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5 Simple Substitutes for Plums in Recipes

By: Author Andrew Gray

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We’ve all been there—ready to whip up something tasty, and suddenly, no plums. It happened to us last summer while making a fruit crumble.

We had everything ready, except for the one ingredient we couldn’t find. After a panicked look through the fridge, we got creative with what we had instead.

Substituting plums isn’t as tricky as you’d think. Other fruits can mimic that sweet, tart balance, and the results are honestly pretty great.

Some swaps even gave the dish a fresh twist we didn’t expect. Now, we’ve nailed the replacements that work best, and we’re happy to share them here.

5 Quick Substitutes for Plums

Here are our top five favorite substitutes for plums in recipes:

1 – Peaches

Peaches can fill in for plums without much hassle. Use a 1-to-1 ratio when substituting. They have that juicy sweetness, though they’re less tart than plums.

If your recipe depends on that tang, try adding a splash of lime juice to balance things out. We’ve tried peaches in cobblers, and they worked like a charm. The texture is slightly softer, so they blend well in sauces and baked goods.

Peaches bring their own vibe while still keeping your dish tasty and fresh.

2 – Nectarines

Nectarines make a smooth replacement for plums in most recipes. Use them at a 1-to-1 ratio for easy swapping. They’re sweet with a slight tang, making them a close match to plums’ flavor.

We’ve tried nectarines in pies, and the result was spot-on. Their firmer texture holds up well in baked dishes. If you’re after more tartness, a splash of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness.

Nectarines add their fresh, juicy twist while keeping the dish just as tasty.

I’ve put together a concise piece on using nectarines as a substitute for plums. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know!

3 – Apricots

We had a recipe call for plums once, and all we had were apricots. Total last-minute swap, but it worked. You can substitute apricots for plums in a simple 1-to-1 ratio. Their light sweetness and hint of tang make them a great option.

We’ve tried them in jams, and they held up beautifully. They’re firm enough to stay intact in pies and bakes without turning into mush. Want a bolder tartness? A little lemon juice does the trick.

For more ideas, check out this list of plum replacement options. It’s a lifesaver for creative swaps!

4 – Cherries

We once swapped plums for cherries in a dessert, and it was a total win. Cherries can replace plums easily using a 1-to-1 ratio. Their sweetness shines through, and they bring a touch of tartness too.

We’ve tried them in crisps, and they worked great. They’re softer than plums, so they break down faster when cooked. This makes them perfect for sauces and fillings. If you need more tang, a little vinegar or lemon juice balances things nicely.

Cherries bring their own charm while still keeping your recipe fresh and flavorful.

5 – Prunes

Prunes saved us during a plum shortage once, and they worked surprisingly well. Use prunes as a plum substitute with a simple 1-to-1 ratio. Their rich sweetness stands out, adding depth to your dish.

We’ve added them to stews, and they melt nicely into the mix. They’re softer than plums, making them ideal for blending into purées or sauces. To cut the sweetness, a dash of lemon juice works wonders.

Prunes are a smart choice when you need flavor and a touch of natural sweetness without fresh fruit.

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