Southern Blackberry Dumplings: An Easy 55-Minute Recipe

Growing up in the South, the smell of homemade blackberry dumplings was a cherished memory. The sweet berries and soft dumplings were a comfort that brought us together. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you can feel the warmth and nostalgia of this Southern dessert.

Key Takeaways

• Blackberry dumplings are a classic Southern dessert featuring a sweet blackberry sauce and soft, chewy dumplings.
• This recipe is easy to make, with minimal prep time and just one pan required.
• Freshly picked or frozen blackberries can be used to create the flavorful sauce.
• The dumplings are made with a simple flour, sugar, and milk mixture for a light and fluffy texture.
• Blackberry dumplings are a crowd-pleasing treat that can be enjoyed year-round.

Understanding Blackberry Dumplings

Blackberry dumplings are a beloved Southern comfort food. They mix the tangy sweetness of blackberries with a soft, fluffy topping. This creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What Are Blackberry Dumplings?

Blackberry dumplings are like a blackberry crumble but different. They have a soft, fluffy dough instead of a crunchy topping. The blackberry filling is simmered with sugar, lemon, and spices, making it flavorful and jammy.

Origins and Traditions

Blackberry dumplings come from the American South’s culinary traditions. They’re a favorite at family gatherings, church potlucks, and summer picnics. They’re often served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Why This Recipe Works

This blackberry dumplings recipe is simple yet perfect. The tart blackberries and sweet dumplings create a satisfying dessert. It’s a mix of a blackberry cobbler’s juiciness and homemade dumplings’ softness.

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

To make delicious blackberry dumplings, you need the right ingredients and tools. This guide will help you get everything perfect for your homemade dumplings.

The main blackberry dumplings ingredients are fresh or frozen blackberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and buttermilk. These 16 ingredients mix to make a tasty and indulgent dish.

You’ll need a 9″ or 10″ cast iron skillet or a big pot for cooking. Also, you’ll need bowls, a pastry blender, and measuring tools. A cookie scoop is optional but helps with even dumplings. A digital thermometer is also good for checking the dumplings’ temperature.

With these blackberry dumplings ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a tasty treat. Next, we’ll cover the next steps.

Making the Perfect Blackberry Sauce

To make the perfect blackberry sauce, focus on a few key steps. Let’s explore how to get the right consistency and flavor.

Preparing the Berries

Start by gathering 4 cups of fresh, ripe blackberries. Rinse them and put them dry with a towel. If using frozen berries, thaw them completely before starting.

Achieving the Right Consistency

In a medium saucepan, mix the blackberries with 1 cup (198g) of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup (118ml) of water. Heat it over medium, stirring now and then, for about 10 minutes. This lets the berries break down and the sauce thicken.

Adding Flavor Enhancers

• Stir in 2 tablespoons (28g) of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness.
• For an extra layer of warmth, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

The blackberry sauce is now ready to serve with your fluffy dumplings. Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed. Enjoy this delightful pairing!

Creating Light and Fluffy Dumplings

To make the perfect fluffy dumplings, the secret is in the dumpling dough. Start by mixing dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and a bit of sugar. Then, add cold buttermilk until it looks like coarse crumbs. Finally, mix in buttermilk and vanilla extract until just moistened.

It’s important not to overmix the dough. This can make the dumplings tough and dense. Instead, handle the dough gently. Once ready, drop spoonfuls of dough into the blackberry mix. Let them steam and puff up for that light and fluffy texture.

With these simple steps, you’ll make blackberry dumplings that look and taste great. Serve them with vanilla ice cream or warm vanilla sauce for a decadent treat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Learning to cook blackberry dumplings needs focus and some special techniques. Let’s go through each step to make sure your dessert turns out great.

Temperature Control Tips

It’s important to control the temperature when cooking blackberry dumplings. Start by covering the skillet and lowering the heat to low. This gentle heat helps the dumplings cook evenly without burning or drying out.

Timing and Testing Doneness

The dumplings should simmer for 12-14 minutes until they’re fully cooked. To check if they’re done, use a food thermometer. It should read at least 195°F (91°C). Try not to look under the lid too often, as it can lose heat and moisture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the dumplings seem underdone, keep simmering them in 2-minute intervals until they’re right. Watch the bubbling liquid to avoid burns. By following these tips, you’ll make delicious blackberry dumplings that are perfectly cooked.

“The key to flawless blackberry dumplings is striking the right balance between tenderness and doneness. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to delight.”

Conclusion

Blackberry dumplings are a comforting dessert that can be made with different berries, like dewberries. Serve them warm in bowls with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This adds a nice contrast of temperatures and textures.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months. This makes it a great option for a make-ahead dessert.

Whether you like the classic blackberry doobie or the tangy dewberry dumplings, this recipe will please your taste buds. Try different berry mixes and serving ideas to find your favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and cozy textures of this homemade treat, perfect for any time.

Success comes from the details – choosing the freshest berries and getting the dumpling texture right. With practice and focus on the steps, you’ll make delicious blackberry dumplings.

Blackberry Dumplings Recipe

Recipe by Chef EvlinaCourse: Breakfast

Servings

10-12

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Blackberry Sauce

• 32 ounces fresh or frozen blackberries

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 cups water

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 4 tablespoons butter (cold)

• 5-6 tablespoons buttermilk

• Equipment Needed

• 9″ or 10″ cast iron skillet or large pot

• Mixing bowls

• Pastry blender

• Measuring tools

• Digital thermometer (optional)

Directions

• Mix blackberries, sugar, and water in a large pot
• Heat and stir for 10 minutes
• Add lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla
• In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt
• Cut in cold butter until crumbly
• Stir in buttermilk just until mixed
• Drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot berry mixture
• Cover and cook on low for 12-14 minutes
• Serve warm with ice cream

Notes

• Serving & Storage :
  Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
  Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days
  Can be frozen for up to 3 months