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    Home » Desserts » Fresh Fruit Desserts » Elephant Heart Plums with Balsamic Glaze

    Elephant Heart Plums with Balsamic Glaze

    Jul 3, 2018 · by Valentina · 15 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Elephant Heart plums are not only stunning, they’re also unbelievably sweet and juicy. This dessert of Elephant Heart Plums with Balsamic Glaze recipe is truly over-the-top! Sliced Elephant Heart plums with strawberry slices on a white textured plate with balsamic drizzle and a few oregano sprigs.

    I love, love beautiful raw food!

    When I sliced into an Elephant Heart Plum the other day, I felt obligated to display it artfully. It was so stunning. And delicious! And when you add balsamic glaze and ice cream . . . watch out!

    How to Make Balsamic Glaze Without Sugar

    • Simply pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and place it over high heat.
    • As soon as it’s bubbling, turn the heat to low and simmer just until it becomes thick and is reduced by about half.

    It becomes very sweet just from reducing and thickening it. It absolutely doesn't need sugar! Lovely.

    Sliced Elephant Heart plums and whole, small strawberries on a twig tabletop.

    What are Elephant Heart Plums?

    • Elephant Heart plums were developed by Luther Burbank, an American botanist and  horticulturist. In 1880 he began with a dozen plum seeds from Japan. Now, almost all plums come from these Japanese ancestors.
    • The Elephant Heart plum is often referred to as a “Blood plum” because of the deep, ruby-red interior color.
    • These Japanese plums are primarily grown in California.
    • The word “heart” in its name comes from the shape of this beautiful plum. It resembles a heart shape when whole, and even more so when it’s sliced in half.
    • These plums are known for both their large size and superior flavor. They are generally bigger than other plum varieties -- sometimes the size of a baseball!
    • Though divine to eat out of hand when they’re soft, when they're firm the plums are a good choice for baking as they hold their shape well.
    • The stone (pit) in these plums separates easily from the flesh, making them easy to slice for salads, fruit platters, etc.
    • Elephant Heart plums are typically in season in July and August.

    Close up of Elephant Heart Plums with Balsamic Glaze and a few strawberries and vanilla ice cream on a white plate.

    What do Elephant Heart Plums Taste Like?

    • Elephant Heart plums are super sweet with a rich tropical flavor, and subtle vanilla overtones.
    • Like most plums, the skin is a bit tart.

    Can you use another plum varieties?

    Of course! These are my favorite, but if you have a variety you prefer, go for it. 🙂

    Drawing of three Elephant Heart plum halves.Little known fact: Many moons ago I made food greeting cards that were sold in an LA cookbook store. This one, titled "Love Plums," is of Elephant Heart plums, and was for Valentine's Day.

    Elephant Heart Plums with Balsamic Glaze recipe is a show stopping dessert -- both in flavor and looks!

    The wonderfully intense fruit flavors are balanced with the vanilla ice cream. And the light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and drizzle of balsamic glaze give it just enough of a kick to put it over the top!

    Tip: I use Kampot pepper from The Pepper Project. There truly are differences in the flavor of different peppers. Kampot is outstanding (and for a good cause). It truly enhances this dessert.

    Close up of sliced Elephant Heart plums with balsamic glaze, strawberry slices and a soop of vanilla ice creamOh, and the summer strawberries just add more deliciousness and beauty!

    Sometimes it’s the most simple recipes that are the best.

    More recipes with summer plums:

    • Grape-Plum Summer Salsa
    • Meyer Lemon Black Quinoa Plum & Avocado Salad
    Sliced Elephant Heart plums with strawberry slices on a white textured plate with balsamic drizzle and a few oregano sprigs.

    Elephant Heart Plums with Balsamic Glaze

    Valentina K. Wein
    A gorgeous summer dessert that's over-the-top delicious!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print
    Prep Time 8 mins
    Cook Time 7 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 220 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Elephant Heart plums, washed and dried
    • about 5 small strawberries, washed and dried
    • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • 2 scoops your favorite vanilla ice cream
    • freshly ground black pepper
    • a few small sprigs fresh herbs, like thyme, mint or oregano

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the plums in half, lengthwise, gently remove the pits, and then cut each half horizontally into thin slices. (They can be cut in half much like an avocado: Slice around the pit, and then gently twist the halves to pull them apart.)
    • Arrange the plum slices evenly between two dessert plates, in a circular pattern, or however you’d like.
    • Remove the stems from the strawberries, cut them into thin slices, and arrange them any which way on top of the plums.
    • Add the balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and place it over high heat. As soon as it’s bubbling, turn the heat to low and simmer just until it becomes thick and is reduced by about half, about 7 minutes.
    • Add a scoop of the ice cream on top of each plate, drizzle with the balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with a bit of freshly ground black pepper.
    • Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately!
    Keywords dessert for summer party, fresh fruit desserts
    Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

    Cooking On The Weekends is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 


    More Fresh Fruit Desserts

    • Meyer Lemon Crinkle Cookies
    • Guava Ice Cream (No-Churn)
    • Passion Fruit Cheesecake (No-Bake)
    • Spiced Apple Butter Muffins

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. danielle wolter

      July 05, 2018 at 3:46 am

      This sounds delicious! I didn't know anything about elephant heart plums. Great info!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 05, 2018 at 8:24 am

        Thanks, Danielle! Hope you try one. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Demeter

      July 05, 2018 at 5:11 am

      Such an amazing combination of flavors! Perfect dessert for summer!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 05, 2018 at 8:25 am

        Thanks so much. Hope you give it a go. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      July 05, 2018 at 5:11 am

      I've never heard of those type of plums before, but they look beautiful!! Nice combo with the balsamic too. Perfect summer meal 🙂

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 05, 2018 at 8:25 am

        I love this combination too -- hope you try it! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Sherri @ WatchLearnEat

      July 05, 2018 at 5:20 am

      Wow! So beautiful! I've never had elephant heart plums before but I will definitely have to give them a try!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 05, 2018 at 8:26 am

        Yes! They're SO delicious. Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Shashi at SavorySpin

      July 05, 2018 at 5:57 am

      WOW! What a gorgeous looking plate! I am not familiar with Elephant Heart Plums but they sure are gorgeous - that coloring is stunning! Now I need to head to a farmers market to look for these plums! BTW - Delicious pairing too!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 05, 2018 at 8:26 am

        I hope you run into these at a Farmers Market - ask for a taste if you see them. 🙂 Thanks!

        Reply
    6. John / Kitchen Riffs

      July 05, 2018 at 6:43 am

      That looks terrific! And I don't think I know the Elephant Heart Plum -- glad to make its acquaintance. Love balsamic with strawberries -- great combo. Bet it tastes great with the plums and ice cream, too. Super dish -- thanks.

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 05, 2018 at 8:27 am

        Thanks so much, John! I hope you come across these plums -- they truly are special. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    7. David

      July 05, 2018 at 10:30 am

      I have never seen these for sale in Arizona. I would love to get my hands on some to make my plum soup! I will keep my eyes open! Thanks for the introduction!

      Reply
    8. Helen of Fuss Free Flavours

      July 09, 2018 at 4:37 am

      Beautiful looking dessert, amazing colours. I love how artistic the plums are, so pretty. Just perfect for a delicious treat on a hot summer day.

      Reply
    9. Cris Peterson

      July 09, 2018 at 4:43 am

      Oh my goodness. I LOVE this post! We always crack fresh Kampot pepper on our strawberries...strawberry ice cream...everything...but these plums! Must find. What a way to elevate a simple dish.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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