Blueberry Dumplings Recipe

Imagine cozying up on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a bowl of warm, pillowy blueberry dumplings, their sweet juices mingling perfectly with a hint of lemon zest and cinnamon spice—this is comfort in a saucepan, my friends.

My blueberry dumplings are a delightful treat that I love making with fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon zest. The combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of cinnamon creates a fluffy texture, while a dash of vanilla brings out the sweetness.

Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Blueberry Dumplings Recipe Ingredients

• Fresh Blueberries: A great source of antioxidants, they add natural sweetness and a tart flavor to the dish.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness that complements the tartness of the blueberries, balancing the flavors.
• All-purpose Flour: A key source of carbohydrates, it gives structure to the dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, it helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, contributing to a tender texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Offers richness and a creamy texture, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides aromatic sweetness, enhancing the dessert’s delightful flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, complementing the sweetness of the blueberries.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces a zesty, fresh note that brightens the dish and enhances the blueberries’ flavor.

Blueberry Dumplings Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 lemon

How to Make this Blueberry Dumplings Recipe

1. In a large saucepan, combine fresh blueberries and 1/4 cup of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the blueberries release their juices, about 5 minutes.

2. In a bowl of medium size, combine the flour, baking powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt. Whisk together until blended well.

3. In another small bowl, blend together the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing them only until the two seem to be one. Take care, please, not to mix too much; the dough should seem a bit sticky and a bit lumpy.

5. When the mixture of blueberries is at a slow boil, turn the burner to low.

6. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering blueberries. Be sure not to let the dumplings touch.

7. Evenly sprinkle the ground cinnamon and lemon zest over the dumplings and blueberries.

8. Place the saucepan with the lid that fits tightly on top and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes. They must not be disturbed during this time, which means the lid cannot be lifted, so that they will have the best chance possible to cook through. If they are aren’t doughy and wet inside when it’s time to eat them, you’ll have achieved success.

9. After 15 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness. Insert a toothpick into one of them. It should come out clean.

10. Blueberry dumplings serve best warm. As you plate them up, spoon over the top a judicious portion of blueberries and syrup. And to take it over the top, consider this optional garnish: a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Blueberry Dumplings Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan with a lid
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Tablespoon
6. Toothpick
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Spoon for stirring

FAQ

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute frozen blueberries for fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
• What can I use instead of cow’s milk?If you would rather use a milk alternative, you can replace cow’s milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?Indeed, a gluten-free all-purpose flour mixture can serve as a substitute for standard flour when making blueberry dumplings that are free of gluten.
• How do I store leftover blueberry dumplings?Any leftover dumplings should be stored in a container that does not allow air to enter. Place the container in the fridge if you want to keep the dumplings fresh for a maximum of 3 days. You can reheat the dumplings on the stovetop, in the oven, or using a microwave before serving.
• Can I reduce the sugar content?Indeed, the sugar level can be modified to your liking. If you want to use a substitute for sugar, that’s fine, but it might change the flavor a tad.
• Is there a substitute for lemon zest?If lemon zest is unavailable, a small amount of lemon juice or orange zest can be used as a substitute, with the understanding that the flavor profile may change slightly.

Blueberry Dumplings Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use 2 cups wild blueberries, frozen (do not thaw).
For granulated sugar: 1/4 cup coconut sugar or 1/4 cup brown sugar.
Substitute for all-purpose flour: You can use 1 cup of whole wheat flour or 1 cup of a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
Replace with milk alternative: 1/2 cup almond milk or 1/2 cup oat milk
2 tablespoons coconut oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil instead of unsalted butter

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Blueberry Flavor Add a splash of lemon juice to the blueberry mixture as it simmers. This will intensify the flavor and complement the lemon zest in the dumplings.

2. Achieve Perfect Dumpling Texture When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are fine. Overmixing can make the dumplings tough instead of light and tender.

3. Even Steam Distribution Ensure the lid fits tightly on the saucepan. This traps steam effectively and helps the dumplings cook evenly. Resist the temptation to lift the lid during cooking to ensure the steam does its job.

4. Customize Your Spices Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a subtle depth of flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon and blueberries.

5. Chill the Dough Let the dumpling dough rest in the fridge for about 10 minutes before dropping it onto the blueberries. This step can help the butter firm up slightly, resulting in fluffier dumplings.