Introduction

Blackberry dumplings are a comforting dessert that combines juicy blackberries with tender, fluffy dumplings simmered in a sweet sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in and serves up to ten people. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.

Blackberry Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound (454g) blackberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240mL) water
1 Tablespoon (15mL) lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (240g) sifted flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (cold and cut into pieces)
¾ cup (180mL) buttermilk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a 9″ or 10″ cast iron or cooking skillet, combine the blackberries, 1 cup sugar, water, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir to mix.
Step 2: Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer while preparing the dumpling dough.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and ¼ cup sugar.
Step 4: Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized chunks.
Step 5: Stir vanilla extract into the buttermilk. Pour the buttermilk mixture evenly over the flour and butter. Stir gently just until the dough comes together and is shaggy.
Step 6: Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dumpling dough evenly over the simmering blackberry sauce.
Step 7: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and let the dumplings cook for 12–14 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid to keep steam inside and cook dumplings thoroughly. They should reach an internal temperature of about 195ºF (91ºC).
Step 8: Once cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Let cool a few minutes before serving. Spoon into bowls and enjoy with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh or frozen blackberries depending on the season; frozen ones work well and add extra juiciness.
For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract in place of some vanilla.
If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover dumplings covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other berries instead of blackberries?

Yes, this recipe works well with raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry combination. Adjust sugar slightly if the fruit is very tart.

What is the best way to know when the dumplings are fully cooked?

The dumplings are done when they have risen and their internal temperature reaches about 195ºF (91ºC). They should feel firm and set without being doughy inside.

Blackberry Dumplings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 84 reviews

This Blackberry Dumplings recipe features tender dumplings cooked directly in a luscious, simmering blackberry sauce, releasing rich fruity flavors enhanced with cinnamon and vanilla. The dumplings are soft, buttery, and slightly spiced, making this dish a perfect cozy dessert to enjoy warm, served with ice cream or whipped cream.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Blackberry Sauce

1 pound (454g) blackberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240mL) water
1 Tablespoon (15mL) lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Dumplings

2 cups (240g) sifted flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (cold and cut into pieces)
¾ cup (180mL) buttermilk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Blackberry Sauce: In a 9" or 10" cast iron or cooking skillet, combine blackberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the dumpling dough.
Prepare Dumpling Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and sugar until well combined.
Cut in the Butter: Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs, about pea-sized in size.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir vanilla extract into the buttermilk, then pour this mixture evenly over the flour and butter crumbs. Stir gently just until the dry ingredients are moistened and form a shaggy dough; do not overmix.
Drop Dumplings into Sauce: Using a tablespoon or #50 cookie scoop, drop dollops of dumpling dough evenly over the simmering blackberry sauce in the skillet.
Cover and Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and let the dumplings simmer for 12-14 minutes until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 195ºF (91ºC). Avoid lifting the cover during cooking to retain moisture.
Finish and Serve: Once dumplings are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve warm scooped into bowls with ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoy on their own.
Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Dumplings freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator and reheat individual portions in the microwave as needed.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen blackberries depending on availability; frozen can be used directly from frozen.
Do not peek under the foil while the dumplings simmer to ensure they cook evenly with proper moisture.
Check dumplings’ internal temperature to confirm doneness, aiming for 195ºF (91ºC).
Serving suggestions include topping with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
Dumplings freeze well, making this recipe suitable for advance preparation and easy reheating.

Keywords: Blackberry dumplings, fruit dumplings, stovetop dessert, berry dessert, easy dumplings, skillet dumplings, summer dessert