Go Back

Oven-Roasted Plums

Quetsches hold their shape quite well during baking whereas other plums (if you want to use them) can cook very fast. So if you swap out another plum I recommend checking them after 15 minutes, or even sooner, to make sure they don't get overcooked. You want to take the plums out of the oven when they are soft and cooked through, but not mush. You can use rosé or vermouth in place of the wine. If you don't drink wine, water, apple, or orange juice would work. In place of the honey, you could use white or brown sugar. I keep them simple but you could spice them up using cinnamon and perhaps some allspice berries or cloves. (You may want to pluck those out before serving, unless you use powdered, so just a head's up.) If you want to include some raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, add them close to the end of baking. I love these spooned over plain yogurt or ice cream, although they could also be served with a savory dish alongside grilled meat or chicken. Bonus: These freeze well and are a savior in the middle of winter when you're craving a taste of summer.
Servings 6 servings
  • 1 1/2 pounds (680g) prune plums (quetsches), halved and pitted
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or powder, or a vanilla bean, split lengthwise or 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 thin slices lemon or orange
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC.)
  • Put the plums in a baking dish that will fit them all in an even layer. Drizzle the honey over the plums and add the vanilla (or cinnamon stick), citrus slices, and wine. Gently mix everything together then spread the plums back out so they are in an even layer.
  • Cover the baking dish snugly with foil and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, removing them from the oven midway during roasting to gently stir them. Depending on the plums, they may cook more quickly than noted here, so check them a few times to make sure they don't get overcooked. You want them soft and cooked through, but not cooked to mush.

Notes

Storage: The Oven-Roasted Plums will keep in the refrigerator up to one week.