Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about Blackberry Dumplings? I adore this dessert because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the juicy blackberries creating a rich, syrupy base. The dumplings, soft and fluffy, soak up all the berry syrup, making every bite melt in your mouth. The simplicity of this recipe is one of my favorite things—it takes just a few ingredients and doesn’t require any fancy equipment, but the result is an incredibly satisfying and nostalgic dessert. Whether I’m serving it for a casual family meal or a more special occasion, this dish always brings smiles.
Ingredients
For the Blackberry Base:
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4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup water
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the Dumplings:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon butter, softened
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1/2 cup milk
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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While the blackberry mixture is heating up, prepare the dumpling dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Stir in the milk just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it should be soft and slightly sticky.
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Once the blackberry mixture is bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the hot berry mixture. Don’t worry about spreading the dough out too much; it will spread slightly as it cooks.
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Cover tightly with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during this time, as the dumplings need to steam and cook through.
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After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check that the dumplings are cooked through. They should be puffed up and light. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve the dumplings warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of cream, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
While I love this classic version with blackberries, you can easily swap in other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or mixed berries. For a fun twist, try adding a little lemon zest or vanilla extract to the dumpling dough for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a slightly richer dessert, you could even drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, but it’s also easy to customize based on what fruits you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving.
Storage/Reheating
These Blackberry Dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend microwaving in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until warm. If the sauce thickens too much while storing, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen blackberries work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just be sure to let them thaw slightly before adding them to the pan. You might also need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen berries can release more moisture than fresh ones.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
While it’s best to make the dumplings fresh, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to cook, just spoon the chilled dough over the simmering blackberry base and continue with the recipe.
Can I make this recipe without cinnamon?
Absolutely! The cinnamon is optional, and the dessert will still taste fantastic without it. If you don’t want cinnamon, you could try adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
To make the dumplings even fluffier, you could add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Just be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can cause the dumplings to be dense rather than light and fluffy.
Can I serve this with something other than ice cream?
Of course! While vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, you could also serve these Blackberry Dumplings with whipped cream, sweetened yogurt, or a drizzle of heavy cream. A dollop of mascarpone cheese or even a spoonful of lemon curd could add a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Conclusion
These Blackberry Dumplings are a nostalgic, comforting dessert that reminds me of simpler times. The combination of sweet, juicy blackberries with the soft, pillowy dumplings is unbeatable. Whether I’m making this for a casual family meal or to share with friends, it’s always a hit. The best part? It’s so simple to make, yet it tastes like something special. Give it a try, and you’ll soon be hooked on this Southern classic!
Print
Blackberry Dumplings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, fluffy dumplings paired with a sweet, tangy blackberry base make this Southern-inspired dessert a comforting treat, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Blackberry Base:
4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the Dumplings:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter, softened
½ cup milk
Instructions
In a large saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, prepare dumpling dough: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in softened butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in milk just until dough comes together—soft and slightly sticky.
Reduce blackberry mixture to low heat once bubbling. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the berry mixture.
Cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Remove lid and check dumplings—they should be puffed and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or cream if desired.
Notes
Use frozen berries thawed and drained as a substitute.
Add lemon zest or vanilla extract to dumpling dough for extra flavor.
Try swapping fruit for blueberries, peaches, or mixed berries.
Drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
Don’t lift lid during cooking to allow dumplings to steam properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stove-top simmer
- Cuisine: Southern, American
