Get ready to cozy up with a truly classic and comforting dessert that tastes just like Grandma used to make! These Blackberry Dumplin’s feature juicy, sweet-tart blackberries cooked down into a luscious sauce, topped with tender, fluffy homemade dumplings that simmer to perfection. It’s a nostalgic, incredibly flavorful, and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Blackberry Dumplin’s recipe is pure comfort food, bringing back cherished memories with every bite. What I love most is the incredible transformation of fresh blackberries into a rich, bubbling sauce that balances sweetness with a delightful tang. The homemade dumplings, whether you make them as balls or strips, cook up wonderfully tender and fluffy, soaking up all that fruity goodness. It’s a simple, rustic dessert that feels incredibly satisfying and homemade, a true celebration of summer berries. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of blackberry season!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Grandma’s Blackberry Dumplin’s:
For the Blackberry Sauce:
- 1 quart fresh blackberries (about 4 cups)
- 2 cups white sugar, or to taste
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup shortening (cold, cut into pieces)
- 1 egg yolk
- 5 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
Swaps and Notes
- Fresh Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture. Frozen blackberries (do not thaw) can be used, but may release more liquid, so you might need to simmer the sauce slightly longer to thicken.
- White Sugar (Sauce): Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your blackberries. If they are very tart, you might need a little more.
- Butter (Sauce): Adds richness and a lovely sheen to the blackberry sauce.
- Cinnamon (Sauce): Complements the blackberries beautifully. A pinch of nutmeg can also be added.
- Flour (Dumplings): All-purpose flour is standard.
- Shortening: Cold shortening cut into small pieces is crucial for tender, flaky dumplings. Do not use melted shortening or butter in the dough.
- Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- Milk (Dumplings): Whole milk or 2% milk works. Add gradually until the dough is just moistened. Buttermilk can be used for a slightly tangy dumpling.
- Dumpling Shape: The recipe suggests both balls and strips. Strips tend to cook more evenly and offer more surface area for the sauce to cling to.
Directions
Let’s get these comforting Grandma’s Blackberry Dumplin’s cooking!
- Prepare the Blackberry Sauce: In a large saucepan (a Dutch oven or deep pot is ideal), place the 1 quart of fresh blackberries, 2 cups of white sugar, 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the blackberries have started to break down and form a sauce. This will take about 20 to 30 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling gently.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: Meanwhile, while the blackberry sauce is simmering, prepare your dumpling dough. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the 1/4 cup of cold shortening (cut into small pieces). Use a knife or a pastry blender (or your fingertips) to cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the 1 egg yolk. Add the egg yolk into the crumbs. Now, add the 5 tablespoons of milk, a tablespoon at a time, tossing gently with a fork, until the flour mixture is just moistened and comes together. Be careful not to add more milk than you need; you want a cohesive dough. When you squeeze a handful of the moistened pastry mixture, it should form a ball. Do not overmix.
- Shape the Dumplings: Divide the dough in half and gently shape each half into small balls.
- My Preference (as per note): I tried both the dumpling balls and the strips, and I prefer the strips best!! For strips, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and just cut it into strips (then cut strips into squares if you like smaller pieces). This allows for quicker cooking and more sauce absorption.
- Cook the Dumplings in Berries: Gently drop the formed dumplings (either balls or strips) into the simmering blackberry sauce. Simmer the dumplings, covered, over medium heat for exactly 15 minutes. During this time, you may gently push the dumplings down into the juice with the back of a spoon, but do not stir until they are fully cooked or they will clump together and break apart.
- Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked through and tender, remove from heat. Serve your warm, delicious Blackberry Dumplin’s immediately! They are YUMMY!! Great with vanilla ice cream!
Tips for Success
- Ripe Blackberries: Use ripe, flavorful fresh blackberries for the best sauce.
- Drain Frozen Berries: If using frozen blackberries, thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before adding to the pot to control sauce consistency.
- Don’t Overwork Dumpling Dough: Mix the dumpling dough just until it comes together. Overworking the dough will result in tough dumplings.
- Cold Shortening: Using cold shortening is crucial for creating tender, flaky dumplings.
- Don’t Stir Dumplings While Cooking: Resist the urge to stir the dumplings while they are simmering! This will cause them to break apart and become mushy. Gently push them down if needed.
- Serve Warm: These dumplin’s are absolutely best served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Grandma’s Blackberry Dumplin’s are a comforting dessert on their own, but they’re heavenly with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream melts into the warm, fruity sauce.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream for a lighter touch.
- Custard: Warm vanilla custard would also be a lovely accompaniment.
- A Light Dusting of Cinnamon: For extra warmth and aroma.
- For other comforting and fruity desserts, you might also enjoy our Strawberry Banana Crumble Delight or Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake for a different kind of cake.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dessert is best enjoyed warm and fresh.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The dumplings will soften further and absorb more sauce.
- Reheating: Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You can also warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
- Freezing: Freezing is not typically recommended for this dish, as the dumplings’ texture may become mushy upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, fruity, and comforting nature of these Blackberry Dumplin’s, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic dessert and baked good recipes:
- For another classic fruit crisp, check out our Apple Crisp.
- If you’re a fan of using up ripe fruit in baking, our This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas is a must-try.
- And for a refreshing summer fruit salad, don’t miss our Melon and Pineapple Salad Bursting with Flavor!
- Finally, for a delicious and vibrant beverage for summer, check out This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days!
Final Thoughts
These Grandma’s Blackberry Dumplin’s are a brilliant solution for bringing true comfort, incredible flavor, and a genuine taste of Southern sweetness to your table. They’re easy to make, packed with fruity deliciousness, and perfect for creating cherished memories around the dessert table.
Give this recipe a try and let the sweet aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite fruit to make into a crumble or cobbler? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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