Name: Blackberry Dumplings
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blackberry Dumplings are a delightful Southern dessert featuring soft, tender dumplings simmered in a sweet, cinnamon-kissed blackberry sauce. This comforting treat is perfect for showcasing fresh or frozen blackberries and is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Blackberry Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together the tartness of blackberries with the sweetness of the dumplings, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The dumplings are light and fluffy, absorbing the rich blackberry sauce as they cook. It’s an easy, one-pan dessert that delivers a nostalgic taste of home.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Blackberry Sauce:

blackberries
granulated sugar
water
lemon juice
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract

For the Dumplings:

flour
baking powder
ground cinnamon
salt
granulated sugar
unsalted butter
buttermilk
vanilla extract

Directions

In a 9″ or 10″ cast iron skillet or large pot, combine the blackberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Cook the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
While the blackberry mixture simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, forming a shaggy dough.
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dumpling dough into the simmering blackberry mixture, spacing them evenly.
Cover the skillet or pot with a lid or foil, reduce the heat to low, and let the dumplings simmer for about 12-14 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Once done, remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Mixed Berries: I sometimes use a combination of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a mixed berry version.
Spiced Dumplings: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dumpling dough gives it a warm, spiced flavor.
Citrus Twist: Replacing lemon juice with orange or lime juice in the sauce adds a different citrus note.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through. The dumplings can also be frozen for up to 3 months; I thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, I can use frozen blackberries if fresh ones aren’t available. There’s no need to thaw them; just add a couple of extra minutes to the initial simmering time.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If I don’t have buttermilk, I make a substitute by adding ¾ teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¾ cup of milk. I let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?

I prefer to make the dumpling dough just before cooking to ensure the dumplings remain light and fluffy. Preparing the dough in advance may affect its texture.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked through?

The dumplings are done when they’ve puffed up and are no longer doughy in the center. I usually simmer them covered for about 12-14 minutes without lifting the lid.

Can I add other fruits to the blackberry sauce?

Yes, I sometimes add other berries like raspberries or blueberries to the blackberry sauce for a mixed berry flavor.

Conclusion

Blackberry Dumplings are a comforting and easy-to-make dessert that brings together the tartness of blackberries and the sweetness of fluffy dumplings. Whether I use fresh or frozen berries, this dish is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.