18 Tangy Pickled Plums Recipes with a Sweet Twist

When it comes to adding a tangy twist to your meals, few ingredients can rival the humble plum. Whether you’re looking to add some zing to your sandwiches, salads, or snacks, pickled plums are the perfect addition. But why settle for plain old pickling when you can add a sweet and savory spin? In this article, we’ll explore 18 different tangy pickled plums recipes with a sweet twist that will take your taste buds on a wild ride.

From classic combinations like spiced pickled plums with cinnamon and clove to more adventurous pairings like honey-glazed pickled plums with ginger, these recipes are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients.

So if you’re ready to take your snack game to the next level and add some excitement to your meals, keep reading for our top 18 tangy pickled plums recipes with a sweet twist.

Spiced Pickled Plums with Cinnamon and Clove

This recipe adds a delightful twist to traditional pickling by incorporating the warm, aromatic flavors of cinnamon and clove. Perfect as a condiment or side dish, these spiced pickled plums are sure to elevate any meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup plums (any variety), sliced
– 1 cup vinegar (white wine or apple cider)
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cinnamon sticks, broken
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine plums, vinegar, sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
2. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
3. After 24 hours, refrigerate the pickled plums for at least 2 hours before serving.

Cooking Time: 24 hours

Honey-Glazed Pickled Plums with Ginger

Elevate your snack game with these sweet and tangy pickled plums, infused with the warmth of ginger and the richness of honey.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup plums (such as Italian prunes or Japanese umeboshi)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced thinly
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine plums, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until plums are tender.
2. Remove from heat and stir in honey until dissolved.
3. Add sliced ginger and let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the pickling liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar, reserving the plums. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Sweet and Sour Pickled Plums with Star Anise

A sweet and tangy twist on traditional pickling, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the warm, aromatic flavors of star anise. Perfect for topping salads, yogurt, or using as a condiment.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb plums (such as Italian prune or Santa Rosa), sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 2 whole star anise pods, cracked open
– 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add sliced plums and star anise pods to the pickling liquid. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes or until plums are tender.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Vanilla-Infused Pickled Plums with Brown Sugar

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the richness of vanilla and brown sugar, creating a unique and delicious condiment perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a side dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb fresh plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian Prune), sliced
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced plums, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add white vinegar, water, and vanilla extract to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the plums are tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Pickled Plums with Orange Zest and Cardamom

Pickled Plums with Orange Zest and Cardamom: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the brightness of orange zest and the warmth of cardamom, creating a unique and addictive condiment perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a glaze for meats.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup firm plums (such as Italian Prunes or Santa Rosa), sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced plums, sugar, vinegar, water, and orange zest. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the ground cardamom and salt. Let cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Chili-Lime Pickled Plums for a Spicy Kick

Add a tangy twist to your snacks with these addictive Chili-Lime Pickled Plums, bursting with flavor and heat. Perfect for topping tacos, salads, or enjoying as a solo snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian Prune), pitted
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup chili flakes (adjust to desired level of spiciness)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine lime juice, chili flakes, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack the plums into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, making sure they’re completely covered.
4. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 2 weeks.

Cooking Time: 5 minutes (pickling liquid) + at least 24 hours (refrigeration)

Rosemary and Thyme Pickled Plums with Honey

Add a tangy twist to your plums with this unique recipe, perfect for snacking or using as a topping for cheeses or charcuterie boards.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb fresh plums, sliced
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tsp dried thyme leaves
– 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, honey, rosemary, thyme, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack the plum slices into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plums, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus cooling time)

Pickled Plums with Black Pepper and Bay Leaves

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the pungency of black pepper and the subtle aroma of bay leaves, creating a unique and flavorful condiment. Perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a side dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb plums (any variety), sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp black pepper
– 4 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add sliced plums and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until plums are tender.
4. Remove from heat and add bay leaves. Let steep for at least 30 minutes.
5. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar. Discard solids.
6. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Maple Syrup Pickled Plums with Cinnamon Stick

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the warmth of cinnamon, all wrapped up in a tangy maple syrup pickling liquid. Perfect as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or as a unique side dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh plums, sliced
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– Salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add sliced plums and cinnamon stick pieces to the pickling liquid.
5. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until plums are tender.
6. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
7. Strain out cinnamon sticks and store in an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Pickled Plums with Lemongrass and Ginger

Add a burst of tropical flavor to your meals with these tangy and sweet pickled plums. This unique recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the spicy warmth of ginger and the citrus brightness of lemongrass.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb plums (such as Italian or Japanese varieties), sliced
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine plums, vinegar, sugar, water, lemongrass, and ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain the pickling liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar.
4. Pack the cooled plum slices into the jar, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
5. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Balsamic Vinegar Pickled Plums with Basil

Add a tangy twist to your culinary creations with this easy-to-make recipe for Balsamic Vinegar Pickled Plums with Basil. This sweet and sour treat is perfect as a topping for cheese plates, salads, or even as a condiment for grilled meats.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh plums (such as Italian Prune or Santa Rosa), sliced
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced plums, balsamic vinegar, sugar, water, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil leaves.
4. Let the pickled plums cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld together.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Pickled Plums with Starfruit and Mint

Elevate your pickling game with this unique recipe that combines the sweetness of plums, the crunch of starfruit, and the brightness of mint. Perfect for topping tacos or serving as a side dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup of plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian Prune), sliced into thin wedges
– 1/2 cup of starfruit, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup of sugar
– 1/4 cup of water
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced plums and starfruit.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped mint leaves, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pickling liquid has thickened slightly.
5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the plum-starfruit mixture, making sure they are fully coated.
6. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

Pickled Plums with Lavender and Honey

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the floral notes of lavender and the warmth of honey, creating a unique and delicious condiment perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup pickling plums (such as Greengage or Italian Prune), sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced plums, sugar, honey, vinegar, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the plums are tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in dried lavender buds. Let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the pickling liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
5. Store the pickled plums in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Pickled Plums with Juniper Berries and Allspice

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the piney flavor of juniper berries and the warm spices of allspice, creating a unique and delicious condiment perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a glaze for meats.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound plums (such as Italian prunes), pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons juniper berries, crushed
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, water, juniper berries, and allspice.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the plums to the saucepan and stir to coat with the pickling liquid.
4. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely before refrigerating.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Pickled Plums with Pineapple Juice and Cinnamon

This unique recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the tanginess of pineapple juice and the warmth of cinnamon, creating a delicious condiment perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a marinade.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb fresh plums, pitted
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp pickling spice (containing cinnamon, cloves, and other spices)
– 1/4 cup white vinegar

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the plums, pineapple juice, sugar, and pickling spice.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add the white vinegar and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Pickled Plums with Red Wine and Rosemary

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with the tanginess of red wine vinegar, perfectly balanced by the earthy flavor of rosemary. Perfect as a side dish or used as an ingredient in various recipes.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb fresh plums, sliced
– 1 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup red wine (dry)
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the plum slices, red wine vinegar, red wine, sugar, and salt.
2. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. After 24 hours, add the rosemary sprigs to the mixture and let it sit for another 2 hours.
4. Strain the pickling liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding the solids.
5. Store the pickled plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Cooking Time: 24 hours (plus additional 2 hours with rosemary)

Pickled Plums with Apple Cider Vinegar and Cloves

Pickling plums is a simple way to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. This recipe combines the sweetness of plums with the tanginess of apple cider vinegar and the warmness of cloves.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh plums, sliced
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 whole cloves
– 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced plums, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the whole cloves to the pan and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the pickled plums through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar or container.
6. Store the pickled plums in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 6 months.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Pickled Plums with Vanilla Bean and Brown Sugar

Pickled plums are a delicious condiment perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a side dish. This recipe adds the warmth of vanilla bean and the depth of brown sugar to create a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian Prune), pitted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine plums, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Add the water, vinegar, and vanilla bean to the saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Tips:
• Adjust the level of sweetness to your taste by using more or less brown sugar.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the pickled plums thinly for garnishing or snacking.

Summary

Get ready to pucker up with these 18 tangy pickled plums recipes that put a sweet twist on a classic! From spicy to floral, these unique flavor combinations will have you hooked. Try Spiced Pickled Plums with Cinnamon and Clove, Honey-Glazed Pickled Plums with Ginger, or Vanilla-Infused Pickled Plums with Brown Sugar. Or, go bold with Chili-Lime Pickled Plums for a spicy kick or Rosemary and Thyme Pickled Plums with Honey for a savory-sweet treat. Whatever your taste buds desire, there’s a pickled plum recipe to satisfy your cravings!