Plums with Balsamic Glaze and Ice Cream is a quick and easy summer dessert that you can make with any plum variety you love. I love to make it with Elephant Heart Plums because their color is so gorgeous! This is lovely for summer dinner parties.
The first time I sliced into an Elephant Heart Plum, I felt obligated to display it artfully. It was so stunning! And delicious!
Of course you can use any plum variety to make this pretty dessert.
And when you add balsamic glaze and ice cream . . . watch out!
As simple as it is, Plums with Balsamic Glaze and Ice Cream is a show-stopping dessert -- both in flavor and looks!
Just a Few Ingredients
- plums - I use Elephant Heart plums because I love the deep red color and they're super sweet flavor. Use any plum you love! Choose relatively firm plums that have smooth skin and have a little give when pressed gently.
- strawberries - Look for strawberries that are bright red and have a natural shine, with bright green stems.
- balsamic vinegar
- black pepper - It might surprise you to have black pepper in a dessert, but it works beautifully with the other ingredients in this dessert. You might also be surprised that some black peppers are better than others. I always use Kampot pepper from The Pepper Project. Kampot is outstanding and really enhances this dessert.
- fresh herbs - The touch of green finishes the desert perfectly. You can use mint, thyme or oregano.
(See recipe card below for quantities.)
Pro Tip: During the summer, try to buy your strawberries at your local Farmers' Market. Walk up and down the market and sample at each strawberry booth before deciding where to buy. Find your local Farmers' Market.
How to Make Balsamic Glaze Without Sugar
- 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. The more it reduces and the thicker it becomes, the sweeter it is.
Variations
- This summer dessert is also amazing with other stone fruits like peaches and apricots.
- You can change up the ice cream if you'd like. It's really delicious over Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream, and it's fabulous with Frozen Lemon Custard.
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.
Can you make it ahead?
This only takes a few minutes and is best served right after it's made.
More Fresh Fruit Desserts
- Easy Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream
- Grapefruit Brûlée Recipe
- Watermelon Pizza with Lime
- Mint Simple Syrup with Strawberries and Apricots
Sometimes it’s the most simple recipes that are the best. I hope you love it!
Plums with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Elephant Heart plums, washed and dried (or plum of your choice)
- 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
- Prepare the plums. Cut the plums in half, lengthwise, gently remove the pits, and then cut each half horizontally into thin slices. Arrange the slices evenly between two dessert plates, or on a large serving platter.
- Prepare the strawberries. Remove the stems from the strawberries, cut them into thin slices, and arrange them any which way on top of the plums.
- Make the balsamic glaze. 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.
- Assemble. Add a scoop of the ice cream on top of each plate or the serving platter, 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!
NOTES
NUTRITION
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danielle wolter
This sounds delicious! I didn't know anything about elephant heart plums. Great info!
valentina
Thanks, Danielle! Hope you try one. 🙂
Demeter
Such an amazing combination of flavors! Perfect dessert for summer!
valentina
Thanks so much. Hope you give it a go. 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I've never heard of those type of plums before, but they look beautiful!! Nice combo with the balsamic too. Perfect summer meal 🙂
valentina
I love this combination too -- hope you try it! 🙂
Sherri @ WatchLearnEat
Wow! So beautiful! I've never had elephant heart plums before but I will definitely have to give them a try!
valentina
Yes! They're SO delicious. Thank you! 🙂
Shashi at SavorySpin
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!
valentina
I hope you run into these at a Farmers Market - ask for a taste if you see them. 🙂 Thanks!
John / Kitchen Riffs
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.
valentina
Thanks so much, John! I hope you come across these plums -- they truly are special. Enjoy! 🙂
David
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!
Helen of Fuss Free Flavours
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.
Cris Peterson
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.