Prunes substitutes
Prunes substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dates
Same amount as the prunes
Sweet dried fruit with similar texture and sweetness to prunes.
The best substitutes for prunes are dates, figs, or raisins, depending on the recipe.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- desserts
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of prunes | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Datesdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Figsdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Raisinsbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Dried apricotsdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Dried cherriesdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Canned prunesdesserts | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Dates
similar taste and texture
Sweet dried fruit with similar texture and sweetness to prunes.
- Best for
- desserts, baking, snacks, preserves
Remove pit before using. Dates are slightly sweeter than prunes.
Figs
similar taste and texture
Sweet dried fruit with similar texture and sweetness to prunes.
- Best for
- desserts, baking, snacks, preserves
Figs are slightly more tart than prunes. Soak in warm water for 15 minutes to rehydrate.
Raisins
enhanced taste, different texture
Dried grapes with concentrated sweetness and chewy texture.
- Best for
- baking, cereals, trail mix, cooking
Soak raisins in warm water for 15 minutes to rehydrate before using.
Dried apricots
similar taste and texture
Dried stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to prunes.
- Best for
- desserts, baking, snacks, preserves
Soak dried apricots in warm water for 15 minutes to rehydrate before using.
Dried cherries
similar taste and texture
Dried stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to prunes.
- Best for
- desserts, baking, snacks, preserves
Dried cherries are slightly more tart than prunes. Soak in warm water for 15 minutes to rehydrate.
Canned prunes
similar taste, different texture
Convenient substitute when dried prunes aren't available. Choose prunes in light syrup or water.
- Best for
- desserts, baking, sauces, preserves
Drain well before using. May be softer than dried prunes, so adjust cooking time.
Questions
4 questionsHow do I rehydrate dried prunes?
Soak dried prunes in warm water for 15 minutes to rehydrate them. You can also use hot water for faster rehydration, but be careful not to over-soak them as they can become mushy.
Can I use fresh plums instead of dried prunes?
Yes, fresh plums can be used as a substitute for dried prunes, but they'll have a different texture and moisture content. You may need to adjust the liquid in your recipe accordingly.
Why are my prunes not sweet?
Prunes may not be sweet if they're not fully ripe or if they were picked too early. Choose prunes that are plump, soft, and have a sweet aroma. Some varieties are naturally less sweet than others.
Can I eat prune pits?
Prune pits are generally not eaten, though they're not harmful. They're hard and can be a choking hazard, so it's best to remove them before eating or using in recipes.
Tips for substituting prunes
7 tips- Soak dried prunes in warm water for 15 minutes to rehydrate before using
- Store dried prunes in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
- Freeze prunes for smoothies or as a frozen snack
- Prunes pair well with nuts, chocolate, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
- For baking, chop prunes into smaller pieces for better distribution
- Prunes are best served at room temperature for maximum flavor
- Remove pits before using prunes in recipes