Plum Roses with Thyme Sugar

Plum Roses are one of those desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat. A simple process of rolling puff pastry strips with apricot jam, thyme sugar, and thinly sliced plums results in these roses that look like they were made by an expertly trained baker. So gorgeous and so simple!

Everyone who knows me and my style of cooking knows that complicated baking projects really aren’t my thing. I gravitate toward desserts that are simple but sophisticated, elegant but easy. But then there’s the kind of dessert that I think is the most impressive–the kind that looks like a baking project but really isn’t. You know–the kind of dessert that looks like you’ve been crafting it for 2 days when really, it took less than an hour. That’s my kind of baking project and one I am always looking to include here on The Mid Century Modern Romantic.

These plum roses are the absolute height of deceptively simple. They are so excessively beautiful–like a sweet like rose right on your plate. The layers of plum and puff pastry look artfully strewn, like you used a tweezers to craft it like they do in the high end restaurants. But really, this is a dessert that is extremely forgiving and can be made quickly.

Using puff pastry, I slice it into 6 strips. Then brush with apricot jam and layer sliced plums over the one side of the puff pastry strip and roll it up. Place in a muffin tin and bake. Yes, there are some tips to make this extra easy, which I’ll outline below. But, in general, this is very forgiving–even if it rolls up a little sloppy, it bakes in a way that looks artful.

These plum roses are so beautiful and feminine. They’re the perfect treat for celebrating a special woman in your life–think Mother’s Day brunch, a bachelorette tea, an anniversary dinner, or a bridal shower. I designed them as part of my romantic picnic menu alongside a crispy chickpea salad and turkey, brie, and plum sandwiches. They transport nicely and feel extra special at romantic outdoor picnic meal.

Try these plum roses as part of your next romantic celebration. They’re sure to impress, and I promise not to tell you if you want to swear it took your 2 full days to make them.

Tips for Perfect Plum Roses

There are a few techniques that make these plum roses come out perfectly plumy!

• Keep the puff pastry as cold as possible when you’re working with it. As it warms, it starts melting and sticking to the surface you’re working on, making it harder to roll. While you’re working on the first two, put the other puff pastry strips in the fridge.
• The plums need to be flexible to make this work. Use plums that are ripe but firm–not overly soft for this. Cut them as thin as possible and then warm them in the microwave. I found that not overlapping them too much when you place them on the puff pastry helps as well when rolling.
• The apricot jam is a very thing layer–don’t overdo this or it makes it messier to roll.
• Puff pastry is very forgiving–once it puffs, it covers most mistakes. So if a plum is sneaking out, just pop it back in. Don’t worry about perfection with these.
• You could brush some of the apricot jam on top of the roses to give them a glisten. I like the bit of butter on top to make them feel really golden.
• A dusting of powdered sugar on top of these would be so lovely as well.
• Feel free to try this with apples or other stone fruit. Or try a combination! That would be so cute.

The Perfect Ending to a Date Night Meal

I love these sweet Plum Roses as the dessert to my Romantic Spring Picnic Menu. They’re totally packable and so impressively cute–when you pull them out at a picnic I always get a big response. And paired with the turkey, brie, and plum sandwiches on that menu as well as an irresistible Crispy Chickpea Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing, it’s picnic heaven. That menu works so well together!

These sweet little plum roses would be absolutely perfect for any feminine celebration you’re planning. They would also be lovely on date night. They would be really sweet with my Modern Spring Dinner Party Menu which features a vibrant green pasta and asparagus flatbread.

I also love the idea of incorporating them with my Romantic Spring Tea Party. That is a tea party that’s more of a cocktail party and features garden and tea inspired drinks and apps. There’s an Earl Grey Posset for dessert on that menu–so creamy, dreamy, and delicious. I can imagine the posset being served alongside a plum rose–heaven!

Try these Plum Roses for your next celebration and prepare to impress someone special in your life!