Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This blackberry dumpling recipe is simple to make yet incredibly flavorful. The combination of tart blackberries and soft, pillowy dumplings creates a comforting and satisfying dessert. The recipe is easy to follow, making it a great option for both novice and experienced bakers. It’s a great way to showcase fresh blackberries when they’re in season, but frozen berries work well too. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dessert or something special to serve at a gathering, blackberry dumplings are a sweet treat everyone will enjoy.

Blackberry Dumplings

Ingredients

4 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen)
1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine the blackberries, water, sugar, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries start to release their juices and the syrup begins to thicken slightly.
While the berries are cooking, make the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until just combined. The dough will be thick.
Once the berry mixture is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the syrup. Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and fully cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings cook, as the steam is essential for their rise.
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the dumplings into bowls and ladle the blackberry syrup over them.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Berry Mix: Feel free to swap blackberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of all three. This will give the dish a different flavor profile.
Spiced Dumplings: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dumpling dough for a spiced flavor that complements the berries.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make the dumplings gluten-free.
Vegan: Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover blackberry dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The dumplings may soften as they sit in the syrup, but they will still be delicious.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or on the stovetop over low heat. If reheating on the stove, add a little extra water to loosen the syrup if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blackberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the syrup.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the berry syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the dumplings, simply reheat the syrup and add the dumplings to cook.

What if my dumplings are too dense?

If your dumplings turn out dense, it might be due to over-mixing the dough. For fluffier dumplings, mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.

Can I use other fruits in place of blackberries?

Yes! You can use other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. A mix of different berries can also create a lovely, colorful dessert.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings are done when they are puffed up, firm to the touch, and no longer doughy in the center. You can cut one open to check for doneness.

How do I prevent the dumplings from sinking in the syrup?

To prevent the dumplings from sinking, make sure the syrup is at a gentle simmer before adding the dough. Also, don’t stir the syrup once the dumplings are added; this will help them stay afloat.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to make the dumplings fresh, as they will lose their fluffiness if stored for too long. However, you can prepare the syrup in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I add a topping to the blackberry dumplings?

For an extra special touch, you can serve the blackberry dumplings with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Is this recipe easy to double or halve?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs. Just adjust the ingredients and cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this without sugar?

If you’re looking for a sugar-free version, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Conclusion

Blackberry dumplings are a sweet, comforting dessert that combines the best of summer fruit with soft, tender dumplings. The recipe is easy to make, versatile, and perfect for a cozy evening or a gathering. Whether you stick with the classic version or experiment with variations, this dessert will always hit the mark. Enjoy every bite of these delicious dumplings, and feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste!