Plum + vanilla: 5 sweet pairings you need to try
What's the story
Discovering the unexpected harmony of plum and vanilla transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary flavor experiences. Both ingredients are culinary powerhouses in their own right, with plums providing a unique balance of sweetness and subtle tartness, and vanilla imparting a comforting, floral warmth often associated with our favorite baked goods. This article details five ways to marry these two ingredients, resulting in desserts that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Tart
Plum and vanilla tart
A classic plum and vanilla tart is a delicious way to enjoy the juicy, tangy flavor of plums with the subtle sweetness of vanilla. Simply prepare a buttery pastry crust, then fill it with a mixture of sliced plums, vanilla bean paste, and sugar. Bake until the crust is golden and the plums are tender. This dessert is the perfect way to end a summer meal.
Jam
Vanilla-infused plum jam
Making a vanilla-scented plum jam is a great way to capture the essence of summer. Just simmer ripe plums with sugar, lemon juice, and a whole vanilla pod until thick and luscious. The vanilla lends a cozy warmth to the jam, perfect for slathering on toast or swirling into yogurt.
Cake
Plum upside-down cake with vanilla glaze
The upside-down cake gets a caramelized plum upgrade, with a fluffy batter blanket and a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra coziness. Caramelizing the plums brings out their deep, intense flavors, and the vanilla glaze provides the perfect touch of sweetness. Serve this dessert warm to enjoy the full experience: the tart plumminess balanced by the creamy comfort of vanilla. It's pure, cozy indulgence in every bite.
Ice cream
Vanilla bean ice cream with plum swirls
Take homemade vanilla bean ice cream to the next level by adding swirls of fresh plum puree. The trick is to lightly fold the puree into the churned ice cream before freezing it until firm. Every bite will give you creamy vanilla deliciousness with a burst of tangy plum swirl—a perfect dessert to beat the summer heat.
Panna cotta
Plum-vanilla panna cotta
The silky Italian dessert, panna cotta, gets a flavorful twist. By infusing your cream mixture with vanilla beans before setting it in molds, you create a rich base. Top it with fresh or poached plums in syrup for a sweet-tart contrast. The soft panna cotta paired with vibrant plums makes this dessert a treat for the taste buds and the eyes.