Indulge in Sweetness: 5 Best Substitutes for Plums

Plums are off the table? No stress.

We’ve got the scoop on the top five swaps that’ll save your recipe.

Fresh or dried, these alternatives will keep your dishes deliciously on track.

Can’t find plums in the grocery aisle?

We’re here to help you pivot without missing a beat.

From sweet treats to savory dishes, these substitutes are golden.

Apricots, peaches, you name it. They bring the flavor without hijacking your dish’s vibe.

Trust us, your kitchen experiments are about to get a whole lot more exciting.

What is Plum?

Let’s start with the basics – what is a plum? A plum is a small, fleshy stone fruit.

It looks similar to an apricot or a smaller version of orange.

Plums come in many colors, including purple, red, yellow, and green, depending on the plum you are eating.

The most common type of plum has a dark purple/reddish color. Plums are also surprisingly healthy.

Purple plums contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant, making them great for your heart health.

They are also filled with fiber which means they keep you fuller longer.

There are many different ways to enjoy plums.

You can eat them fresh by themselves, add them to a salad or bake with them in a dessert.

Plums are also fairly easy to grow.

If you don’t have a green thumb, they make a great fruit for people who want to grow their own fruits and vegetables in their backyard.

The next time you go to the grocery store, make sure you pick up a plum.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Plums

Plums are delicious stone fruits known for their sweet and juicy flavor.

However, if you don’t have plums on hand or want to try different flavors in your recipes, there are several substitutes available.

In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for plums, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you achieve similar results in your dishes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Apricot	Similar sweet and tangy flavor; slightly smaller and more golden-orange in color	Use an equal amount of apricots as a substitute for plums
Asian Pear	Crisp and juicy texture with a subtly sweet taste; provides a refreshing alternative	Use an equal amount of Asian pears as a substitute for plums
Persimmon	Sweet and honey-like flavor with a custard-like texture; adds a unique twist to dishes	Use an equal amount of persimmons as a substitute for plums
Peaches	Juicy and sweet flavor with a slightly fuzzy skin; offers a similar stone fruit experience	Use an equal amount of peaches as a substitute for plums
Nectarines	Smooth-skinned and slightly firmer than a plum; has a sweet and tangy flavor	Use an equal amount of nectarines as a substitute for plums

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Apricot

No matter the type of apricot, it can be substituted for plums.

If you use canned ones, drain them first before using them.

It’s important to note that this also applies to fresh apricots.

When substituting this fruit for plums, keep in mind that they are very sweet and tart at the same time.

They also have a soft texture, making them great for baking and cooking.

The apricot’s juice can be made into jams and jellies.

If you are looking for a shortcut to using apricots, you can use them as an ingredient in baked desserts that require plums.

All you have to do is follow any recipes you might have on hand.

• Key Characteristics: Apricots have a similar sweet and tangy flavor to plums. While slightly smaller and more golden-orange in color, they can be used as a substitute to provide a similar taste profile to your dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of apricots as a substitute for plums. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements.

2 – Asian Pear

Similar to other fruits, Asian pears come in many varieties.

It’s important to note that you can tell whether or not an Asian pear is ripe by touching it and smelling it.

If the fruit gives a bit, then this means it’s ripe and ready to eat.

If you use them as a substitute for plums, make sure you remove their skin first.

This is because it can change the texture of your dish if you keep it on.

Also, make sure to remove its core before using it as well.

Although Asian pears are very crisp, they are also great substitutes for apples in any recipe.

• Key Characteristics: Asian pears have a crisp and juicy texture with a subtly sweet taste. They provide a refreshing alternative to plums and can add a unique twist to your recipes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Asian pears as a substitute for plums. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements.

3 – Persimmon

This fruit is extremely popular in Asia. It’s sometimes known as the ‘kaki fruit’.

However, there are two main types of persimmons that you should know about.

The first type is the Hachiya Persimmon which has a heart shape when viewed from above.

When this fruit ripens, it can be almost impossible to eat.

This is because its texture is very tender and may taste like uncooked dough.

The second type of persimmon is the Fuyu Persimmon, and it has a completely different appearance than Hachiya Persimmons.

It’s typically round and squat in shape, and it also has a crunchier surface texture.

Even if it’s ripe, Fuyu Persimmons can be eaten somewhat firm.

People commonly eat persimmons with cream cheese or feta cheese.

It can also be used in salads.

• Key Characteristics: Persimmons have a sweet and honey-like flavor with a custard-like texture. Although different from plums, they offer a unique taste experience and can bring a delightful twist to your dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of persimmons as a substitute for plums. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements.

4 – Peaches

Peaches are sweet, juicy, and sometimes used as an alternative to nectarines.

Like Asian pears, peaches are great to use in any baked dessert that requires plums.

Make sure you remove their skin before using them but don’t worry because this fruit is very easy to peel.

If you want something a little different for breakfast, you can also use peaches in your oatmeal.

All you have to do is make the oatmeal according to the package directions and top it with fresh peaches when serving.

If you are looking for an exotic snack, why not try some peach salsa? All you have to do is combine fresh chopped peaches with some red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice to make this dish.

Just make sure you keep this dip in the fridge for at least half an hour before serving it.

• Key Characteristics: Peaches have a juicy and sweet flavor with a slightly fuzzy skin. While not identical to plums, they are a close relative and can provide a similar stone fruit experience in your recipes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of peaches as a substitute for plums. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements.

5 – Nectarines

Nectarines are similar to peaches but do not have any fuzz on them.

If you want to use nectarines in any baked desserts requiring plums, make sure you remove their skin.

Nectarines are also great for cooking and making fruit salads.

If you want to use them as a salad ingredient, we recommend adding some sharp cheddar cheese and pecans to your dish.

Nectarines can be used in overnight oats too.

Just make the oatmeal according to the package directions and top it with some nectarine slices when serving.

If you are looking for something a little different, try making nectarine salsa.

To prepare this delicious dish, all you have to do is combine chopped nectarines with red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice.

Just make sure to keep it in the fridge for at least half an hour before serving.

• Key Characteristics: Nectarines are smooth-skinned and slightly firmer than plums. They have a sweet and tangy flavor that is reminiscent of plums but with a slightly different texture.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of nectarines as a substitute for plums. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements.

Conclusion

Plums are great appetizers and desserts.

However, if you don’t have access to them, we’ve shown 5 alternatives that definitely taste as good.

Each fruit pair well with cheese or can even be used as a salsa ingredient.

If you want to try something different, why not try mixing them together? All you have to do is combine some chopped plums with some diced apples and peaches.

This trio is sure to make your taste buds go crazy.