Quick Roasted Plums
Juicy, caramelized plums roasted in the oven until tender and bubbling with their own sweet-tart syrup. A quick, elegant dessert that comes together in under 20 minutes with just a handful of pantry ingredients. Serve warm over yogurt, ice cream, or simply on their own.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Preheat the oven and prepare the plums.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the plums, slice them in half lengthwise, and remove the pits. Arrange the halved plums cut-side up in a single layer in the baking dish.
- mix · ~1 min
Drizzle with honey and vanilla.
Drizzle the honey and vanilla extract evenly over the plum halves. Sprinkle the cinnamon and a tiny pinch of salt across the top.
- bake · ~13 min
Dot with butter and roast until tender.
1.Scatter the cold butter cubes over the plums.2.Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the plums are soft and the juices are bubbling and slightly thickened.3.The edges should look lightly caramelized but not burnt.TIPIf plums are very firm, add 3 to 5 extra minutes. The juices should look syrupy, not watery. - serve · ~2 min
Serve warm.
Let the plums cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon the pan juices over the top and serve warm over vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or simply on their own.
TIPThe roasting juices are the best part — don't leave them in the dish.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, choose plums that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape during roasting.
- 2Arrange the plum halves cut-side up with space between each for even caramelization.
- 3If your plums are very tangy, add an extra teaspoon of honey to balance the acidity.
- 4Use cold butter cubes scattered on top to create a richer, glossier syrup as it melts.
- 5Let the roasted plums rest for 2–3 minutes so the juices thicken into a syrupy consistency.
- 6Leftover roasted plums can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Replace honey with a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup or a sprinkle of stevia to reduce sugar while keeping caramelization.
spicedSpiced
Add a star anise pod or a small cinnamon stick to the baking dish for a warm, aromatic twist that infuses the syrup.
savory sweetSavory-sweet
Skip the honey, swap butter for olive oil, and add a splash of balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme for a savory side to roasted meats.
veganVegan
Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in place of butter and agave nectar instead of honey.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Plums are a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
High in Antioxidants
The deep purple skin of plums contains anthocyanins, antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
Natural Sweetener
Honey provides a natural source of quick energy with trace enzymes and antioxidants, used in moderation.
Low in Calories
This dessert relies on fruit and a small amount of butter and honey, making it a lighter option compared to many baked sweets.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, peaches, nectarines, or apricots work beautifully — just adjust roasting time slightly if they are larger or smaller.
