Easy Stewed Plums with Black Tea and Cardamom
Stewed plums are the way to go if you want to transform ripe fruit into an elegant and fragrant spiced treat! Unlike poached plums, which stay firmer and more intact, stewed plums cook down into a softer, more spoonable texture that absorbs the deep flavors of the black tea and cardamom. Each bite offers sweetness and gentle spice, making it truly worth savoring.
A Note From Kristen
I make stewed plums whenever I want something tasty and cozy without spending hours in the kitchen! The tea adds depth without overpowering the plums, and the cardamom infuses the dish with a floral, almost exotic aroma. I love how every spoonful of these plums, whether over oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt, or desserts, can instantly make them feel more comforting and delicious. Stewing them is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy seasonal plums. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
~Kristen
Ingredient Notes
Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. Visit the full recipe for amounts and instructions!
How to Make Stewed Plums
01
COMBINE
Place the plums, maple syrup, water, cardamom, and salt in a saucepan and set over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
02
SIMMER
Add the tea bag and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until the plums are tender but still hold their shape.
03
STIR
Take out the tea bag and stir in the vanilla.
04
SERVE
Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy!
Serving Ideas
- Spoon over oatmeal or yogurt,
- Serve drizzled over pancakes or waffles.
- Serve with French toast, or use as a toast topping.
- Mix into rice pudding, chia pudding, or ice cream.
- Use as a filling for crepes.
- Pair with cheeses, crackers, and toasted nuts on a charcuterie board.
Expert Tips
- Choose ripe but firm plums for the best result, as they still hold their shape slightly while cooking. Adjust the cooking time depending on whether you prefer a chunkier texture or a smoother, saucier consistency. The longer they cook, the softer the plums will be.
- Red plums are more tart and bright, while black plums are sweeter and juicier. Use whichever flavor profile you prefer.
- Plums may vary in sweetness or tartness, so adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup you add according to your own taste preferences.
- Flavor variations you can try include:
- Adding orange peel strips and/or orange juice, or lemon zest for a citrus twist.
- Including other spices like ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, cloves, or star anise.
- Adding mint makes it taste fresher and more herbaceous.
- Experimenting with other teas like chai, Earl Grey, or green tea.
- Adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for extra flavor and texture.
More Delicious Stone Fruit Recipes You Might Enjoy
Stewed Plums Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ripe plums pitted and quartered; black or red plums
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp ground cardamom or the seeds of 4-5 cardamom pods
- 1/16 teaspoon salt just a pinch!
- 1 black tea bag I like to use Darjeeling
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the plums, maple syrup, water, cardamom, and salt in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the tea bag and simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes until plums are soft but still hold shape.
- Remove the tea bag and stir in the vanilla.
- Serve warm or chilled with yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream.
- Enjoy!
