Blackberry Dumplings are a comforting, old-fashioned dessert featuring soft, tender dumplings gently simmered in a sweet, spiced blackberry sauce. Made entirely on the stovetop, this cozy treat delivers juicy berries, warm cinnamon notes, and fluffy dumplings in every spoonful. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for a simple yet irresistible dessert.
⭐ 5 from 4 votes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Dessert – Old-fashioned stovetop goodness.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes.
- No Oven Required – Perfect for warm days or small kitchens.
- Soft & Tender Dumplings – Light texture with rich berry sauce.
- Great for Fresh or Frozen Berries – Flexible year-round.
- Perfect for Sharing – Serves 10 generous portions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Blackberry Sauce
- 1 pound (454g) blackberries – Fresh or frozen.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – Sweetens and balances tart berries.
- 1 cup (240mL) water – Creates syrup base.
- 1 Tablespoon (15mL) lemon juice – Brightens flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness.
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups (240g) sifted flour – All-purpose or bread flour.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder – Creates light texture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Subtle spice.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Sweetens dumplings.
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold – Adds richness and flakiness.
- ¾ cup (180mL) buttermilk – Provides tenderness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Blackberry Sauce
Combine Ingredients
In a 9″–10″ cast iron or heavy skillet, combine blackberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir to combine.
Bring to a Simmer
Heat over medium until the mixture begins to simmer gently while preparing the dumplings.
Prepare the Dumplings
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
Cut in the Butter
Add cold butter pieces and cut into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
Add Buttermilk
Stir vanilla into buttermilk. Pour into flour mixture and stir gently just until moistened. Do not overmix; dough should be shaggy.
Assemble & Cook
Drop Dumplings
Spoon tablespoon-sized portions of dough evenly over the simmering blackberry sauce.
Cover & Simmer
Cover skillet tightly with lid or foil. Reduce heat to low and cook 12–14 minutes without lifting the lid. Internal temperature should reach 195°F (91°C).
Cool Slightly & Serve
Remove from heat once dumplings are cooked through and sauce thickened. Let cool a few minutes before serving.
Spoon into bowls and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Sift, Then Measure Flour – For accurate texture.
- Don’t Peek While Cooking – Keeps steam inside for proper dumpling texture.
- Avoid Overmixing Dough – Ensures soft dumplings.
- Homemade Buttermilk Option – Add ¾ teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar to milk and let sit 5 minutes.
- Watch for Bubbling Syrup – Hot syrup can splatter.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: Approximately 300–350 calories per serving (estimated)
All nutritional values are approximate.
Perfect Pairings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Light drizzle of heavy cream
- Sweet tea or coffee
Ideal Occasions
- Family desserts
- Summer berry season
- Cozy weeknight treats
- Potluck gatherings
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
- Reheat individual servings in microwave.
- Best served warm.
Creative Variations to Try
- Mixed Berry Version – Add raspberries or blueberries.
- Lemon Zest Boost – Add fresh zest to sauce.
- Extra Cinnamon – Sprinkle lightly on top before serving.
- Brown Sugar Swap – Replace half the sugar for deeper flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dumplings undercooked – Increase cooking time slightly.
- Sauce too thin – Simmer uncovered briefly after dumplings cook.
- Dumplings dense – Avoid overmixing.
- Sauce bubbling over – Lower heat slightly.
Why This Recipe Works
The simmering berry mixture creates steam that gently cooks the dumplings from above while the hot sauce cooks them from below, resulting in soft, fluffy interiors. Baking powder provides lift, while cold butter creates tender texture. The balance of tart berries and sweet syrup produces a rich, comforting dessert with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
Blackberry Dumplings are a timeless, stovetop dessert that delivers warmth, comfort, and vibrant berry flavor in every spoonful. Simple ingredients and classic technique come together to create a dish that feels both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious.
