absolute chef’s kiss.
Nectarines bring a sweeter, more intense flavor than peaches, which balances beautifully with the tart punch of the raspberries.
For the best texture, slice your plums and nectarines to a similar size — it ensures every bite is evenly tender. As it bakes, the raspberries melt into a luscious, jammy sauce that wraps the fruit in pure deliciousness.
2. Easy Plum Cobbler – You’ll Love this Recipe!
It’s funny how peaches always steal the spotlight in baking. Don’t get me wrong — they’re lovely — but plums bring a richer, deeper color that makes desserts look and taste even more indulgent.
Take this gorgeous cobbler, for example. At first glance, it might remind you of a mixed berry dessert, with those vibrant reds and purples bubbling up at the edges.
But instead of tiny berries, you’re treated to generous chunks of juicy, tender plum in every spoonful — and honestly, it’s a game-changer.
1. Wonderfully Simple Late Summer Plum Cake
This cake is delightfully simple, yet full of charm. The sponge is soft and buttery, with a warm blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg adding just the right touch of spice.
To prepare it, slice the plums and gently press them into the top of the batter. As the cake bakes, the fruit will settle slightly, but those vibrant pops of color will still peek through the surface.
Once cooled, you’ll find the plums have softened into a jammy layer within the sponge, infusing every bite with sweet, fruity goodness.
20 Delicious Plum Dessert Recipes: Easy Ideas for Plum Lovers
Discover 20 easy plum dessert recipes, from a crumble plum cobbler to a fresh plum tart. Perfect for summer plums, these treats are a must-try for fruit lovers!
Ingredients
- Make at Home Best Plum Jam!
- Easy Plum Crisp Recipe for Beginners
- Roasted Plum with Pistachio Custard Pastry
- Delicious Baked Plum Pudding
- Italian Plum Tart - My Favorite September Dessert!
- Classic Plum Crumble Recipe - Buttery, Dense, and Perfectly Fruity!
- Plum Dumplings (Galuste cu Prune)
- Easy Mini-Plum Tarts
- How to Make Plum Fruit Leather
- Plum Turnovers
- Polenta Plum Upside-Down Cake
- Plum Cake with Streusel
- Easy Plum Clafoutis
- Triple Berry Plum Pie
- Plum Tart
- Cherry and Plum Bruschetta
- Plum Compote Dessert Sauce
- Nectarine, Plum, and Raspberry Pie
- Easy Plum Cobbler Recipe
- Late Summer Plum Cake
Instructions
- Choose any Plum Dessert Recipes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Plum Dessert Recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.